2024 NADO Awards

Bi-State Regional Commission

Rock Island Regional Port District

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Project Partners: City of Rock Island Mayor and Staff; State Legislators - Majority and Minority Legal Staff

Summary: The Bi-State Regional Commission helped establish the Rock Island Regional Port District in Illinois to enhance economic development opportunities. This involved crafting legislation, collaborating with local and state officials, and developing a strategic plan for the 267-acre Sunset Business Park and Port District. The District is innovative in that it utilizes the existing city council as the oversight organization and has the ability to expand to adjacent municipalities as it grows. When built, the port district will employ thousands of workers at a wage much higher than the regional average, moving goods like construction materials, fertilizer, and grain. It will also tie into the region's broader freight transportation plans. The project aims to leverage funding for improvements, including a freight-oriented river terminal, to spur job creation and economic growth in an economically disadvantaged area. 

Bi-State Regional Commission

Bi-State Region Transit Development Plan – Transit Accessibility Analysis

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Project Partners: City of Davenport; City of Bettendorf; City of Muscatine; Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK)

Summary: The human services transportation plan, known as the Bi-State Region Transit Development Plan 2023, represents a coordinated effort to provide information and guidance on future transportation mobility options and choices within a six-county area of Iowa/Illinois. It includes area and transit system profiles, services needs and gaps, summary of coordination, evaluation of needs and policy direction, and prioritization of mobility needs. The 2023 update initiated an interactive mapping analysis of transit accessibility and mobility using demographic and economic data and proximity to transit routes through a GIS-based walkshed analysis.

Emerald Coast Regional Council 

7-Layer Cake

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Project Partners: FHWA; FDOT; The ECRC Region's local governments 

Summary: The 7-layer cake is an easy to understand model that signifies 7 different projects that all work together to achieve the goal of vision zero. Safe Streets 4 All, Smart Regions, Data Analytics, Carbon Reduction, Plan Implementation, Fiber/Broadband Pilot Project, Transportation Management Center are the 7 layers of this total project. Each layer is fully funded with the work underway and will be completed within the next 5 years. 

Metropolitan Area Planning Agency

Blair South Bypass

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Project Partners: City of Blair; Nebraska Department of Transportation; Gateway Development Corporation

Summary: The Blair South Bypass in Blair, Nebraska, is a project to reroute truck traffic off of the town's main street, support development in downtown, and continue to support economic growth in the community. The project was the result of more than 20 years of planning which was ultimately advanced by a successful BUILD grant application. The project, currently under construction, has supported economic development in the community–being a key reason a Dollar General distribution facility with more than 700 jobs located adjacent to the corridor.

Mid-East Commission

Washington-Greenville Greenway Feasibility Study

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Project Partners: Mid-East Rural Planning Organization (Mid-East RPO); The John R. McAdams Company (McAdams); NCDOT Transportation Planning Division; NCDOT Highway Division 2; NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division; Beaufort County Government; City of Washington Government; Pitt County Government; City of Greenville Government; Greenville Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (Greenville Urban Area MPO). 

Summary: The Mid-East Commission and its Rural Transportation Planning Organization initiated the Washington-Greenville Greenway Feasibility Study in 2023. Funded by $140,000 from various sources, including US Department of Transit and North Carolina Department of Transit, this study aimed to identify a viable greenway route between the cities of Washington and Greenville, NC, spanning over 20 miles. The project involved extensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including local governments, NCDOT, and community organizations. The study analyzed three primary route options and included public engagement through open house meetings and online surveys. The resulting comprehensive plan provides a "blueprint" for implementing a greenway that would connect these two significant cities, enhancing regional connectivity, safety for non-motorized users, and economic development opportunities. This project demonstrates the Mid-East Commission's ability to facilitate regional collaboration on large-scale infrastructure projects that span multiple jurisdictions.

Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Fare-Free Transit Pilot

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Project Partners: Willmar Area Community Foundation (Funder); Central Community Transit (local public transit agency).

