Founded in 1969, the mission of MRCOG is to strengthen individual communities by identifying and initiating regional planning strategies through open dialogue and collaboration between the member governments.
NM 537
NM 96
JICARIL LA APACH E RESERVATIO N
Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area (AMPA) Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO)
Cub a
197 NM
6 12 NM
Va lles Cald er a Nat ion al Pr es er ve
£ ¤550
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Ban de lier NM
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COCHIT I PU EBL O
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16
MRCOG
RioG
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NM
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Indian Reservation or Trust Lands
SANT A AN A PU EBL O
NM 22
SAN FEL IPE PU EBL O
£ ¤55 0
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US Forest Service
¨¦ §
I- 2 5
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National Park Service
SAN D OVAL C OU NTY Rio R anch o Berna lil lo NM
Valles Caldera National Preserve
165
NORTHERN BL VD
SAND IA PUEBLO
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PASEO D EL NO RTE
Los Ra ncho s
SAN TA FE CO UN TY
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Petroglyph NM
NM 472
¨¦ §
Cibola National Forest
I- 4 0
NM 344
PASEO D EL VOL CAN
Albu que rque
TO'HAJI ILEE NAVAJO RESERVATIO N
NM 344
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£ ¤285
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NM 3
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6 NM
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NM 55
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NM 47
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NM 542
NM 109
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NM 3
47
The Mid-Region Council of Governments provides planning services for the counties of Bernalillo, Valencia, Torrance, and Sandoval in the areas of transportation, agriculture, workforce development, land-use, water, and economic development. MRCOG serves as the metropolitan planning organization for the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area and is responsible for identifying transportation planning priorities and programming federal transportation funds throughout the region. MRCOG is the administrative entity for the Workforce Connection of Central new Mexico, providing quality resources for people seeking career opportunities, and for employers in search of skilled workers. MRCOG also serves as the administrative entity for the Rio Metro Regional Transit District (RMRTD). Rio Metro is the primary regional transit provider for Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia counties, offering transit service between municipalities and across county lines. The RTD manages the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter rail and operates select bus routes in the three-county area.
Mo un ta ina ir
£ ¤60 NM
NM 55
0
5 10 15 20 Miles
42
Cibola National Forest
Source: MRCOG; NMDOT; BLM NM State Office. May 2016
Table of Contents
People and Place............................................................... 6 Economy........................................................................... 12 Workforce Connection of Central NM.................. 16 Transportation Planning............................................... 20 Rio Metro RTD.................................................................. 28 NM Rail Runner Express......................................... 28 Rural Areas....................................................................... 36 Boards and Committees................................................ 40 MRCOG Staff Listing....................................................... 43
2 | Mid-Region Council of Governments
Letter From Executive Director Dewey V. Cave Where it comes to transforming ideas into reality in our region, the Mid-Region Council of Governments plays an important role. This year, many visions have indeed become a reality through the ever-persistent hard work and dedication of our staff and members, who spend countless hours dedicating their time to many worthy causes that benefit all of us who live in the central region of the state.
Dewey V. Cave, MRCOG Executive Director
One important milestone in our regional transportation picture is the ten year anniversary of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. The Rail Runner has continued to make advancements. The Rio Metro Board extended the free Annual Pass program for veterans indefinitely; Rio Metro partnered with other agencies throughout the region to provide special services to New Mexico’s premier annual events, including the Burning of Zozobra, Balloon Fiesta, and the popular Bugg Holiday Light Display; and all of this was accomplished through the hard work of our Rio Metro Marketing Department, which brought in a total of eight(!) national awards this past year, including top honors in an international marketing competition. We are excited to share with you a brand new tool that makes it easy for people to access the in-depth traffic data we collect here at MRCOG . TAQA (like “taco”, but with an “a” on the end) is the Transportation Analysis and Querying Application, which makes available information such as congestion measures, traffic counts, and other performance indicators. Another innovative approach to querying transportation data is a new online platform that uses interactive “story maps” to provide summaries of key transportation data. Users can zoom into and out of areas, share and print maps, and peruse the underlying data. A major highlight from the economic development front was the kick-off of a feasibility study which looks at the Metro’s intention to become the nation’s next major global transportation and logistics hub. I am pleased to say that this public private partnership is made up of all four counties in the central region, as well as the City of Albuquerque. The results from the study will help identify regional investment opportunities to attract more private development and international trade to the region. From the metro areas to the rural areas we see that key partnerships are the catalyst for getting things done. Another such example is the installation of 51 signs along the scenic Salt Missions Trail Byway, which connects Old Route 66 with the Abo Canyon Trail in Torrance County. And speaking of partnerships, the word is out regarding the exceptional services provided through regular job fairs and recruiting events at our New Mexico Workforce Connection offices. In addition, they have also received high praise for the development of a top-notch customer service training program aimed at getting the state’s high population of dislocated workers back to work (…and wait ‘til you read in this report what big national company has been singing their praises!). Each of our programs is a move toward addressing shared challenges—not as individual communities—but collectively as a region. We will continue to seek to strengthen these partnerships through the collaborative process, as we look for opportunities that enhance the great region in which we live.
2016 Annual Report | 3
4 | Mid-Region Council of Goverments
Message About the Incoming MRCOG Board Chair Jack Torres Jack Torres was elected Mayor of Bernalillo in March 2010. He was reelected to a second term in 2014. This was preceded by a lifelong history of public service to his community including twenty years on the Bernalillo Public Schools Board of Education. Jack and Anna, his wife of 33 years, have raised four sons in Bernalillo, and three grandchildren. Jack retired after 26 years in private business. He and Anna are strong advocates for education, and his focus as mayor includes fiscal responsibility and the continued balance of a historical, traditional community with the needs of an ever changing, growing, diversifying constituency.
Mayor Jack Torres
From Outgoing MRCOG Board Chair M. Steven Anaya As I reflect on my term as MRCOG Board Chair, I am struck by the ability of people from all around the region to be able to work cooperatively for the good of the whole. I can honestly say after serving as Board Chair not once—but twice—that it is that effort that sets us apart. Nowhere is that spirit of regionalism more evident than here at the Mid-Region Council of Governments. In the face of yet another economically challenging year, we see just how important it is for our member governments to work collectively to make sure that our communities, both large and small, reach their goals.
M. Steven Anaya
I am proud to have been a part of the important role that the Mid-Region Council of Governments plays in supporting its members and their communities. It is with great encouragement that I pass the gavel to incoming MRCOG Chair Mayor Jack Torres. I have every confidence that Mayor Torres, together with MRCOG members and staff, will continue to embrace regionalism with wholehearted enthusiasm in the interest of bettering the quality of life for all of us.
2016 Annual Report | 5
People and Place Recent analyses of data collected from various sources provides insight into the state of Central New Mexico’s economy and population. U.S. Census Bureau data shows that population growth has slowed in recent years. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that employment reached a post-recessionary low in 2012, followed by a modest recovery.
Population Growth Population growth is one area where New Mexico’s Central region continues to lag behind our neighboring states. Between 2000 and 2010, the region grew considerably, expanding by over 21 percent to reach 897,200 people in 2010.
6 | Mid-Region Council of Governments
The five years after that saw much slower population growth, increasing the total by about two percent to 917,600 in 2015. The main driver behind the slowdown was negative net migration, a trend that began in 2012 and continued to 2015: that is, more people left the region than moved in. This out-migration was precipitated by significant job loss and a sluggish
recovery. Sandoval County was the exception to this trend, experiencing moderate positive net migration during each year from 2012 to 2015. Historically, the county’s principal city, Rio Rancho, has proven its appeal as a destination for migration.
