Design Notes
September 01, 2009
Bus Riders Speak
The Greater Omaha Young Professionals group has released a final report on Omaha’s public transportation system following its spring bus challenge. The challenge, which took place from April 18 to May 9, encouraged people to use Metro Area Transit (MAT) and provide feedback on their experiences. Among the report’s recommendations:
- Work with area employers to promote employee stipends for public transportation
- Develop a strategic relationship with the University of Nebraska at Omaha and market specifically to the student population
- MAT and city leaders should aggressively pursue new funding from diverse sources for public transportation in Omaha
- Enhance MAT’s image through rebranding and partnering with other organizations to expand the support for a strong public transportation system in Omaha
- Add more routes to high-density areas and more Park-and-Ride options to lower density areas
- Develop a transportation master plan for the Omaha metro/five-county area that is not limited to the expansion of roads
- Reward residents and businesses that relocate or build near existing public transportation infrastructure
For more information about the report, contact Beth Katz at 402.659.9497 or Craig Moody at 402.681.9458.
Missouri River Meeting
What do you think about the future of the Missouri River? The Werner Institute’s Public Issues Collaboration Program at Creighton University wants to know. The group is hosting a day of public discussion Thursday, Sept. 17, to gather input on a new basin wide study to determine how the river will be managed in the future to suit natural resources as well as human needs. The event will be held at Creighton in Room 3023 of the Harper Center, 20th and Cass streets, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. There is no fee to attend, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information, call 402.238.4156 or email StephenPerigo@creighton.edu.
WO!W Cleanup Day
Keep Omaha Beautiful (KOB) is seeking volunteers to help clean litter from around park lagoons, dam sites and small streams in the Omaha area Saturday, Sept. 12. The event coincides with an international coastal cleanup that takes place in countries around the globe.
KOB will provide interested groups with the necessary equipment, including bags and gloves. To register for the event, visit www.keepomahabeautiful.org or call 444.7774.
ASLA Honorary Member
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has announced its selection of 10 new honorary members for their work in education, government, environmental activism and dedication to the landscape architecture profession. The group includes Connie Spellman, director of Omaha by Design.
Since its inception in 1899, the ASLA has awarded only 134 honorary memberships. The presentation ceremony will take place at the ASLA annual meeting in Chicago Sept. 18-21.
KOB Honors Quartet
Keep Omaha Beautiful presented four awards at its 50th anniversary celebration held June 11 at Lauritzen Gardens. The recipients:
- Education Award
Omaha Public Power District
- Beautification Award
First National Bank
- Litter Reduction and Recycling Award
Waste Management of Nebraska
- Founders Award
Omaha World-Herald