Capitol Planning Region

The agenda includes staff reports on administration, finance, transportation, public safety, and regional planning. Legislative updates and a presentation on the 2020 Census Report are scheduled. Action items comprise the adoption of a comprehensive economic development strategy and a strategic playbook, authorization for grant spending and agreements related to homeland security, regional services grant reporting, administrative support for CCSWA, and management software for transportation planning. Additionally, Metropolitan Planning Organization items include Transportation Improvement Program amendments, endorsement of transit-oriented development roles, and an authorizing resolution for a federal grant. Information items include various correspondence regarding solar energy projects, grant applications, and legislative appropriations.

The committee reviewed project solicitation rankings for the 2026 fiscal year. Discussions covered the high number of applications received and the selection of 20 projects across reconstruction, standalone sidewalk, and bicycle and pedestrian categories. The committee ultimately endorsed the staff-recommended project rankings and discussed the possibility of an additional project solicitation cycle depending on future financial assessments.

The Policy Board meeting included an overview of the statewide fire service survey conducted from late 2024 through early 2025. Key discussion topics included challenges in recruitment and retention, rising costs of equipment, health issues such as cancer risks among firefighters, the need for enhanced personal protective equipment, and the necessity for communication system upgrades. The presenters discussed recommendations such as long-term sustainable funding plans, regionalization of fire services, and targeted recruitment strategies focused on specific demographics.

The committee discussed the safety action plan, including the dashboard update and future task force meetings. Presentations were given on DOT grant programs such as Safe Streets and Roads for All and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program. The committee reviewed the draft TIP for federal fiscal years 2027-2030, a quarterly status report on regional projects, and a proposed cost increase policy. Additionally, updates were provided on the trip solicitation program, road safety audits for state roads, a resilience improvement plan, and issues regarding Eversource relocation invoicing.

The committee discussed and proposed a new policy for the inclusion of study recommendations in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, ultimately agreeing on a 10-year automatic inclusion period with a single extension linked to the next MTP cycle, subject to approval by the transportation committee. Additionally, the committee reviewed a funding increase request for the Summers sidewalk improvement project, necessitated by unforeseen requirements identified during the design phase such as drainage, curbing, pavement reconstruction, and enhanced traffic control measures.