October is National Community Planning Month. The American Planning Association Foundation says, “Planning is more important than ever as communities continue to navigate the disruptive changes brought about by the pandemic.” Each October, the Association celebrates the role that planning plays in creating great communities.
Riley County Commissioner Chair Greg McKinley proclaimed, “Community planning provides an opportunity for all residents to be meaningfully involved in making choices that determine the future of the community. The full benefits of planning requires public officials and citizens to understand, support, and demand excellence in planning and plan implementation.” He added this is an opportunity to recognize those who have contributed to the well-being of the community.
McKinley says planners can lead the community to safer, resilient, more equitable, and more prosperous communities. He sends heartfelt thanks from the commissioners to the planners
Soon after the proclamation, aTa Bus Director Anne Smith advised the Commissioners that KDOT has approved funding for two studies.
Smith says their ridership continues to increase, and the need to plan for alternatives has become necessary.
Smith says they were already in the process of replacing vehicles before the pandemic, so they are in a better position than most in Kansas. She also credits the time and money they put into their buses, which typically have a five-year lifespan. The preventative maintenance and care given to the buses locally has enabled them to last up to eight years. aTa Bus will create committees to explore alternatives and options to create a path to overcome pandemic shortages and to remain relevant. Anyone interested in serving on a committee should contact aTa Bus.