Summary: The Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (MMDC) implemented a Fare-Free Transit Pilot in collaboration with Central Community Transit (CCT) in Willmar, Minnesota. Funded by a $20,000 grant from the Willmar Area Community Foundation, the project offered free bus rides on CCT's Willmar Route from July 2023 to early summer 2024. This initiative aimed to reduce financial barriers to public transportation for resource-challenged community members and improve transit service efficiency during a workforce shortage. The pilot encouraged more riders to use established bus stops, allowing CCT to better accommodate those relying on demand-response services. Several thousand free rides were provided, particularly benefiting traditionally marginalized populations. This project evolved from a previous Fare-Free Farmers Market Transportation Program and aligns with MMDC's broader efforts to reduce transportation gaps in their four-county region. The success of this pilot demonstrates how targeted transportation initiatives can significantly impact community well-being and access to essential services.

North Central Florida Regional Planning Council

Annual Transit Ridership Monitoring Report

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Project Partners: Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area

Summary: The North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, in partnership with the Metropolitan Transit Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area manages the Annual Transit Ridership Report. In order to create this report, Council staff compiled and analyzed the City of Gainesville Regional Transit System data in preparing the Annual Transit Monitoring Ridership Report. The report has enabled the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area, to identify trends in transit ridership and develop strategies to enhance the operational efficiency of the transit system for the Gainesville Metropolitan Area. This program is funded by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration/Federal Transit Administration Planning Grant.

Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission

The Lansdowne Walkability Project 

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Project Partners: Kristin Adkins; Population Health Manager at Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts; Rob Issem, Complete Streets & Vision Zero Coordinator in Roanoke City Transportation; Andrea Garland, Director of TDM Program at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission;  Erynn Miller; Community Health Educator at Carilion Clinic; Dr. Simone Paterson; artist in residency for the City of Roanoke Arts Commission; and director of the Dreamin' Big Art Program at the EnVision Community Center. 

Summary: The Lansdowne Walkability Project aims to enhance the Lansdowne neighborhood, part of the Roanoke Housing Authority, by improving pedestrian infrastructure and connectivity. The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission was part of the interdisciplinary team that comprised the Roanoke Walkability Institute Cohort. The Lansdowne Walkability Project aims to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility along the Salem Turnpike corridor, enhancing access to community resources for non-drivers. Home to approximately 770 residents—88% of whom are from underrepresented groups and 91% making below 30% of the Area Median Income. The neighborhood is physically separated from essential services, such as the EnVision Center, community garden, Melrose Library, and the upcoming Melrose Plaza, by the very busy Salem Turnpike, creating a hazardous crossing for residents. Key enhancements include narrowing a busy road, creating accessible pathways, improving traffic signaling, and adding street art. These changes not only elevate the neighborhood's aesthetic appeal but also promote healthier lifestyles and social interaction among residents. The Lansdowne Walkability Project exemplifies how innovative design and community collaboration can positively impact a community.

South Plains Association of Governments

Enhancing Public Transportation Awareness Across the South Plains of Texas

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Project Partners: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)  Citibus; SPARTAN Public Transportation; Lubbock ISD; South Plains Regional Coordination Transportation Advisory Committee (SPRCTAC)

Summary: In order to increase public transportation awareness, educational videos covering a range of services and aspects of transportation were produced in collaboration with a local independent school district and distributed across the South Plains of Texas. The South Plains Association of Governments (SPAG) serves as the lead agency for the South Plains Regional Coordination Transportation Advisory Committee (SPRCTAC). Working in collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SPAG supports regional entities in addressing transportation issues through comprehensive planning in the South Plains Region. This project aims to enhance public outreach and involvement among the general public, social service organizations, and transportation agencies in the South Plains. By leveraging media and coordinated efforts, the project addresses challenges related to public transit services identified in the most recently completed 5-Year Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan. Since their production, these videos have been posted on SPAG's social media channels, shared by public transit providers, and featured at various public events across the South Plains. This project showcases not only the effective utilization of public funds, but also the successful collaboration between a local school district, government entities (both regional and state), nonprofits, and public transit service providers, resulting in significant and equitable public awareness.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District

Accessible Gorge

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Project Partners: MCEDD and the Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance

Summary: The Accessible Gorge website is an information resource for visitors and residents with disabilities who want to explore the Columbia River Gorge. The goal is to provide as much transparent information as possible to allow people with disabilities to enjoy this region's natural areas, public spaces, and downtown businesses safely and comfortably.

Mo-Kan Regional Council

City of Gower SS4A Plan

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Project Partners:

Summary: The City of Gower is committed to improving transportation safety to eliminate death and serious injury that result from incidents on roads and streets by 2033. In partnership with Mo-Kan Regional Council, this Safe Streets and Roads 4 All plan tells the story of transportation risks, safety data, and strategies to improve safety in our city.

