In a recent work session, Larimer County officials convened to discuss the updates to the county's Transportation Master Plan and Safety Action Plan, both branded under the initiative \"Larimer on the Move.\" Commissioner John Kefalas led the session, joined by Commissioner Kristen Stevens and County Manager Lorenda Volker, while Commissioner Shattuck McNally was absent.

Mark Peterson, the county's engineering director, introduced key consultants from Felsberg Holt and Ullwig, including Jenny Young, who is overseeing the Transportation Master Plan, and Gaurav Fashisht, who is managing the Safety Action Plan. The meeting highlighted the importance of public engagement in the planning process, with a focus on integrating community input into the development of both plans.

The Transportation Master Plan, last updated in 2017, is set for a comprehensive revision funded by the county's budget and a grant from the Federal Highway Administration. This plan aims to outline a multimodal transportation network for the next 20 to 30 years, prioritizing projects based on technical evaluations and community feedback.

The Safety Action Plan, funded through the Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative, emphasizes a proactive approach to transportation safety, aiming to eliminate fatalities and severe injuries on the county's roads. The plan aligns with the Vision Zero concept, which advocates for safe transportation for all users, including vulnerable populations.

The meeting also underscored the significance of equity in transportation planning. The county is developing an equity framework to ensure that historically underrepresented communities are prioritized in safety improvement projects. This approach aims to address disparities in transportation safety and accessibility.

Community engagement is set to unfold in three phases, with the first phase commencing this week. The county aims to finalize both plans by March 2025, marking a significant step towards enhancing transportation safety and mobility in Larimer County.