In or Out? Net Migration in 2011, 2013, and 2015 +3,000
2011 2013 2015
+2,000
+1,000
Sandoval County Torrance County
-1,000
Valencia County
-2,000
Bernalillo County -3,000
Source: U.S. Census Population Estimates Program, 2010–2015
385,000
375,000
Economic Growth construction, information, and financial activities. The region’s economy has experienced +3,000 By comparison, several service providing industry pronounced highs and lows over the past decade 2011 sectors were resilient from 2004 to 2014, with before finally showing signs of stability most significant employment gains realized in the 2013 recently. New Mexico’s Central region officially +2,000 education and health services, and leisure and entered the recession in the first quarter of 2009, 2015 hospitality sectors. The region has improved as a shortly after many other regions in the United destination for tourists. In 2014, there were more States. Employment declined nearly seven percent +1,000 than 55,000 jobs in education and health services, from a pre-recessionary high of 382,000 jobs which was an increase of more than one-third in 2007 to a low of 355,000 jobs in 2012. The from 2004. This trend can be partially explained region has experienced a modest recovery in job growth to 360,000 in 2014, but has lagged many Sandoval County by the Millennial generation attending college and pursuing advanced degrees in a post-recessionary other regions of the country that have rebounded Torrance County economy that has been marred by slow job growth. sharply. -1,000 Valencia County Another trend is a growing senior population that is Regional employment has historically benefitted from a relatively stable government industry sector, demanding more health care services. The sector -2,000 has expanded significantly in Sandoval County, which makes up over one-fifth of employment. with the construction of two regional hospitals, Sectors that have suffered the largest percentage Bernalillo County declines in jobs since 2004 include manufacturing, several medical clinics, and senior housing.
Sandoval Regional Medical Center
-3,000
Employment (Number of Jobs) in the Central Region 385,000
375,000
365,000
355,000
345,000
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
‘15
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, Quarterly Averages.
2016 Annual Report | 7
-2,000
300
Bernalillo County -3,000
200
Housing
among the Millennial generation has created new demand. Interest rates have declined to historical lows, which has allowed homebuyers to qualify for larger mortgages, and has applied upward pressure on prices.
385,000 From 2011 to 2015, region home prices rose
moderately with increased demand and dwindling supply. The housing recovery in the region 375,000 has lagged other U.S. regions, but real estate prices have not been as volatile. Home prices dropped from $243,000 in 2007 to $201,000 365,000 in 2011, according to data from the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors (GAAR).
The housing downturn had a profound impact on the regional economy, causing the homeownership rate to decline. According to Census data, homeownership peaked at 68.7 355,000 percent at the height of the housing boom in Prices have since rebounded to $215,000 in 2015, 2006, but has since dropped to 65.6 percent in which can be explained by declining inventory. 2014. The region’s homeownership rate surpasses Residential building permits have stabilized, after 345,000 the national average of 63.1 percent, and is a recessionary low in 2009, but activity has not 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 significantly higher than the western U.S. states rebounded to the lofty levels of the construction average of 58.1 percent. boom in the mid-2000s. Household formation
100
0
PY2
‘15
Residential Housing Permits Issued in MRCOG Region 10,000
8,000
$1,242.3
6,000
4,000
2,000
<<<<<<<<
0
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
20
13
20
14
20
Source: Mid-Region Council of Governments Permits Database
+40%
8 | Mid-Region Council of Governments
+24%
Distance Traveled
Electronics and Computers
Made in New Mexico
Shipped via New Mexico
365,000 $0.5
$458.9 $4.9
$7.6
$8.2
$8.7
$0.5
$0.5
$2.3
$2.0
$2.5
$2.9
$2.6
$2.8
$1.3
$1.5
$2.1
$3
$2.7
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
$0.4
$0.5
$0.5
$250.9
$243.2
Metal Products
Minerals and Ores
$1.6
355,000
$202.4
$162.7
$53
7
Electronics and Computers
Transportation Equipment and Machinery
Food and Agricultural Products
From There 2005 Here... 2006 2007to2008 2009
Plastics and Chemicals
Miscellaneous Manufacturing
345,000
Taking the Wheel: Getting ABQ from here… to there is a recent report released by MRCOG in partnership 10,000 with the Urban Land Institute’s New Mexico District Council. It was 8,000 written with the intent of bringing the national discussion about how shifting 6,000 demographics are shaping housing and transportation trends to the local level. 4,000 The 2,000report draws upon new survey information from MRCOG and the City of Albuquerque, along with a wealth of national research.
<<<<<<<<
0
4 00 01 02 03 05 06 00 20 highlights 20 20several 20 key 2findings. 20 For20 The report
example, the majority of people living in the Albuquerque metropolitan area desire to live in
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
areas that are walkable, close to shopping and entertainment, and possess other key elements commonly associated with urban areas. While most pronounced among Millennials, a preference for more urban living is a common sentiment across all age groups. In addition, Albuquerque residents drive 10 percent fewer miles per day on average than they did 10 years ago, while, over the same time period, transit ridership doubled. The report finds that, similar to national trends, Millennials in the area take fewer trips, go shorter distances, and are more likely than previous generations to bike, walk, and use transit. To be clear, generational preferences are not universal (not all Millennials want the same things) and single family homes and personal vehicles will 0 08 12 14 07 09 11 13 01 20 20 we 20 get 20 continue 20 be a2vital 20 of how 20live and to part around. However, even small shifts in preferences can have dramatic impacts, and the report
+40%
Change in Behavior among 16-34 Year-olds, United States, 2001 vs. 2009 Source: Mid-Region Travel Survey, MRCOG, 2014
+24% +16% Walking
Drivers Licenses
Vehicle Miles Traveled
VMT Employed Persons
Trips Per Day
-25%
-23%
-16%
-15%
Biking
Distance Traveled by Transit
‘15
taking the wheel Getting ABQ from here ... to there Trends in Housing and Transportation in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area
$1,242.3
June 2016 A publication of the Mid-Region Council of Governments and the Urban LandInstitute New Mexico
demonstrates that these shifts are real and likely to persist. This raises some important questions; As Millennials continue to enter the housing market and many Baby Boomers choose to downsize,Electronics will and the Albuquerque area be able to offer what they Computers want? Will it provide convenient choices when it comes to getting around? The report concludes with a set of policy options and strategies that may be effective in getting ABQ from here… to there.
2016 Annual Report | 9
$1,242.3
Updated Data Tool to Research Transportation Conditions MRCOG warehouses a wide variety of in-depth traffic data, but making that data available to the public has been a major challenge. The Transportation Analysis and Querying Application (TAQA) is now changing that. This on-line application provides easy access to a plethora of transportation-related data. TAQA was originaly developed as part of the Congestion Management Process and provides travel time and congestion data as well as speed, traffic volume and peak hour counts, vehicle miles traveled, delay, and other performance measures.
