The Kern COG executive director reported that regional outreach for the draft Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) generated more than 1,500 comments collected at community events across Kern County.

Executive Director Jay outlined outreach venues beginning in August — Tehachapi Mountain Festival, Kern County Fair, Bike Bakersfield, Taft Oildorado, a Delano RTP workshop, a Maya culture event in Ridgecrest, the River Lakes Market, and a Wasco RTP community workshop — and said staff received over 1,500 responses. He thanked staff and local participants and asked for three volunteers from board members to serve on the regional awards selection panel; two volunteers were confirmed during the meeting.

The board also took a moment to recognize staff retirements. The chair presented a plaque to Suzanne Campbell for 15 years of service and the executive director noted Becky’s roughly 19 years of service with the organization; both are retiring in December. Board members thanked them publicly for long service and contributions to regional planning and outreach.

The RTP outreach count will inform the RTP process and demonstrates participation across multiple jurisdictions and community groups; the awards-selection volunteers will review nominations in December.