Lake Area Planning Council previews 2026 regional transportation and active transportation plan updates

John Spica, senior transportation planner for the Lake Area Planning Council, told the Lake County Board of Supervisors that the agency is beginning public outreach for updates to the regional transportation plan and the Active Transportation Plan, both of which will feed a 20‑year strategy the council updates every four years. "We're the regional transportation planning agency for the Lake County Region," Spica said, explaining the plan covers all modes from state highways to walking and bicycling.

Spica said the regional transportation plan is a 20‑year document updated every four years and that the next scheduled adoption is February 2026. He described the Active Transportation Plan as both a standalone document and the non‑motorized element of the regional plan, noting that projects listed in the ATP become eligible for state Active Transportation Program funding. "We are kind of giving this update roadshow," Spica said, describing presentations scheduled before municipal advisory councils and town halls and noting the APC will use surveys and an interactive mapping tool to collect public input.

The presentation outlined APC governance and advisory structures: a board of locally elected officials, a technical advisory committee of public works and land‑use staff, and a Social Services Transportation Advisory Council that represents seniors, people with disabilities and low‑income residents. Spica said APC also administers regionwide programs, such as an emergency call‑box program and serves as the Lake Transit Authority board. He cited a recent local project, a multi‑use path in Middletown, as an example of ATP funding in use.

Public Services Director Lars Ewing urged APC to coordinate with recent trail plans, including the Kenakkai Regional Trails Master Plan and a pending Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan, and suggested outreach through the Lake Recreation Agency joint powers authority. "I look forward to working with you, John, on getting the trails component of this emphasized," Ewing said.

Public commenter Betsy Khan asked that the APC explicitly address transportation needs of disabled residents. Spica said the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council is among APC's primary advisory bodies and that the council plans to present to that group in the coming days.

Spica said APC will compile submitted priorities across modes, prepare an environmental review document and release a draft regional transportation plan for public comment later this year ahead of a February 2026 adoption. The board did not take action on the presentation; Spica asked for public input and offered contact information and a website with survey and mapping tools for residents to submit feedback.