Commission reviews draft Athens in Motion strategies emphasizing connectivity, safety, equity and implementation

Daniel presented the strategic‑planning section of the Athens in Motion plan revision, describing a matrix of 20 prioritized projects and a framework organized around five goals: connectivity, safety, equity, encouragement and implementation. Each goal includes three strategies; staff said they expect roughly 60–65 initiatives to sit under the strategies as the plan is finalized.

Commissioners debated framing choices and where to place certain efforts. Some argued that improving crossings and closing network gaps are distinct strategies because crossings are the most vulnerable points, while others suggested crossings could be framed as an initiative under a broader gaps strategy. Commissioners also discussed explicitly prioritizing projects that connect trailheads, and noted the Greenway Commission and Leisure Services sometimes work on trail projects that have transportation value but sit outside Transportation & Public Works’ direct control.

Staff and commissioners highlighted the need for clearer coordination language so the plan can both reflect greenway and trail priorities and show measurable actions TPW can claim in future plan updates. Daniel said he would send a revised draft (draft two) incorporating comments and asked commissioners to review and provide written feedback; staff suggested a special called session if needed before final adoption.

The revision also proposes stronger crash‑analysis and monitoring measures and calls for implementation steps such as improved project delivery tools, funding strategies and counting/monitoring programs to evaluate plan progress. Commissioners endorsed the strategy framework as a basis for initiatives and asked staff to return with the consultant’s next draft and more detailed initiative definitions.