Energy Corridor employees, residents and businesses encouraged to share ideas to improve transportation

“Where the rubber meets the road” is the reality every day commuters are bringing to the community engagement initiative known as Mobility Houston, which is seeking citizen-driven ideas to improve transportation.

It’s an opportunity for citizens to weigh in, share ideas and comment on other commuters’ thoughts, explains Thomas Visco, director, Glasshouse Policy, an Austin-based nonprofit that developed the Mobility Houston initiative.

The most popular and salient ideas produced by the community on www.mobilityhouston.com and at area events will “float to the top,” says Visco, “and could become real policy as the ideas get delivered to city, county and regional officials for actual consideration.”

The Energy Corridor District has partnered with Mobility Houston to spur engagement and conversation about transportation from West Houston commuters. 

“This is an opportunity to participate in citizen-sourced policy solutions,” explains Kelly Rector, transportation coordinator for The District. “Commuters have real expertise that transportation policy makers should consider. We encourage everyone to share their ideas, whether big or small, about improving transportation.”

To launch its partnership and get the community conversation going, The District recently published an article on Mobility Houston’s Chron.com blog. “Can We Conquer the Great Divide?” discusses The District plans to make key intersections safer for pedestrians and cyclists, while seeking input from readers about their own experiences.

Glasshouse Policy will work with The District to develop, plan, and execute events designed to engage Energy Corridor commuters, residents and employees. All market research compiled by Mobility Houston will be shared with The District as it continues to develop transportation solutions, such as its proposed Fort Bend commuter service. Research findings may also be used to support grant-funding applications for ECD’s transportation programs.

The six-month Mobility Houston project will integrate mobility's evolving constituencies, explains Visco, and conclude with the presentation of citizen-sourced policy solutions for community, stakeholder and Houston City Council consideration.