Originally published on railvolution.org. Rail~Volution is now Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility.
It’s an historic moment for the metro area of Omaha-Council Bluffs. The Nebraska legislature recently passed legislation allowing the formation of a regional transit authority (RTA) and opening the door for increased funding for transit. Omaha Metro transit agency has fresh leadership with a new CEO. Multiple long range plans and collaborative efforts are setting the path for Greater Omaha’s future, including Heartland 2050, ConnectGO, MetroNEXT, North Omaha 2025 and UNMC NExT.
Metro launched Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) service on Nov. 18, 2020 — the most significant mass transit investment this region has seen in decades. Shown here is an ORBT stop featuring artwork from a local artist. Photo Credit: Omaha Metro
Each year, the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), through its Heartland 2050 Vision, sponsors a learning trip for approximately thirty individuals. In 2021, the learning trip will not be possible due to pandemic travel restrictions, so MAPA engaged Rail~Volution to develop learning-in-place that will advance the region’s current efforts involving transit, land use and community development.
In June, capsule learning in Greater Omaha kicks off with a focus on equity. The capsule learning program with Rail~Volution’s ACT2 program is led jointly by MAPA, Metro Transit, and ConnectGO. Through the planning process, four key focus areas for learning were identified:
- Equity and Inclusion
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- Forming a Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
- Coalition Building
The Greater Omaha capsule learning program will be completed by year end and includes two capsules (on equity and TOD) and two stand-alone sessions (on forming an RTA and coalition building).
Capsules are formulated for small group, bite-size learning with a focus on integrating learning in real time. Each includes a kickoff meeting, 3-4 on-demand sessions with facilitated discussions, a live “ask me anything” session with Rail~Volution experts, and a wrap up session.