MRMPO
Mid-Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
New Interactive Online Data Platform: Story Maps The Mid-Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MRMPO) has begun using the ArcGIS online platform to showcase data with interactive maps for a variety of projects. Features include the ability for the user to zoom in and out, apply different base maps, electronically share the maps, print maps, look at the underlying data, and measure distances. The first “story maps” developed by MRMPO were a series of maps, charts, and graphs depicting information about scenario planning, climate
10 | Mid-Region Council of Governments
change, safety, and current and future motor vehicle, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities as discussed in the 2040 MTP. Visual and graphic information is accompanied with a narrative, which helps tell the story—hence the term “story maps.” In early 2016, MRMPO completed and published the Regional Traffic Safety Report updated through the years 2009-2013. The new story map format for the first time allows people reading the report to zoom into any one of a series of maps and click on locations of interest to see underlying information.
And most recently, MRMPO developed a Long Range Transportation System (LRTS) Guide map gallery that provides interactive maps that highlight information from the Futures 2040 MTP. Each map identifies current and future planned connections that will allow travel by different modes (so far for vehicle and bicycle modes) to major destinations. The maps communicate where proposed network connections are needed. This helps ensure that important network links are not overlooked as opportunities arise to improve the roadway.
2016 Annual Report | 11
Economy MRCOG manages a variety of programs and initiatives designed to monitor and support economic development in the region. We do this by supporting local applications to the Economic Development Administration, providing technical assistance to our communities, and coordinating discussion around new approaches to economic prosperity.
Hub Study: Manufacturing and Movement of Goods MRCOG is coordinating a Transportation and Logistics Hub Study to identify how the region’s infrastructure and development can support increases in freight logistics, assembly of goods, product manufacturing, and international trade. Central New Mexico has several geographic and infrastructure advantages, including: • Two Interstates that bisect the region • An equidistant location from both the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Houston • The Belen Terminal on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Transcontinental rail line
In addition, the Albuquerque Sunport has immense air cargo capacity, the region’s Foreign Trade Zone is expanding, providing tax incentives to more companies wishing to import and assemble products, and several transload facilities are lining up to take advantage of rail-to-truck freight activity. The study also will identify specific industry areas to build on or tap into and the modes of transportation associated with each. That analysis will lead to suggestions about strategic infrastructure investments, policy changes and other strategies to pursue that best leverages our assets. The study is expected to be released by the end of the year.
Modal Dependencies of NM Industries
Air Rail Truck Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting Mining (incl. Oil and Gas Extraction) Utilities Manufacturing Construction Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation and Warehousing 12 | Mid-Region Council of Governments
very dependent
somewhat dependent
not dependent
Licenses
-25%
Miles 200 Traveled
Employed Persons
Per Day
-23%
-16%
-15%
6,000
100
5,000
$1,242.3 0 Value of International Exports, Merchandise, and Origin Exports (in billions of dollars)
PY2012
PY2013
PY2014
Number of Recruiting Events
4,000
PY2015
Number of Attending Job Seekers
Made in New Mexico
Shipped via New Mexico
Number of Participating Employers
$458.9
$0.4
$0.5
$0.5
$0.5
$0.5
$4.9
$7.6
$8.2
$8.7
$0.5
Kick-off press conference with Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry, March 2016
$1.6
$2.3
$2.0
$2.5
$2.9
$2.6
$2.8
$1.3
$1.5
$2.1
$3
$2.7
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Electronics and Computers
$1,242.3
Transportation Equipment and Machinery
Value of International Exports Produced in New Mexico by Industry (in millions of dollars)
$458.9 $250.9
$243.2
$202.4
$162.7
$53
7
Electronics and Computers
Transportation Equipment and Machinery
Metal Products
Minerals and Ores
Food and Agricultural Products
Plastics and Chemicals
Miscellaneous Manufacturing
M
IngenuityCentral.org - Website for Regional Economic Development Reborn For many years the MRCOG has partnered with the Metro New Mexico Development Alliance to support a regional, public-private economic development website, www.nmsitesearch.com. In 2015, that site needed to be modified and updated and the Metro Alliance board, which consists of economic development organizations in the MRCOG region, as well as Public Service Company of New Mexico, and New Mexico Gas, approved a name change: Ingenuity Central, and agreed to change the website to www.ingenuitycentral.org. The organization used graphics and branding language developed by branding guru Steve Wedeen, put a newer, more cutting edge face to the site, and developed a contract with Rio Rancho’s Ad House Advertising, to more effectively market the region to entrepreneurs and forwardthinking companies.
LandLink NM
INGENUITY CENTRAL A L B U Q U E R Q U E R E G I O N A L I N N O VAT I O N H U B
14 | Mid-Region Council of Governments
In 2009, the MRCOG region became the first in the State of New Mexico to house a LandLink program that today covers the entire state. MRCOG partnered with Edible Santa Fe/Albuquerque/Taos, Santa Fe County, and others to give this system a facelift. LandLink facilitates the development of farms and farming by “linking” those interested in starting or expanding a farm business with
available agriculture properties. In March of 2016, MRCOG sent a letter to more than 900 agricultural land holders to remind them to sign up at www.landlink.org if they aren’t actively working their land but would be willing to allow a new farmer to do so. The response has been very positive. Multiple new properties are being added to the site creating new opportunities for farmers.
2016 Annual Report | 15
unty
012
Job Fairs and Recruiting Living up to its mission to be responsive to the demands of the Central Region’s business community and job seekers, the Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico (WCCNM) continues to organize recruitments, hiring events, and job fairs throughout the region. Hosting these events allows participating employers to reduce recruiting costs, to connect employers with qualified and skilled job applicants, and to ensure that job seekers’ abilities are consistent with those sought after by employers. WCCNM job fairs and recruiting events, such as the big semi-annual “Partnering for Success” job fairs, expose job seekers to between 40 and 60 participating employers at each event. Job fair participation is available to employers with a minimum of 10 active job openings. WCCNM hosts smaller weekly onsite recruiting events for employers with fewer openings that often feature up to 10 employers. Over the past four years, WCCNM has organized over 600 events, with 1,500 participating employers and over 30,000 job seekers in attendance. Business and employer interest continues to be high for these events and inquiries for participation have increased over time.
2013
2014
‘15
Number of Recruiting Events, Participating Businesses, and Attending Job Seekers 600
10,000
500
9,000
400
8,000
300
7,000
200
6,000
100
5,000
0
4,000
PY2012
PY2013
Number of Recruiting Events Number of Participating Employers
PY2014
PY2015
Number of Attending Job Seekers
NM Workforce Connection uses “Career Connections Academy” to Help Dislocated Workers Shortly after the first of the year, and on the heels of an alarmingly high 2015 unemployment rate, a group of staff members at the New Mexico Workforce Connection took it upon themselves to form a specific customer service training program aimed at getting the State’s high population of dislocated workers back to work. The “Career Connections Academy” team went to work recruiting and administering the program to local employers in and around the Albuquerque area. It wasn’t long before employers in the region began to take notice of the program and request it as an introductory course for newly hired staff. One of those employers was Walmart; the company was getting ready to open one of its super stores in Albuquerque and needed employees with excellent customer service skills. “Walmart was so impressed with the curriculum and the enthusiasm of the Career Connections Academy Team that they decided to use the program—and with much success!” said Jerilynn Sans, Workforce Administrator. The curriculum now serves as a model program for other New Mexico Workforce Connection offices throughout the state.
