What is New Visions?
New Visions is the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for the Capital Region. The MTP is also known as the long-range regional transportation plan (LRTP). New Visions a blueprint for regional transportation that reflects a shared vision for the future. It is developed collaboratively with communities throughout the Capital Region and with other local, state, and federal agencies. This plan is a statement of principles, strategies, and budgetary emphasis to guide more detailed project decisions as the region invests in a next-generation transportation system. CDTC’s approach to transportation planning is comprehensive and holistic – a structured balance between actions that reduce congestion and improve safety, increase access to transportation choices like transit, walking, or bicycling, and benefit economic development efforts.
Virtual Training & Learning Opportunities
The New Visions Learning Series includes local government training and webinars geared towards planners, engineers, and other transportation professionals. Webinars are scheduled for the third Tuesday afternoon of every month. These webinars are virtual and you must register in advance (see the schedule below). Is there a topic or issue you think CDTC should cover in the webinar series? Let us know by emailing newvisions@cdtcmpo.org.
Click the image above to download the New Visions 2050 Executive Summary
Upcoming Webinars
New Visions Virtual Learning Series
Each month will feature a different topic in New Visions and provide local planners, engineers, and officials will tools and resources for integrating the New Visions 2050 Principles and best practices into their local plans and projects. Please register in advance.
*No February webinar*
Is there a topic you would like to see covered in a webinar? Email us at newvisions@cdtcmpo.org.
AICP Certification Maintenance
AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. More information about AICP’s CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm.
AICP members must be in attendance for the duration of the event in order to receive CM Credit.
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NYS Department of State Training Requirements for Planning and Zoning Boards
Local planning boards, zoning boards, and county planning boards are required to receive a minimum of 4 hours of training. A well-trained board makes better, more defensible decisions more efficiently. Local governing boards determine how their local officials may obtain the training.
New Visions 2050 identifies planning and zoning boards as implementers of the New Visions 2050 Plan and the Virtual Learning Series is an opportunity for these entities to better understand the topics and strategies proposed in the plan, as well as what resources and tools are available to assist local governments.
Local governments can approve a New Visions webinar to meet NYS training requirements by contacting the NYS Department of State. For more information visit their website or contact them.
Contact NYSDOS by phone: (518) 473-3355
Contact NYSDOS by email: localgov@dos.ny.gov
Webinar Archive
New Tools for Advancing a Vision for a Regional Trail Network
Description: This webinar provides an overview of the development of the region's multi-use trail network, goals for it's expansion, and perspectives from different levels of government on how to create the seamless regional network envisioned in the Capital District Trails Plan. Runtime: 1:05:31
Panelists:
Chris Morris, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Jason Kemper, Director of Planning & Economic Development for Saratoga County
Webinar Archive
Planning Freight-Efficient Land Uses: Methodology, Strategies, and Tools
Description: This webinar will summarize the findings of NCHRP Report 998: Planning Freight-Efficient Land Uses: Methodology, Strategies, and Tools. Participants will learn about methods and strategies for including goods movement in local community and transportation plans. Runtime: 48:46
Panelists:
- Jose Hoguin-Veras, Professor and Director of the Center for Infrastructure, Transportation, and the Environment at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
- Dr. Catherine T. Lawson, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany
Webinar Archive
Infrastructure Planning & Management: Building a 21st Century Transportation Network
Description: The New Visions 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan paves the way for a modern, adaptable, and efficient regional transportation system for the 21st Century. This webinar will highlight the technology impacts and trends in capital planning, such as virtual design and construction and 3D GIS, as well as resources and training available to local planning, engineering, and highway departments for managing and maintaining local assets. Runtime: 50:53
