Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Transit

TO:	Mike Wildgen, City Manager
FROM:	Karin Rexroad, Public Transit Administrator
CC:	David Corliss, Assistant City Manager
Date:	September 21, 2004
RE:	Public Involvement Guidelines for the Lawrence Transit System

On June 30 and July 1, 2003, FHWA and FTA conducted a joint review of the Lawrence Metropolitan Planning Organization’s transportation planning and financial management processes.  Several areas of emphasis were discussed in the review and were listed as priority items to be addressed.  One item included the update of the public involvement processes for planning and public transit.  It was recommended that staff identify and document the public involvement strategies and processes used to determine needs and engage the traditionally underserved populations in the transportation planning process.

Planning and transit staff worked diligently to capture current practices that were not highlighted in our public involvement plans.  In addition, research was done via the web to gain assistance in constructing this plan.  FHWA, KDOT and FTA all provided feedback throughout the process.  At the September 2, 2004, Technical Advisory Committee meeting the public involvement plans for the planning department and transit were approved.  On September 16, 2004, the Public Transit Advisory Committee approved the plan.

I would like to place the Public Involvement Guidelines for the Lawrence Transit System on Consent Agenda for the September 28, 2004, City Commission Meeting.  If approved, the document will require the signature of the mayor.

Thank you for your consideration of my request.