County seeks volunteers, forms steering committee for multimodal network plan

Alexander County planning staff asked for volunteers and public input as it launches a year‑long multimodal network plan funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and led by consultant McAdams.

Senior planner Patrick Creech said the plan will produce policy and project recommendations to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and safety across the county. He asked the board to help recruit a roughly 12‑member steering committee that will meet three times during the planning process. “The committee will provide community perspectives and guide its direction, ensuring the plan reflects the needs and values of Alexander County,” Creech said.

Creech described intended membership as broadly representative: public officials, law enforcement, health professionals, senior‑service representatives, disability advocates, school staff focused on routes to school, faith leaders, bicycle/pedestrian advocates, local business owners and long‑term residents. The county will offer virtual participation options and staff said final membership will be subject to NCDOT approval.

Commissioners and members of the public urged broad outreach across the county rather than concentrating projects in a single area; one commissioner emphasized opportunities to develop trails and bike routes across the Brush Mountains and near local lakes and requested that staff “spread it out” countywide. Creech said the first steering‑committee meeting is targeted for mid‑May and interested residents may contact planning staff or email planning@alexandercountync.gov to apply.

Staff also said the project will include public surveys and open meetings to gather community feedback; no capital budget was adopted at the meeting.