Panelists:
Chuck Hixon, Business Development Manager North America, Digital Construction Works
Melissa Foley, Program Manager at NYS LTAP Center-Cornell Local Roads Program
Jen Ceponis, Director of Regional Planning, Capital District Transportation Committee
Webinar Archive
WALKtober: Pedestrian Safety Planning Tools
Description: In celebration of Pedestrian Safety Month, a panel of speakers will provide insight and tools for improving pedestrian safety in a range of community contexts. This will include the recently released FHWA Pedestrian Lighting Primer. How can pedestrian safety be woven into transportation planning more seamlessly? Runtime: 1:05:37
Panelists: Nate Owens, Senior Planner at the Town of Bethlehem
Joseph Cheung, Engineer at Federal Highway Administration
Carrie Ward, Senior Planner at Capital District Transportation Committee
ZEV by 2035: Planning Tools for Vehicle Electrification
Description: New York State set a goal for all vehicles sold in-state to be Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035. How is the Capital Region moving towards an electrified transportation system? What can local planners and officials do to support electric vehicles and encourage more residents to shift from gas to electric? Runtime: 1:38:26
Panelists:
Panelists: Jacob Beeman, CDTC Sr. Transportation Planner /Capital District Clean Communities Coordinator
Tara Donadio, CDRPC Assistant Director of Sustainability
Lucas Rogers, Albany County Senior Policy Analyst
Brandon Mortka, Plug-in Stations Online Director of Commercial Sales
Download the presentations below:
ZEV by 2035: Planning Tools for Vehicle Electrification
Clean Fleets: State Program Certification & Support
Albany County Fleet Electrification
Pedestrian Safety Solutions: Selecting Locations for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)
Description: This webinar will answer what is a RRFB and how effective of they at improving pedestrian safety at midblock crossings? The presentation will help local planners and engineers determine if a RRFB is the right device for midblock crossings in the communities where they are working and how they can successfully implement RRFB projects. Runtime: 1:24:28
Panelists:
Andrew Tracy, CDTC
Christopher Cromwell, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
Ryan Walsh, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
Download the presentations below:
RRFBs & Other BIcycle & Pedestrian Crossing Treatments, CDTC
Pedetrian Safety Solutions: Selecting Locations for RRFBs, GPI
What Can Your Regional Planning Agency Do For You?
Description: Learn more about the work both CDTC and CDRPC do, the resources we offer and the service we can provide. This webinar also includes time for participants to ask questions and request feedback on what programs or resources are available to a community, depending on a specific pressing issue. If your community is interested in initiating a planning project but you don’t know where to start, whether funding is available to help you, or how to get access to funding, this webinar will answer all of your questions. Runtime: 54:30
Panelists:
Sandy Misiewicz, CDTC Executive Director
Mark Castiglione, Capital District Regional Planning Commission Executive Director
What's TDM? Universal Access, 511NY, & Planning Your Commute
This webinar provides an overview of New Visions 2050 and how creating affordable and efficient transportation choices have been a priority in the metropolitan planning process. It also includes presentations from both the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and New York State Department of Transportation on programs they support such as 511NY Rideshare, CDPHP Cycle!, Felx, and more: 1:23:36
Panelists:
Jen Ceponis, CDTC Staff
Rima Shamieh, CDTC Staff
Jonathan Willoughby, Capital District Transportation Authority
Lindsey Bradt, Capital District Transportation Authority
Jim Davis, New York State Department of Transportation
Bike Month! Active Transportation Planning Tools
This webinar provides an overview of New Visions 2050 and how active transportation modes have been prioritized in the metropolitan planning process: 1:23:38
Panelists:
Jen Ceponis, CDTC Staff
Carrie Ward, CDTC Staff
Dan Suraci, Urban Cycling Solutions
Paul Winkeller, Urban Cycling Solutions
Air Quality & Transportation Planning
This webinar provides an overview of the strategies presented in the New Visions 2050 Plan for improving air quality in the Capital Region through the transportation planning process. The NYSDEC presents its air quality monitoring program and resources and CDTC reviews the air quality conformity analysis process and model.
