MRCOG Seminar "Alternative Growth Scenario" for APA NM Members

Summary

This scenario considers the impact of more compact development in parts of the metropolitan area on regional mobility as a whole. The purpose is to better understand the relationship between growth, land use, and transportation. A full summary of the seminar can be found below.

MRCOG staff has already given this presentation at various agencies but wanted to make it available to the public and those who have not had a chance to attend. The seminar will be held prior to the Transportation Coordinating Committee (TCC) meeting to allow for interested parties to attend both events.

Detailed Description

Growth in Albuquerque’s metropolitan area is largely inevitable. The challenge lies in planning for how this growth will be distributed. Based on current land use plans and patterns, long range forecasts for 2035 show that a population growth of 660,000 could result in an additional 100,000 residential acres consumed. Dramatically increasing our urban footprint is expected to have devastating effects on our roadways. By 2035, daily miles traveled will double to reach 31 million, average network speeds will be virtually cut in half, and there will be an astounding one million trips made across the Rio Grande each day.

In light of the projected levels of growth and congestion, it is certain that building and expanding roadways will not be enough to solve the problem. One key complementary strategy is integrating our land use plans with transportation plans in a way that maximizes existing road capacity and provides relief to corridors that are failing. Through “scenario analysis”, MRCOG has investigated how a change in development patterns could impact future congestion.

This presentation will highlight future growth projections, the implications of a ‘business as usual’ approach, and the possibilities when we change the way we grow.

This Seminar is free.
Pending CM Credits (1.5)

Lunch will not be provided, so feel free to bring your lunch.

Please RSVP to Barbara Thomas, MPO Program Support Coordinator, at bthomas@mrcog-nm.gov, if you are planning to attend.