Career Connections Academy Team
“Thank you very much to New Mexico Workforce Connection and the Career Connections Academy Team for providing customer service training to our Walmart associates staff, which aided in the hiring for our new Albuquerque location. The Team provided excellent training and we know it has caused a positive impact for our customers.” Eric M. Bush, Walmart
Additional Work Opportunities made Available to Out of School Youth The Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico opened up an additional 100 work experience opportunities this past summer to employ eligible young adults throughout Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia Counties. This program was available to individuals ages 16 to 24 and targeted out-of-school youth, meaning the individual could not be enrolled or attending any school—either secondary nor post-secondary. Eligibility for the program was also based on family financial income and youth barriers. Work experience programs like this one can transition participants into post-secondary education, full-time employment, or even help them earn a credential that will further their employability in the future. “Our goal is to place eligible youth at a worksite in which they have a career interest”, says Jerilynn Sans, Administrator for the NM Workforce Connection. “This will give them an idea of what the industry offers, and let them decide if they would like to pursue a certificate or degree that will lead them on their eventual career path.” To encourage youth participants to further their education, an extra incentive was built into the program: Those youth who attained their GED, High School Diploma, or achieved a post-secondary education course could earn an additional $50.00-$75.00 for their efforts. In addition to work experience, there was also a number of supportive services, such as child care and transportation, made available to eligible participants who needed them.
18 | Mid-Region Council of Governments
Work experience youth participants learning constuction skills through YouthBuild and Habitat for Humanity.
WCCNM: A Partner in Business
“It is with great pleasure that I write this appreciation letter for the On The Job Training program. Because of this program the Library has been able to add adult and children’s programing. Ivonne Chavarrie is our current employee through the program; she has been a valuable asset to the Library. This program has allowed us to employ people in our small community, such as Ivonne. Ivonne has begun training for a position that may not have become available without the OJT program. The Library budget is very small so being able to train and work together is important for the employer as well the employee. Thank you!” -Angela Creamer, Head Librarian Estancia Public Library
“The Workforce innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has given us the opportunity to provide training to new stylists. The training allows stylists to jump start their careers with a strong foundation of knowledge. By building on this foundation, stylists stay in the beauty industry and earn their living doing what they love. We are appreciative of the opportunity to be part of this program so we can continue to educate world class performers in this industry.” -Laura Voth, PHR, Mark Pardo SalonSpa
“WCCNM’s Customized Training Program is innovative, exciting, and beneficial to businesses and employees alike. A self-trained, highly competent employee has now achieved a degree and education validation for her skills, increasing the participant’s employment potential. The participant has also acquired additional skills through the education that are quantifiable and immediately impact our business positively. Working with WCCNM is always a pleasure, as they are swift to respond and exhibit joy in helping businesses and the employees of the businesses. This is a wonderful program that truly serves the New Mexican community.” Jacqueline Reid, Director of Human Resources Rietech Global Inc.
“WCCNM of Valencia County has provided us with excellent job candidates as well as afforded us the opportunity to hire and promote individuals from within, utilizing WIOA on the job training opportunity funds for potential and current employees. We have also utilized customized training funds for specialized training, which have included Fiber Optic Training for three of our Information technology staff. This will save the county money by allowing our current staff to troubleshoot, fix, and maintain our fiber optic network, and prevent potential downtime for our employees and the public accessing our system” Maria Eugenia Garcia, HCAP Administrator Valencia County
Facing a shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Genesis Healthcare contacted WCCNM seeking solutions. WCCNM was able to assist Genesis by finding suitable employee candidates to be trained by an approved CNA Training Provider, also funded through the WCCNM Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. The ultimate goal of this collaborative was to ensure that the individuals trained and certified through this program would use obtaining an entry level position in the healthcare industry as the start of a career and a path for advancement. 2016 Annual Report | 19
Transportation Planning The Futures 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), our region’s longrange transportation plan, was adopted by the Metropolitan Transportation Board in April 2015. After adoption, however, is when a phase arguably as critical, if not more critical than development of the Plan, comes in to play: implementation. Since adoption of the plan last year, staff has been working in various ways and on various activities to get the plan on its feet.
Futures 2040 MTP Implementation Activities MRMPO staff has continued with MTP outreach activities in the past year. Activities have included presentations on the MTP to Valencia County jurisdictions, development of MTP story maps, and work on videos that will cover various MPO topics including the MTP. Staff has begun efforts on developing a regional Safe Routes to School program. The Futures 2040 MTP calls for more support of Safe Routes to School projects and programs, especially as Safe Routes to School promotes public health and active transportation, is compatible with Complete Streets, can reduce transportation demand, and supports improved walkability.
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With final design complete, efforts are underway to begin the next phase—construction—of the Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC). This joint effort is facilitated by MRCOG and sponsored by the City of Albuquerque with regional stakeholders including NMDOT, Bernalillo County, and Rio Rancho. The RTMC will allow for integrated traffic management among
the stakeholders, including incident management, traffic operations, and shared weather information. This facility provides a unique opportunity for the co-location of transportation, dispatch, and first responders allowing face to face interaction to better manage transportation. The RTMC was listed in the 2040 MTP as a significant and noteworthy ITS project that would be implemented during the life of the plan. An important tool for implementing transportation planning pronciples is throiugh the Long Range Transportation System Guide (LRTS Guide) was developed to provide guidance on roadway design and network connectivity, and how these elements need to respond to surrounding planned land use. Roadway design needs to take into consideration not just just travel demand, but the needs of the community surrounding it as well as the needs of non-motorized transportation. The LRTS Guide provides a multi-step process that involves identifying land use and the various transportation
Transportation Planning: Guilding Principles Transportation planning is governed by the goals, objectives, and priciples laid out in region’s the most recent long-range transportation planning document, the Futures 2040 MTP. Within this document, guiding goals and objectives are presented to help steer the region’s devlopment.These goals and objectives were developed with input from the general public and agency staff. Futures 2040 MTP Goals and Objectives 1: Mobility/Moving People 1) Maintain Existing Infrastructure 2) Manage Congestion and Enhance Operations 3) Expand Multi-Modal Transportation Options 2: Economic Vitality 1) Support Efficient Freight Movement 2) Promote Development in Activity Centers and Key Corridors 3) Enhance the Flow of Goods and Services 4) Ensure Affordable Housing and Transportation Options 3: Environmental Resiliency 1) Improve Air Quality 2) Conserve Water Resources 3) Prepare for Climate Uncertainties 4) Minimize Footprint of New Development 4: Active Places 1) Improve Access to Employment Sites, Services, and Recreational Opportunities 2) Encourage a Mix of Land Uses in Appropriate Locations 3) Provide Healthy, Safe, and Convenient In tandem with development of the MTP, a scenario planning process was embarked upon, resulting in a “Preferred Scenario” that outlines the preferred way for this region to grow. This led to the development of Preferred Scenario Principles—prnciples which, if and when implemented, can help steer the region toward the Preferred Scenario. Preferred Scenario Guiding Principles 1) Link land use and transportation decision making 2) Respond to increased transit ridership and transit demand 3) Concentrate development in key centers and transit nodes 4) Mix use and apply appropriate design standards in key centers and transit nodes 5) Create employment centers west of the Rio Grande 6) Provide more affordable and diverse housing options close to jobs and services east of the Rio Grande 7) Meet consumer demand created by changing demographics and market preferences 8) Support development patterns that maximize the use of existing infrastructure The MTP goals and Preferred Scenario Principles are distinct, but consistent with each other. Both are importants guides for future development in the region. 2016 Annual Report | 21
roles the roadway needs to fulfill and using these factors to develop a multi-modal roadway design. In addition, the LRTS Guide includes Long Range System maps. The networks presented by these maps are not financially constrained and go beyond the year 2040 to facilitate longer range planning. Each of the system maps represents a single mode or user group (pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, freight, and automobile). Taken together, they provide a layered multi-modal network where the needs of each mode of travel can be addressed.
