Christopher Burke

The roundtable session focused on active transportation data analysis and modeling, serving as a companion to a previous session on safety data and tools. Key discussion points included an overview of ARC's organizational goals related to safe, healthy communities and a competitive economy, supported by collaborative, data-informed planning. The presentation detailed ARC's approach, which considers both network supply (using a detailed bike trail inventory) and travel demand behavior (using activity-based model output). The presenter demonstrated a newly created data hub dashboard which integrates infrastructure inventory with modeled and observed demand. Specific data sets covered included existing and programmed trail/facility inventories, and pedestrian/biker origin-destination maps generated from the activity-based model. The model itself was described as a microscopic demand model operating on Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs), simulating individual travel decisions including mode choice.

This document outlines ARC's vision to create "One Great Region" for metro Atlanta, focusing on innovative, world-class, sustainable, and resilient communities. The mission is to foster thriving communities through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments. Key strategic goals include fostering healthy and livable communities, making strategic investments in people, infrastructure, and mobility, delivering regional services efficiently, engaging diverse stakeholders for regional problem-solving, and ensuring a competitive, inclusive, innovative, and resilient economy.

The meeting included the swearing-in of new board members, Mayor Marci Fluellyn and Justin O'Dell. Key discussions focused on a First Read item concerning the 2026 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Amendment #1, which adds a $1.6 million federally funded Origin-Destination Atlanta Region Travel On-Board Survey and includes seven locally led planning studies funded by the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant, along with six studies led by the ATL Authority. A discussion item covered the Regional Commuter Survey results highlighting post-pandemic shifts in commuting patterns. Action items for the ARC Board included approval of the Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan, which aims to meet mobility needs for older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals, and approval of the Fiscal Year 27 Update to the Fiscal Year 25-28 Area Plan on Aging. A discussion item related to the preparation of a Regional Clean Electricity Plan for local governments and a monthly Government Affairs update were also presented.

This document outlines the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District's critical role in regional water management, detailing its comprehensive infrastructure and innovative solutions. It emphasizes the creation of water management plans to support population growth, economic robustness, and vibrant communities. The plan highlights success in reducing water consumption amidst population increases and underscores the ongoing necessity for enhanced collaboration to secure abundant, clean water for future generations.

The meeting convened to discuss the reauthorization of the FAST Act, which was operating under a one-year extension expiring on September 30th. Key discussion focused on federal infrastructure legislation proposals, specifically comparing the House's INVEST Act (H.R. 3684), which passed along largely partisan lines and proposed approximately $600 billion over five years, and the Senate's bipartisan infrastructure framework, which included a larger potential package of $975 billion. Common themes across proposals included increased funding for transit, passenger and freight rail, transportation electrification, and emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The legislative status, financing mechanisms including the insolvent Highway Trust Fund, and the potential role of reconciliation for items excluded from the main infrastructure deal were reviewed. The committee was advised that further detailed briefing on specific language would follow.