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TO: |
Transit Commission |
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THROUGH: |
Jay Fox, Executive Director |
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FROM: |
Nichol Bourdeaux, Chief Planning and External Relations Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Jaron Robertson, Planning Director |
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Megan Waters, Community Engagement Director |
TITLE:
title
Planning and External Relations - Engagement Processes
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
Public outreach and engagement are fundamental to how UTA plans Utah’s transportation future, prioritizes long-term transit investment, and makes service decisions. These efforts provide critical insight into community needs, rider experiences, local priorities, and potential impacts before plans, programs, and investments are brought forward for Commission consideration. UTA then evaluates that local input with a broader regional context to help make deliberate, transparent, and balanced decisions that advance transit for the state.
DISCUSSION:
UTA staff will provide an overview of three significant engagement processes that are currently underway or scheduled to begin in the coming months: the Strategic Long-Range Transit Plan, UTA’s Title VI analysis, and the 2027 budget development process Each outreach effort will include public engagement activities to educate and solicit valuable feedback.
UTA is beginning the process of updating its Strategic Long-Range Transit Plan, moving from UTA Moves 2050, adopted in 2024, to UTA Moves 2055, which is anticipated for adoption in 2027. The update will evaluate key planning elements, including project costs, phasing and prioritization, future transit networks, corridor preservation, facility needs, scenario analysis, and cost-effectiveness. Public outreach is expected to occur in fall 2026 and spring 2027, with additional input gathered through regional workshops. The UTA Transit Commission will participate in engagement activities throughout the process and will ultimately consider the updated plan for approval, as required by statute.
As a recipient of federal funding, UTA is required to submit a Title VI Program to the FTA every three years that outlines UTA’s policies, practices, and efforts to ensure UTA is equitable in delivering transportation services. The program was updated in June of this year and includes a required public input process and analysis of major service changes that must be presented and approved by the Commission.
UTA’s budget development and adoption process also requires public engagement prior to approval by the Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Links to:
o Utah Transit Authority Long-Range Transit Plan UTA 2023-2050 <https://www.rideuta.com/-/media/Files/Projects-and-Studies/Long-range/UTA_Moves_2050_Nov2024.pdf>
https://www.rideuta.com/-/media/Files/Projects-and-Studies/Long-range/UTA_Moves_2050_Nov2024.pdf
o UTA 2025 Title VI Program Update <https://www.rideuta.com/-/media/Files/About-UTA/Title-Six/2025_TitleVI_Program.pdf>
https://www.rideuta.com/-/media/Files/About-UTA/Title-six/2025_TitleVI_Program.pdf