As always, the Transportation Improvement Program is one of the key mechanisms that helps implement the MTP by allocating actual funding to MTP-listed projects. The 2016-2021 TIP was developed concurrently with the 2040 MTP, and work on the next TIP, the 2018-2023 TIP will commence soon with the first call for projects due in fall 2016. Projects are selected for the TIP with the help of a Project Prioritization Process (PPP). The PPP is a tool that was developed to help identify and select those projects that best meet regional needs and goals.
Next Steps Auto network
Transit Network
Bicycle Network
Pedestrian Network
Land Use Network
As Futures 2040 included significant analysis on potential land use scenarios (and their impact on the transportation network), the next logical step is the analysis of different transportation scenarios. Potential scenarios of intrest may include looking into additional river crossings, pursuing a major build out of the transit network, or adding HOV lanes. Additional land use scenarios will be analyzed as well, especially a scenario where jobs and housing are balanced on both sides of the river. In support of the Preferred Scenario that was identified through the MTP’s scenario planning effort, place profiles will be developed to better understand activity centers in the region so that more effective transportation and land use planning can be undertaken.
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Other Specific transportation planning efforts include: • Long-range transit plan • ITS implementation plan • Regional safety action plan • Regional freight analysis • Connectivity study that focuses on multimodal connectivity improvements • Transportation projects impacts analysis • Non-motorized traveler data collection and non-motorized investments analysis • Economic analysis of transportation projects or major economic or policy changes
MRCOG has been participating in the New Mexico Complete Streets Leadership Team (NMCSLT), a forum where government representatives, private consultants, advocates, and health professionals can come together to exchange ideas and provide support for addressing multi-modal street networks in otder to ensure healthy and safe streets for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists.
The NMCSLT also teamed up with the DowntownABQ MainStreet Initiative and 24 Hours of Art for the second annual ABQ CiQlovĂa, during which streets were closed to cars and opened up to people to walk, ride, play, and reimagine. The free event boasted yoga, local art, live music, a climbing wall, bicycle rodeo, solar car races, and other family-friendly fun activities. The 2016 CiQlovia will be held on Central Avenue between 2nd and 8th Streets in Downtown Albuquerque.
2016 Annual Report | 23
City of Albuquerque/ Bernalillo County’s ABC to Z Comprehensive Plan ABC to Z is a two-year project to update the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Comprehensive Plan, and integrate and simplify the city’s zoning and subdivision regulations. This task is typically completed once every two decades or so, and work on this particular update kicked off in 2015. This project an historic opportunity to integrate land use and transportation plans, helping to further regional transportation planning goals outlined in the long-range 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). MRMPO staff have been assisting the City and their consultant team with this planning effort where possible, especially by offering transportation perspective and data when requested as well as providing feedback in other focus areas.
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MRMPO supported the ABC to Z project by: • Reviewing sections of the Comprehensive Plan • Providing guidance on how to integrate concepts from the MTP and principles from the Preferred Scenario and Long Range Transportation Systems Guide in the Comp Plan and development process • Assisting at public meetings in various ways (providing additional transportation and regional conditions knowledge, moderating small break out discussions, etc.) • Attending internal technical meetings and focus groups • Reviewing the City’s Development Process Manual and participating on the team responsible for updating and integrating that document with the updated Comp Plan and zoning code. This Comprehensive Plan update is particularly timely for MRCOG. The development of the Preferred Scenario in the 2040 Metropolitan
Transportation Plan explored a variety of land use scenarios and their resulting outcomes, providing a regional understanding of the relationship between development patterns and transportation, as well as economic and environmental conditions. In order to achieve the desired outcomes of the Preferred Scenario, MRCOG relies on member governments to implement the Preferred Scenario’s land use principles. Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque, as governments with land use authority, will play a key role in implementing the Preferred Scenario from the 2040 MTP. This is why this Comprehensive Plan, as the overarching land use plan, is uniquely tied to responding to future regional transportation challenges.
2016 Annual Report | 25
Mexico ranking first in the nation for pedestrian crash fatalities per 100,000 population in the year 2014. The intersection of Central Ave and San Mateo historically has had the highest number of pedestrian crashes in the region.
MRCOG’s involvement in the Healthy Here initiative addresses the MTP’s ‘Active Places’ goal and its objectives. MRCOG is one of fourteen partners working with Presbyterian Healthcare Services on a three-year grant funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Central Ave. and San Mateo Blvd. stand out in other ways as well. This intersection is a transfer point for four very high ridership transit lines; there are many pedestrians and pedestrians with disabilities crossing this intersection, and it is located in an ‘’Activity Center”— identified in Albuquerque/ Bernalillo County’s Comprehensive Plan ABC to Z (see next article) for urban land uses and
transportation improvements to support pedestrian travel. Many of the recommendations to improve safety at this intersection are planned to be implemented as part of the ART project.
Healthy Here has three main efforts: active living, healthy eating and clinical preventive services. MRCOG focuses on active transportation, specifically seeking improvements to walking, bicycling, and walking to transit as a means to improve community health. This initiative has allowed MRCOG to pursue studies, collaborative efforts and professional development that further implement the goals of the 2040 MTP that would not have been possible with without additional funding. It has also helped MRCOG build stronger relationships with the public health community. Currently, MRCOG is in in year two of this threeyear initiative. One of the projects that MRCOG is leading this year is finalizing the Central Ave & San Mateo Road Safety Assessment. New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque have been identified by the Federal Highway Administration as being in need of pedestrian safety improvements due to high pedestrian-auto crash rates at this location. This is further emphasized by New
San Mateo and Central
University Corridor Transit Study With the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project (ART) implementation underway, the project team for the University Corridor Transit Study is reengaging project planning. The last phase of the study identified a 6.5 mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on University Boulevard from Menaul Boulevard to the Albuquerque International Sunport as the preferred option to serving some of the 150,000 daily trips to the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College area. The project would provide connecting service to the ART at University Boulevard and Central Avenue, and create a seamless connection between the east/west and north/south BRT routes.
University Blvd. north of Lomas Blvd. Design Concept
University Blvd. between Cental Ave. and Avenida Cesar Chavez Design Concept
Upcoming activities include refining the project plans, evaluating the feasibility of land use and parking strategies, public outreach, and evaluating funding options.
Intersection of University Blvd. and Lomas Blvd. 2016 Annual Report | 27
1
ANNIVERSARY
2016
New Mexico Rail Runner Express
10 Years of New Mexico Rail Runner Express Service! In July 2016, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express celebrated 10 years of commuter rail service in Central New Mexico. In 2003, Governor Bill Richardson created the Governor Richardsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Investment Program (GRIP) whose goals included 100s of miles of roadway projects and a commuter rail service between Belen and Santa Fe. A five-year timeline for construction was set and a partnership was formulated between the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and MRCOG to implement the service. The project was completed on time. Its cost totalled $403.8 million.