South Western Oklahoma Development Authority

State Planning & Research Mini Transportation Planning Grant

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Project Partners: Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments; Oklahoma Department of Transportation; Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization

Summary: The purpose of this grant is to make available opportunities for municipalities in SORTPO's 16 county region to access transportation planning funds that will support the Region’s Transportation Planning Program. 

Southern Georgia Regional Commission

2050 VLMPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan Historical Equity Action Lens

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Project Partners: Metro Analytics

Summary: The Historical Equity Action Lens is an integral component of the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. It examines the history of Valdosta’s Southside community, highlighting how past transportation projects have adversely affected the community’s transportation needs and economic development. Dating back to 1850, the HEAL project offers a timeline into the development of Valdosta and its historically minority Southside community and past practices that led to the demolition of the latter. Through research and community interviews/input, this Storymap weaves a web that intertwines the actions from past transportation improvement decisions, the current issues at hand due to those decisions, and solutions to secure a more equitable and efficient transportation network in the future that supports continued economic development and growth for minority communities. The project has been able to provide a thorough educational and historical analysis of the transportation and economic-related issues that the Southside of Valdosta faces. This project provides a deeper, clearer insight into community woes and has been beneficial in putting such challenges into a tangible and understandable format, which in turn has made conversations on how to address these issues much more approachable for community members and local officials. This project, above all, serves as a starting point for addressing historical inequities by illustrating the impact of planning decisions that imposed undue burdens on disadvantaged communities. By examining historical impacts and the current state of the community, decision-makers gain a deeper understanding of how decisions can negatively affect a community. This insight allows them to find solutions to mitigate these impacts and make equitable decisions in the future.

Upper Cumberland Development District

Ride to Recovery

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Project Partners:

Summary: The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency in Upper Cumberland, TN began its Ride to Recovery service in 2022. However, the service struggled with drivers, especially after hours, and in their success rates with riders. UCHRA then applied for and received a 2023 grant from the federally funded National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM). With the grant funds, UCHRA was able to incorporate drivers who were state-certified peer recovery specialist (CPRS) into its Ride to Recovery program. A CPRS — one who has lived experience, is trained to offer peer support, and has a working knowledge of local recovery resources—can make all the difference. 

Upper Savannah Council of Governments

Upper Savannah Council of Governments Roadway Departure Safety Implementation  Plan

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Project Partners: SCDOT; FHWA; VHB Engineering

Summary: This plan identifies higher roadway departure (RwD) risk locations specific to the six-county USCOG region, including focus facility types over-represented with severe RwD crashes. This plan supports addressing severe RwD crashes at high-risk locations using low-cost safety improvements. USCOG, in partnership with SCDOT, can use the priority locations included in this plan to conduct site investigations, including road safety audits (RSAs) to prioritize appropriate countermeasures based on site-specific conditions. 

West Central Nebraska Development District

Investment into Intermodal Mobility and Community Connectivity

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Project Partners: Lincoln County; Nebraska

Summary: Lincoln County, Nebraska, a rural western Nebraska community, is experiencing unprecedented growth and development with current economic development projects in final or advanced stages valued at over $2.3 billion. A critical part of this growth is the Nebraska International Port of the Plains, which Lincoln County received an inland port designation for in 2023. However, stakeholders recognized that current infrastructure was not developed for this type of growth and freight traffic, therefore, high-quality investment is needed to improve transportation logistics. Potential needs such as alternate truck routes, safe and available non-motorized transportation options, improved tourism access, and multimodal connectivity were discussed. West Central Nebraska Development District (WCNDD) was engaged in this project to assist in identifying potential projects. Stakeholders in Lincoln County came together and held meetings and input sessions which identified the potential for a RAISE planning grant application.This was an unconventional, grassroots approach in seeking grant federal transportation funding through a U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE grant. This project requested and was awarded $750,000 in federal transportation dollars. No match funds were required.

