The NJTPA Board of Trustees recently approved a new Public Participation Plan (link at right) to enhance its efforts to give the people of northern and central New Jersey a stronger voice in regional transportation planning and decision-making.
Why is public input important to the NJTPA?
The NJTPA is a public agency representing the people of northern and central New Jersey. Transportation planning is a complex undertaking – on its own and as it relates to economic development, the environment and land use. The NJTPA needs input from a broad array of stakeholders and the public in order to make the best decisions for the region.
The NJTPA commits to the following mission with regards to public participation:
- To be the leader in engaging the public in a continuing discussion of northern and central New Jersey transportation planning issues.
- To treat the public as partners in defining and refining a vision for northern and central New Jersey that matches transportation services and facilities with the need for economic growth, environmental protection, growth management and improved quality of life.
- To seek public input into decision-making about how to prioritize funding for transportation services and facilities.
- Promote greater opportunities for the public to access the NJTPA Board members.
In undertaking this mission, the NJTPA seeks to fulfill the following goals:
- Provide adequate opportunities to engage in meaningful two-way discussions between the NJTPA and the public about transportation planning issues.
- Promote more direct dialogue between members of the Board of Trustees and the public-at-large to enhance the public’s influence on regional transportation planning and decision-making.
- Use a range of tools that promote timely, innovative and informative two-way education between the NJTPA and the public.
- Make continuous efforts to engage a diverse and wide-ranging representation of those who live, work and travel within northern and central New Jersey.
- Evaluate and upgrade, on a periodic basis, the public participation efforts of the NJTPA to ensure that public involvement has a demonstrable impact on the transportation planning and decision-making process in the region.
- Maintain both the letter and spirit of federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines regarding public participation responsibilities of MPOs.
How can you get involved?
There are many ways you can influence the transportation planning decisions that will shape the future.
- Ask to be included on the NJTPA’s mailing list by signing up on the Feedback Forum page.
- Attend meetings of your county’s transportation board or committee. The NJTPA or your county’s planning department can provide you with contact information.
- Visit this web site to keep abreast of meetings, schedules and public comment periods and to review and download reports and other information
- Sign up for the agency’s “e-list” to receive meeting notices, agendas and other information automatically via e-mail.
- Attend NJTPA Board meetings (held every other month) and committee meetings (held on alternate months).
- Request a speaker for a meeting of your community organization, club or school.
- Visit designated State Documents Depository Libraries and other select libraries throughout the region which keep major NJTPA documents on file.
We want to hear from you.
You can give us your comments at the Feedback Forum.