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The Rail Runner consists of nine locomotives, 22 cars and 58,000 feet of guardrail. A total of 15 stations were built with park and ride facilities, connecting metropolitan areas to Native American pueblos, affordable housing, hospitals, universities
and employment centers. There are more than 60 connecting bus and shuttle routes to move riders throughout the Rio Grande Valley who have the option of taking public transportation from Taos to Socorro. Those riders include veterans, commuters, tourists, students, and many others. Currently, about 3,000 riders use the New Mexico Rail Runner Express Monday through Friday, and the weekend ridership varies based on events happening in the north or south along the 100-mile corridor. Today, 100% of the operations and maintenance costs are paid for with transit district gross receipt taxes generated by the four counties in which the service operates and Federal Transit Administration formula funds that are based on the Rail Runner operations and fare box. No state funds are used to support Rail Runner operations or maintenance.
loyers
“I rode the Rail Runner on its opening day and have been riding ever since. I have a cousin who lives in Santa Fe and I love to visit her for holidays or just for lunch during the week. I have a 20-year old car and am 83 years old, so the Rail Runner gives me opportunities which I would not otherwise have. I love to hear the “meep meep” as the doors are closing. It’s a real service to our state.” Exerpt from story submitted by MaryEllen Smith “It was a pleasure going to work using the train and you don’t realize how stressful driving is until you use the train. It saves on wear and tear on your car and gas as well. I still use the train to this day after retirement to commute to Albuquerque and use the city bus with the train ticket to get around town.” Exerpt from story submitted by John Maurer
In addition to overall system improvements, there are some future physical improvements that need 10,000 to be made to the Rail Runner corridor in order to allow an increase speeds where possible in order 9,000 to reduce travel times. “Building more passing zones in the corridor would provide greater travel 8,000 time reliability and opportunities to increase service in the corridor in the7,000 future, a key component to improving the regional system,” says Terry Doyle, 6,000 Director of Rio Metro Regional Transit District. As the regional system 5,000 is improved to provide more frequent coordinated service with convenient 4,000 connections throughout the three county Rio PY2014 PY2015 Metro District, more people will be attracted to use the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. Number of Attending Job Seekers
In honor of its 10 year anniversary, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express asked its passengers to submit stories online about how the train has been a part of their lives. Ten stories were selected by a panel of judges. Exerpts from some of the stories are sprinkled throughout these pages.
New Mexico Rail Runner Express by the Numbers
9 LOCOMOTIVES
15 STATIONS
337,840 TOTAL NUMBER OF BICYCLE BOARDINGS
22
11
MILES OF GUARDRAIL
TRAIN CARS
60
CONNECTING BUS/ SHUTTLE SERVICE
3,000 WEEKDAY RIDERS
9,849,470 TOTAL PASSENGERS
2016 Annual Report | 29
Exchange Program Connects Seniors Along Rail Corridor In 2016, Rio Metro partnered with the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Senior Affairs and local pueblos to host a unique program for seniors. The Senior Exchange Program has given patrons from Albuquerque’s Senior Centers the opportunity to visit senior centers at pueblos along the New Mexico Rail Runner Express corridor, and vice versa. Participants used the Rail Runner and vans from the senior centers to travel between Albuquerque and the pueblos. During the exchanges, they received tours of the centers, ate lunch and enjoyed activities including games and dancing.
“The idea was to introduce people from the pueblos to people from Albuquerque, and the other way around,” said Marie Morra, Marketing Specialist with the Rio Metro Regional Transit District. “We also want to teach them how to use the train.” As of June 1, 2016, exchanges have taken place between the Barelas Senior Center and the Santo Domingo Pueblo, as well as between the North Valley Senior Center and Cochiti Pueblo. Several more exchanges are planned before the end of the year.
Veterans Annual Pass Program Chugging Right Along! The Veterans Annual Pass pilot program, which gives veterans with a VA medical card an annual pass to ride the New Mexico Rail Runner Express for free, received such an overwhelming response during its first year that Rio Metro decided to extend the program through December 31, 2017. More than 6,500 passes have been issued as of this past May, resulting in more than 48,000 rides on the train.
A group from the North Valley Senior Center took the train to visit their peers at Cochiti Pueblo as part of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express’s Senior Exchange Pilot Program.
“I go on the train every year or so, and the trip has always been exciting for me, for I am a HUGE railfan!!! Now these days, me and my brother take the train by ourselves up to Santa Fe to visit our grandparents when our parents’ schedule is very busy, when we have a school break/ holiday, and/or just for the fun of it.”
“For the past ten years I have enjoyed numerous excursions on our New Mexico Rail Runner. Usually, once a week during the summer I embark on a full day adventure from my home in Rio Rancho to Santa Fe. Over the past ten summers, for probably a total of fifty times, I have enjoyed a “Rail Runner Day.”” Exerpt from story submitted by Michael Nadler
Exerpt from story submitted by Maxwell Romero
“When the Rail Runner first started I thought it would be a great way to break up the commute to Santa Fe. I thought I would drive a few days a week and take the train the rest of the week. That plan didn’t stay in place. After riding the train I thought this is really nice, I can get to Santa Fe and home without any stress.”
Winners of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express 10 year anniversary story contest (left to right): Michael Nadler, John Maurer, Kristen Abdill, Marcella Nellist, Armida Zamora, Mary Phillips, Carolynn Sanchez, MaryEllen Smith. Winners not pictured: Jose Lovato, Maxwell Romero
“The Rail Runner has been my primary source of transportation to work (from Rio Rancho to Santa Fe) since the first day it started operations. I am grateful that I don’t have to drive every day or stress out in bad weather and I can rest and unwind from my day.” Exerpt from story submitted by Marcella Nellist
Exerpt from story submitted by Armida Zamora
2016 Annual Report | 31
Rio Metro Wins Marketing Awards!
Rail Runner Ticketing App Now Available!
Rio Metro took home a total of eight awards for marketing and communications during the past year, including top honors in an international marketing competition.
This past summer, the Rail Runner released a ticketing app that allows passengers to purchase tickets, check the status of the train and view the schedule on their phones.
In May 2016, Rio Metro was awarded three Communicator Awards from the International Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA), including a Gold Award of Excellence for the NMRX Brew Tour Guide. With more than 6,000 entries, the Communicator Awards is one of the largest and most competitive awards of its kind in the world.
The app offers several helpful features that make the ticket purchasing process easier, especially for return customers. Passengers can create a rider profile and store ticket information for repeat purchases.
The Veterans Annual Pass campaign was recognized with a 1st Place AdWheel Award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in October 2015. In September 2015, Rio Metro received four 1st Place awards from the Southwest Transit Association (SWTA) in Campaign, Electronic Media, Print Media and Event Categories. “Our Rio Metro Marketing team consistently goes above and beyond in their efforts to showcase the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and the Rio Metro Regional Transit District”, says Terry Doyle, Director of Rio Metro Regional Transit District. “Each year, they compete on an international scale, and manage to garner top honors – I’m very impressed with their work and proud of their success.”
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Another unique feature is that tickets purchased using the app are not date-specific. That means passengers can buy a day pass, and use it on any one day they choose. Monthly and annual passes purchased on the app will not become effective until the date they are activated. Those passengers making a bus connection will still be able to show the ticket on their app to the bus driver for a seamless transfer.