Georgia Mountains Regional Commission

Brighter Futures: Welding Bootcamp

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Project Partners: Good News at Noon Ministries; Salvation Army; Workforce Innovators of America; GA Department of Labor; Technical College System of Georgia, Business Services Unit; Kubota; Kipper Tools; LaserCraft; Lanny Dunagan; Metal Works

Summary: The Brighter Futures Welding Bootcamp, initiated by WorkSource Georgia Mountains (WSGM), is an innovative three-week program designed to empower individuals experiencing homelessness and unemployment. This comprehensive initiative combines welding training with essential life skills development, addressing multiple barriers to employment. The program utilizes a mobile welding lab to eliminate transportation issues and partners with local organizations to provide classroom space and computer access. Participants earn crucial certifications, including American Welding Society, Forklift Operation, CPR, and OSHA-10 safety certifications. The program extends beyond technical training, offering resume preparation, interview skills, and insights into the Federal Bonding Program. WSGM's holistic approach includes mentoring, case management, and partnerships with local employers. The program's success is evident in its completion rate and job placement outcomes, with six out of eight participants completing the training and four securing employment. This initiative not only provides immediate employment opportunities but also contributes to the region's economic development by expanding the skilled labor pool and promoting inclusivity in the workforce.

Green River Area Development District

Skills to Succeed

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Project Partners: Owensboro Community & Technical College; Henderson Community College; MedCertify; 160 Driving Academy; Kentucky Career Development Office; Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; Owensboro Regional Recovery; TrueNorth Treatment Center

Summary: The Skills to Succeed (S2S) program is a comprehensive workforce development initiative launched in response to the temporary closure of Century Aluminum Co.'s Hawesville, Kentucky smelter in 2022. Funded by a $1,798,844 National Dislocated Worker Employment Recovery Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, S2S addresses the economic hardship faced by over 600 displaced workers across seven counties. The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) leads this project, providing financial management and overseeing operations. S2S offers a holistic approach to workforce reintegration, combining occupational skills training, supportive services, and individualized career services. The program has already distributed $1 million in supportive services, assisting with essentials like transportation, housing, and utilities. To date, 50 individuals have participated in work-based learning, 168 in occupational skills training, and 147 have received one-on-one career services. By partnering with local employers and community colleges, S2S facilitates placements in high-demand careers. This comprehensive approach not only helps dislocated workers regain employment but also supports them in acquiring new skills, rebuilding confidence, and achieving financial stability.

Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

M.M.E.A.T Mentoring Program (Ministry, Management, Entrepreneurship, Accountability, and Training) 

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Project Partners: Ken's Construction 

Summary: The M.M.E.A.T. (Ministry, Management, Entrepreneurship, Accountability, and Training) Mentoring Program is an innovative workforce development initiative designed to equip individuals with essential skills for success in society. This 8-week intensive program combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences, focusing on workforce readiness and life skills development. Key elements include oral communication, public speaking, effective listening, community outreach, personal growth, self-responsibility, leadership, and goal setting. The Kerr Tar Regional Workforce Development Board played a crucial role in overseeing the program, conducting initial interviews, and coordinating services. The program also provided reentry services, including classes on expunging criminal records, along with employee and career readiness training. A significant achievement of the program was the graduation of 16 students, each with a certificate and a developed business plan for their future. The M.M.E.A.T. program stands out for its comprehensive approach to personal and professional development, particularly in assisting at-risk and formerly incarcerated youth.

Mid-Carolina Regional Council

“My Future’s So Bright” Summer Work Program

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Project Partners: City of Fayetteville; NC Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions

Summary: The "My Future's So Bright" (MFSB) Initiative is an innovative summer work program designed to enhance workforce proficiency among vulnerable and at-risk youth aged 14 to 24. Funded by a $120,000 grant from the City of Fayetteville and supported by local businesses, the program combines a two-week training phase with a four-week career exposure experience. It focuses on developing essential skills such as time management, financial literacy, workplace etiquette, and communication. The Mid-Carolina Council of Governments plays a crucial role in planning and executing the program through its Workforce and Talent Development Department, offering a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes self-confidence and resilience. The initiative has shown significant success, with 19 graduates in 2023, ten of whom secured positions with their host companies. The program's holistic approach, combining skill development with real-world experience and financial compensation, makes it a important and innovative force in empowering youth and addressing workforce needs in the region.