Panelists:
- Chris Bauer, CDTC Staff
- Michael Sheehan, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
The Climate Crisis & How to Plan for a Resilient Transportation System
This webinar provides an overview of New Visions 2050 and how resiliency and security have been prioritized in the metropolitan planning process. It also includes presentations on the Genesee Transportation Council's Critical Transportation Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment, and the Albany County Resiliency Plannign Process: 1:11:16
Panelists:
Jen Ceponis, CDTC Staff
Joe Bovenzi, Genesee Transportation Council
Lucas Rogers, Albany County Executive's Office
Transportation Improvement Program
Generic Environmental Impact Statements (GEIS) as a transportation planning tool
This webinar defines & discusses the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) and how it can be used to address the elusive land use - transportation planning balance. Hear about how CDTC assists local communities in managing GEIS & how the Town of East Greenbush implemented & manages its GEIS.
Panelists:
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Jen Ceponis, CDTC staff
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Jacob Beeman, CDTC Staff
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Adam Yagelski, Town of East Greenbush Director of Planning & Zoning
Transportation & Economic Development
This webinar took place on Tuesday, September 21 features presentations from local economic development specialists. They cover what employers are looking for in a city or region, how to make the Capital Region more attractive to both skilled workers and new business, the vital role of public transit in creating connections between communities and jobs, and the role that transportation facilities, like the Port of Albany, play as a catalyst for economic development in the City of Albany and Greater Capital Region. Runtime: 1:12:33
Panelists:
Katie Newcombe, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Center for Economic Growth
Jayme Lahut, Executive Director at Schenectady Metroplex and CDTA Board of Directors
Megan Daly, Chief Commerce Officer at the Port of Albany
Transportation Improvement Program
What's the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) & how does it work?
This webinar is presented by NYSDOT and CDTC staff and provides an overview of the Federal Aid process, the TIP programming procedures at CDTC, and what to expect after your project has made it to the TIP. Runtime: 1:03:33
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Panelists:
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Jen Ceponis, CDTC staff
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Jacob Beeman, CDTC Staff
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Bob Rice, NYSDOT
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Greg Wichser, NYSDOT
Obstacles to Implementing Complete Streets
This webinar, which took place on Tuesday, June 15th, explores the common issues communities are facing implementing Complete Streets in the Capital region? Why are retrofits so difficult? And what are the costs? The consultant team responds to the arguments and excuses commonly used to derail Complete Streets plans and projects. Runtime: 1:12:40
Panelists:
CDTC Staff: Jen Ceponis & Carrie Ward
Planning 4 Places: Jim Levy & Katherine Ember
Sam Schwartz Engineering: Mike Flynn
Complete Streets Demonstration Projects
This webinar, which took place on Tuesday, July 13th, features examples of demonstration and pilot projects from across the region and beyond. These types of projects are a public outreach and engagement strategy that create tangible roadway changes that the public can interact with on a short-term basis. The webinar will help you understand what you can do and how, in terms of implementing a demonstration project in your community? And how effective demonstration and pilot projects are in creating long-term and permanent changes? Runtime: 1:22:59
Panelists:
CDTC Staff: Carrie Ward, & Chris Bauer
Planning 4 Places: Jim Levy & Katherine Ember
Sam Schwartz Engineering: Mike Flynn & Lian Farhi
Open Streets
This webinar, which took place on Tuesday, August 17th, features examples of open streets projects from across the region and beyond. Open Streets can be implemented to encourage recreation and exercise, expand business and dining opportunities, and provide additional space for active transportation and socializing. They became popular during the summer of 2020 as businesses and cities worked together to find ways to keep people safe and healthy. The webinar will help you understand what are Open streets and why are cities and towns around New York and across the country doing them? Will they work in your community? Why are changes to streets and the built environment created by COVID and social distancing guidelines, likely here to stay? Runtime: 1:20:30