Look, Listen & Live! This past fiscal year, Rio Metro received funding from the NM Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program to assess pedestrian and bicyclist safety at grade crossings throughout the Rail Runner corridor. Rio Metro recently finalized the NMRX Grade Crossing Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety Study. This study is comprised of three components: • A Toolbox of Standard and Optional Safety Devices well suited for use at pedestrian and bicyclist grade crossings of the main track • A Crossing Evaluation Form • Standard Applications that provide visual guidance for consultants, contractors and staff RTD Planner Grant Brodehl installs video cameras to help document trespass activity along the railroad tracks in Bernalillo
Rail Road Safety Improvements in the Town of Bernalillo In an effort to prevent life threatening trespassing activity, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District, New Mexico Department of Transportation and the Town of Bernalillo continue to move forward with plans for improved pedestrian facilities connecting to the two Rail Runner stations in the Town of Bernalillo. The envisioned improvements include a fully protected pedestrian crossings providing improved access to the Downtown Bernalillo station, pedestrian facilities extending along the railroad tracks, and fencing. Project partners are assembling funding to complete the engineering plans with the first phase of construction possible in 2017.
Rio Metro is currently completing an in-field inventory of all main track crossings, which will be used to aid in the initial prioritization of pedestrianand bicyclist-related improvements for future funding requests.
Rio Metro Campaigns and Collaborations The Bugg Lights Display – On Saturday, November 28, 2015, Rio Metro partnered with the Harvey House Museum in Belen to host the opening night of the annual Bugg Lights Display. Two southbound trains accommodated visitors to the event. From the Belen Rail Runner Station, passengers could either walk or take a short shuttle ride to experience the magic of New Mexico’s own Bugg Lights Display. Ski & Play in Santa Fe – On Thanksgiving Day 2015, the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) began providing bus service from the South Capitol Rail Runner Station to Ski Santa Fe. This new bus route gave people from south of Santa Fe the opportunity to do something they had not been able to do in the past – access the ski area using only public transportation. In collaboration with NCRTD, Rio Metro promoted the connection throughout the ski season using various media outlets, social media, advertising on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and an exceptional giveaway featuring lift tickets, an overnight hotel stay in Santa Fe, and, of course, round-trip transportation. Seniors Ride Free – From February through April 2016, Rio Metro invited seniors ages 62+ to ride the Rail Runner for free on Wednesdays after 8 a.m. This special promotion gave residents and visitors the opportunity to explore locations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque using public transportation. The Seniors Ride Free promotion was so popular that Rio Metro will run the promotion again in July through September.
Balloon Fiesta & Rail Pass – In 2015, Rio Metro collaborated with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to create a Balloon Fiesta & Rail Pass. The pass offered special pricing for all ages, and was available for both weekends of the Fiesta. It included roundtrip transportation and admission to the event. During the four days of the special weekend train service, ridership increased by 56% over the same time the previous year, and increased by almost 9% during the week. The total ridership during the 9 day period of the Fiesta was 27,739 passengers. A total of 2,557 passes were sold for the four days. Due to the positive impact, the pass is being offered again in 2016. Burning of Zozobra – Every year on the Friday before Labor Day, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe hosts the spectacular Burning of Zozobra, an event that focuses on burning an effigy of Old Man Gloom. For several years, Rio Metro has partnered with the Kiwanis Club and Santa Fe Trails to provide public transportation to and from the event. Through this collaboration, visitors to the event can take the Rail Runner from points south of Santa Fe, and then connect to a bus that takes them to the celebration. In 2015, the Burning of Zozobra attracted more than 48,000 spectators.
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Rio Metro Advertising Program Brings in Buck$ Rio Metro Advertising Program Brings in Buck$ Almost four years ago, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District started an in-house advertising program to help offset transit operation expenses.
Long-Range Vision for RMRTD It has been 10 years since the creation of the Rio Metro Regional Transit District. Over this decade, the agency has transformed transit services in the metropolitan area, successfully launching and operating the Rail Runner Express, improving bus service throughout the region, and creating an integrated transit network extending from Taos in the north, to Socorro in the south. Recognizing these accomplishments, the Rio Metro Board of Directors expressed a desire to ensure that transit continues to play a critical role in our region’s future.
The most visible format of advertising with the Rail Runner Express are the 40” digital screens on the train. This platform allows a static ad or a video (no audio) to be displayed on all 44 screens (two per car) simultaneously. In addition, posters, in various sizes, can be displayed at five different locations inside each car. We took it a step further and captured the attention of passengers at the stations by displaying large posters at each of the 15 kiosks and on selected windscreens. Sold individually or in combination, these formats have given various businesses the unique opportunity to reach the captive audience on and off the train.
Developed with extensive input from Rio Metro Board members and staff, ABQ RIDE, transit riders, and various other stakeholders, Rio Metro’s Long-Term Strategic Vision presents a picture of what this future can look like. The Vision Plan places transit in a critical position to address both the region’s challenges, such as growing traffic congestion at constrained bottlenecks, as well as its opportunities, including changing transportation and land use desires of the region’s youth and seniors.
As the advertising program continued to grow, multi-media integrated solutions, including social media options on Facebook and banner ads on the Rio Metro website, were added. Additional advertising opportnities are provided by the small fleet of buses RMRTD operates in Valencia and Sandoval counties. and through a partnership of the NM Rail Runner with a private vendor to sell Rail Runner merchandise online and at two local stores in Albuquerque. Overall, the Rio Metro advertising program has generated over $300,000 in revenue in the last three years, and the many community partnerships that have been formed have helped to increase our presence in the communities we serve.
2016 Annual Report | 35
Rural Areas MRCOG planners are very active in the rural areas that are part of MRCOG’s fourcounty region. Assisting smaller communities with planning, grant submissions, training for local govenment staff and elected officials, providing policy guidance and technical assistance are very valuable services MRCOG can provide to smaller communities since they often do not have the funds, staff, or resources to take on these activities themselves.
Rural Technical Assistance MRRTPO, the rural transportation planning team at MRCOG, got creative with planning with its local communities. MRRTPO staff led tabletop mapping workshops with the Town of Mountainair and the Town of Edgewood to review aerial maps of each area and identify the community assets including cultural, natural, historical, and schools or community centers, and how to connect these community amenities. It was an interesting and fun way to engage with local stakeholders to reimagine their communities to leverage their existing assets for potential future projects.
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“While our community has done a lot of planning or our area, the tabletop mapping exercise was helpful in identifying which projects would be best to pursue and how they all align to improve our community livability,” said Roger Holden, Town of Edgewood. “Currently, we’re pursuing federal funding for a trail project discussed at this workshop and decided should be a priority.” MRRTPO staff continues to work with each community to develop projects related to these exercises and identify funding to make them a reality.
Local elected officials, residents, and businesses owners from Mountainair participated in a workshop about reimagining their community
Pointing the Way to the Salt Missions Trail Scenic Byway The Salt Missions Trail (SMT) Scenic Byway lies approximately 30 miles east of Albuquerque, in the central part of New Mexico. This 150-mile Byway connects Old Route 66 with the Abo Canyon Trail and provides a loop through scenic Torrance County. This past fiscal year, the MRCOG and the SMT Committee secured funding to purchase and install 51 Salt Missions Trail signs along the scenic byway. The team worked with NMDOT to install the signs along the route in the late summer and fall of 2015, and there was a ribbon cutting ceremony that followed at Estanciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arthur Park. The byway runs through Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty, Estancia, Willard, and Mountainair.
