Calling all Millennials for input

By Samantha Dahlby

I am a member of the Millennial generation, and research shows that we Millennials believe and participate in our communities.

If we, as 20- and 30-somethings, are truly the new movers and shakers of this era, then it is time for us to be proactive and inject our input. Join a civic movement, and help craft our future. The perfect opportunity is right around the corner.

The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization is looking for help to map out our metro area's future transportation, trail and growth patterns. The discussion will happen at next week's Connections 2040 workshop. It will feature interactive long-range planning for metro-area land use and an in-depth discussion of our transportation vision. We have round-table discussions and smaller breakout groups to “map out” our priorities.

The interaction, collaboration and social aspects align well with how Millennials communicate. We grew up doing everything in groups, and networking is a key component to our communications. The workshop affords opportunities to meet other community members and work toward real change.

For example, at our December workshop, we discussed where new growth should occur and at what density. We collectively explored how to balance resources among roadways, railways, sidewalks and bike trails. All age groups were represented at the workshop, but there was a smaller percentage of Millennials in attendance. I encourage more participation from the metro area's young adult demographic.

Issues of sustainability and quality of life take center stage at the workshops and throughout the Corridor MPO's mission. These are issues our generation considers as high priorities because we will see their long-term affects during our lifetime.

Involvement with the Corridor MPO and the upcoming workshops are opportunities to come together and explore our region's future. Although it encompasses a long-range transportation plan that covers 30 years, there is a $15 million five-year plan nested within it that will impact community decisions immediately.

The Connections 2040 workshop, free and open to the public, is Thursday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids. Choose from two sessions: 1 to

3 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.

Samantha Dahlby of Cedar Rapids is a software engineer at Intermec Technologies and a Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization policy board member. The Corridor MPO is a partnership of metro area governments that enables funding for growing and improved regional transportation needs. It promotes community input and sustainability to fund smarter projects that lead to a better community. Call (319) 286-5041 or visit www.corridormpo.com