Panelists:
CDTC Staff: Jen Ceponis & Carrie Ward
Planning 4 Places: Katherine Ember
Sam Schwartz Engineering: Mike Flynn & Lian Farhi
Performance Measures: A Regional, Sate & Federal Approach
What are Performance Measures and what does New Visions 2050 say about them? What is CDTC doing to meet statewide performance measures and goals? How do these relate to the TIP evaluation process? CDTC and Federal Highway Administration staff will provide an overview of performance measures, some background on why they were implemented and their anticipated benefits. Runtime: 1:08:06
Panelists:
Jacob Beeman, CDTC Staff
Gautam Mani, FHWA
Moving Toward Zero: Approaches to Improving Safety
The safety of the region’s transportation system is CDTC’s top priority in the New Visions 2050 plan. Learn how CDTC, New York State and local governments are developing and implementing safety plans and programs to move the region toward zero deaths.Runtime: 1:18:49
Panelists:
Sandy Misiewicz, Principal Transportation Planner, CDTC
Mark Pyskadlo, Regional Traffic Engineer, NYSDOT Region 1
It's Bike Month! A Look at Bike Planing at the State, Regional, & Local Level
Bikes are a viable form of transportation. As interest in bicycling for transportation has grown and new mobility services, like bike share, have expanded access to bicycling, how has the Capital Region kept up with the demand for safe bicycling facilities? This webinar will focus on the Capital Region’s plan to create a seamless network of multi-use trails, how communities are creating connections to the regional network, and ongoing initiatives to improve bicycle safety. Runtime: 1:16:22
Panelists:
Jen Ceponis, CDTC Staff
Sandy Misiewicz, CDTC Staff
Andy Beers, Empire State Trail
James Rath, City of Troy
Aging & Mobility: How can a transportation system adapt for a population of aging adults?
Providing accessibile, affordable & efficient mobility for all is a major theme and priority in the New Visions 2050 Plan. The Capital Region's transportation system must be able to adapt to meet the changing needs of residents. Original webinar date: February 16, 2021. Runtime: 50:06
Mobility: Providing Affordable Transportation Choices in the Capital Region
What do we mean by "mobility?" How do we shift more trips away from cars and give people more transportation choices? This webinar features an overview of the major policies & principles from the New Visions 2050 Plan on emerging mobility services and how to integrate them into the Capital Region's transportation system. Learn how local communities can play a role in expanding mobility to all residents and accomodating new mobility services like bike sharing and microtransit. Original webinar date: January 19, 2021. Runtime: 53:30
Freight & the Impact of the Growth in E-Commerce
Learn about freight planning iniatives in the Capital Region and how e-commerce trends are impacting freight movement and the transportatoin system. How does the New Visions 2050 Plan help communities prepare and adapt as e-commerce grows and freight operators look for new, more efficient and sustainable ways to move goods in, out, and through communities. Original webinar date: December 15, 2020. Runtime: 1:01:50
Infrastructure
Learn about infrastructure conditions in the Capital Region, where to find essential data and CDTC's ongoing data collection and maintenance activities. The highest priority and stated principle in the New Visions 2050 Plan is maintaining existing infrastructure. Find out how your local government or organization can play a role in preserving the region's network of roads, bridges, sidewalks, and other vital facilities. Original webinar date: November 17, 2020. Runtime: 1:09:15
Pedestrian Safety in the Capital Region - Creating Safe Systems
What does New Visions 2050 say about pedestrian safety? Learn about the regional principles, CDTC's Regional Local Road Safety Action Plan and what role local communities and transportation agencies can play to make streets safer for walking and crossing. Resources that can help Capital Region cities, towns, and villages, develop and implement their own walkability and safety plans are also discussed. Original webinar date: October 20, 2020. Runtime: 1:09:10
Learn about the Municipal Smart LED Streetlight Conversion & Evolving Technology Guidebook and the Zero Emission Vehicle Plan. Original webinar date: September 22, 2020. Runtime: 1:15:21