Mid-East Commission

Rivers East Academy

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Project Partners: Rivers East Workforce Development Board; NENC Career Pathways; Skills USA; Beaufort County Community College, Roanoke-Chowan Community College; Pitt Community College; Martin Community College; Local and regional Economic Developers, and Local Advanced Manufacturing Companies

Summary: Rivers East Academy is an innovative workforce development initiative designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and the needs of the regional advanced manufacturing workforce in northeastern North Carolina. The program focuses on equipping high school educators with knowledge of diverse career pathways in advanced manufacturing and related sectors. The Mid-East Commission served as the Grant Administrator and lead agency on the project. Through immersive, hands-on learning experiences, the Academy enhances educators' ability to guide students towards high-demand technical careers that often require less than a four-year degree. The program has trained 120 educators, including traditional academic instructors, administrators, and counselors. Participants reported significant increases in their likelihood to suggest community college pathways and incorporate employability skills in their classrooms. The Academy's regional focus allows for multiple teachers from each county and school to participate, fostering a common language around employability skills across academic, career, and technical education programming. This initiative demonstrates a successful model for aligning educational outcomes with local industry needs, enhancing both student career readiness and regional economic development.

Northeast Georgia Regional Commission

NEGA Connects Educator Externships

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Project Partners: Georgia Power/Southern Company;  ABB/Baldour (ACC);  Pilgrim's Pride (ACC);  Mathews International (Elberton);  Elbert Memorial Hospital;  Pilgrim's Pride (Elberton);  Elbert Chamber of Commerce;  Elbert County Schools;  Accurus Aerospace (ACC);  Certain Teed (ACC);  Steppan (Barrow County);  Athens/Clarke Co DOL;  Caterpillar (ACC and Oconee);  Peidmont Healthcare;  Athens Technical College;  Athens Technical College (TCSG);  Athens-Clarke Co Chamber of Commerce;  Newton County Industrial Dev Authority;  Athens Community Career Academy;  Development Authority;  Athens-Clarke Co Econ Dev;  Barrow County - Northeast Ga Medical Center;  Barrow County Economic Development;  Kubota;  SKBattery;  Takeuchi;  TenCate/SolMax;  TICA/TACG;  Jackson County Chamber;  Jackson County School District;  Madison County School District; Madison County Chamber of Commerce;  Oglethorpe County School System;  Select Trees;  Oglethorpe Chamber of Commerce;  Elbert County;  Barrow County School System;  Georgia Power/Southern Company;  Georgia Power/Southern Company;  Morgan County Chamber of Commerce;  Greene College and Career Academy;  Morgan County High School;  Jasper County Charter Schools;  Jasper County Development Authority;  Oconee Chamber of Commerce;  CAT Foundation  

Summary: The Northeast Georgia Regional Commission externship program began in one county more than five years ago with 20-plus educators and a handful of industries and grew to include participation in all 12 counties in 2023 with 108 externs and 53 participating employers/industries. This year marked the first that all 12 counties had educators take part. Funding for this program comes from a blend of federal funding from the Departments of Labor and Education, private funding from Georgia Power, and local governmental funding from the Athens-Clark and Walton County governments. Modeled after the Newton Connects program, educators spent three days at the participating businesses, focusing on occupational areas of manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare. The externships begin with an orientation/kickoff day and conclude with a project report day. On the final day, educators share what they learned at the businesses, as well as their plans for conveying information about employment opportunities and lessons learned to their students and colleagues. These externships also allow educators and businesses to establish relationships, which continue throughout the school year in various ways. As a result of this program businesses regularly speak to students and staff during the school year and serve as worksites for student work-based learning.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission

MRPC's Roadway Safety Efforts

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Project Partners: Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety; Missouri Central District Coalition for Roadway Safety 

Summary: The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) has implemented a comprehensive roadway safety program targeting various age groups across its eight county Missouri region. The initiative includes the Buckle Buddy program for young children, focusing on car seat and booster safety, and docudrama presentations for teens to demonstrate the consequences of poor driving decisions. Additionally, MRPC developed a bicycle/pedestrian training program for pre-kindergarten through high school students. Funded by grants totaling over $97,000 from national and state sources, the program has achieved significant outreach, including 12 docudrama presentations to 4,500 high school students, 19 bicycle and pedestrian safety programs reaching 1,900 students, and 11 Buckle Buddy programs for 350 younger students. The initiative also engages in community outreach through various events. MRPC's multifaceted approach to roadway safety education demonstrates a commitment to reducing fatalities and injuries across all age groups and types of road users, making it a model for comprehensive community safety programs.