Salt Missions Trail Ribbon Cutting: Executive Director, Dewey Cave and Senator Ted Barela, surrounded by members of the Salt Missions Trail Committee
2016 Annual Report | 37
2016 Planning Commissioners Workshop and Map Update Initiative Each year, MRCOG organizes a workshop for planning commissioners and planning staff from across the region. The workshop provides commissioners with a forum to ask questions, share experiences and receive current legal information that will help them effectively carry out their job functions. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planning commissioners workshop had a spring cleaning theme, focusing on updating municipal data, and ensuring that commissioners are following proper legal procedure. The effects of poor record keeping and improper procedure are long-lasting, arduous to update, and could cost a municipality a
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considerable amount of money. The 2016 Planning Commissioners Workshop therefore returned to the best practices that will keep municipalities running smoothly. Building upon the theme of maintaining current data, an initiative was announced to update each member communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zoning, land use, and municipal boundary information on an annual basis beginning this year. Until now, the Local Planning Assistance (LPA) program has updated municipal maps only by request. Due to several mapping requests being delayed while the correct municipal
boundary line was re-established or documentation was dredged up to ensure accurate zoning, the LPA program will now update information on an annual basis. In this way, documentation will not be as difficult to come by or need to reach quite so far into the past in order to create current maps. The annual update will also benefit the MPO by providing more accurate information for the land use model, used to produce regional socioeconomic forecasts. This first iteration of updates is slated to last into the spring of 2017, but will make future updates much easier.
Zoning maps, such as the one for Peralta shown on the opposite page, identify which areas allow residential, commercial, or other types of land uses in a community. They are an important tool in implementing a municipalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stated development goals and objectives. They also allow business owners to easily identify any available lands for commercial development.
2016 Annual Report | 39
Boards and Committees
MRCOG Board of Directors............................................ 41 Rio Metro Board of Directors........................................ 42 Metropolitan Transportation Board............................ 42 RTPO Committee............................................................. 42 Water Resources Board................................................. 42 WCCNM Board................................................................. 42 2016 Staff Listing........................................................... 43 40 | Mid-Region Council of Governments
MRCOG Board of Directors Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins County Manager Julie Morgas Baca Sandoval County Commissioner James Dominguez Commissioner Glen Walters Torrance County Commissioner Leroy Candelaria Commissioner Julia DuCharme Valencia County Commissioner Jhonathan Aragon Commissioner Helen Cole City of Albuquerque Robert Perry, Chief Administrative Officer Councilor Isaac Benton Councilor Diane Gibson Councilor Don Harris Councilor Patrick Davis Councilor Ken Sanchez City of Belen Mayor Jerah Cordova City of Moriarty Mayor Ted Hart Councilor M. Steven Anaya, Chair
Town of Bernalillo Mayor Jack Torres
Albuquerque Public Schools Lorenzo Garcia
Town of Edgewood Mayor John Bassett
Los Lunas Public Schools Ron Williams
Town of Estancia Trustee Cory Dryden Trustee Manuel Romero
Rio Rancho Public Schools Richard Bruce
Town of Peralta Councilor Leon Otero Village of Bosque Farms Mayor Wayne Ake Village of Corrales Councilor Philip Gasteyer, Chair Councilor/Mayor Pro Tem Pat Clauser Village of Cuba Mayor Mark Hatzenbuhler Vandora Casados, Clerk/Treasurer Village of Los Lunas Mayor Charles Griego Christina Ainsworth, Dir. Of Community Development
University of New Mexico Connie Beimer, Director of Government Relations CNM Dr. Katharine W. Winograd, President Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority Bruce Thomson Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District Adrian Oglesby Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority James Fahey
Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Mayor Larry Abraham Trustee Donald Lopez
City of Rio Rancho Mayor Greggory D. Hull Councilor Dawn Robinson
Village of Tijeras Mayor Gloria Chavez
City of Rio Communities Mayor Mark Gwinn
Village of Willard Mayor Robert Chavez Emily Sanchez, Clerk 2016 Annual Report | 41
Metropolitan Transportation Board
Rio Metro Board of Directors
Mayor Larry Abraham Councilor Patrick Davis Councilor Diane Gibson Councilor Dan Lewis Councilor Don Harris Councilor Ken Sanchez Councilor Isaac Benton, Vice Chair Mayor Richard Berry Rob Perry Bob Skerry Deborah Stover Lorenzo Garcia Mayor Jack Torres Commissioner Debbie O’Malley Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins Commissioner Wayne Johnson Jacobo Martinez Ennio Garcia-Miera Michael Jaramillo Eric Zamora Kenneth Murphy Elias Archuleta Jay Ruybalid Councilor Dawn Robinson Councilor Jim Owen Michael Baker Terry Doyle Commissioner Don Chapman Steve House Merrill J. Yazzie Kathy Trujillo Brandon Herrera
Councilor Patrick Davis Councilor Ken Sanchez Councilor Diane Gibson Councilor Don Harris Councilor Isaac Benton Mayor Richard Berry Mayor Jerah Cordova Mayor Jack S. Torres Commissioner Debbie O’Malley Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins Commissioner Lonnie Talbert Mayor Wayne Ake Councilor John Alsobrook Mayor Charles Griego Mayor Mark Gwinn Councilor Dawn Robinson Commissioner Jim Owen Commissioner James Dominguez Commissioner Charles Eaton
Water Resources Board Mark Sanchez Cynthia Borrego Bart Faris Dale Tafoya Mayor Jack Torres Commissioner Art De La Cruz Councilor Patricia Clauser Rita-Loy Simmons Ted Barela Debbie Ortiz Mayor Larry Abraham Adrian Oglesby Art Swenka Scott SensanbaugherDarryl Madalena Jacobo R. Martinez Steve Glass Lynn Montgomery Brenda Smythe Sal Reyes
WCCNM Board Odes Armijo-Caster Correen Bales Doug Calderwood Reyes Gonzales Marni Goodrich Sionna Grassbaugh Victoria Hernandez Michelle Jones Samuel Kopalo Paul Kress Diane M. Lacen Patricia Lincoln Rita Logan Ralph Mims Virginia Murphy Debbie Ortiz Alex O. Romero Waldy Salazar Leslie Sanchez Paul Sanchez Randy Sanchez Mike Swisher Mayor Jack Torres Juanita Trad Carolyn VanderGiesen Bob Walton Isaac Zamora
Rural Transportation Planning Organization Committee Mayor Ted Hart Mayor Mark Hatzenbuhler Juan Torres Morrow Hall Governor Joshua Mandalena Mayor Robert Wilson George Visio Sheri Bozic Peter Nieto Pete Nieto Ray Matthew Steve Lucero LeRoy Candelaria
MRCOG Staffers receive National Recognition Former MRCOG Senior Planner Aaron Sussman and MRCOG Travel Demand and Land Use Modeler Chowdhury Siddiqui received an award from the 2016 Transportation Research Board Special Task Force of Climate Change and Energy, in January of 2016, besting 35 other entrants from across the nation. The paper titled “Integrating Climate Change into Scenario Planning: Can Mitigation Measures Also Make a Region More Resilient?” was based on findings from MRCOG’s effort to integrate climate change analysis into regional long-range transportation planning.
MRCOG 2016 Staff Listing Yoshiro Akutagawa, Facility Maintenance Manager Joe Aragon, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Lloyd Aragon, Workforce Planner Jim Armijo, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Celina Baca, Administrative Assistant Michael Baca, WCCNM Computer Specialist Wendy Ball, RMRTD Driver, Rio Rancho Wilfred â&#x20AC;&#x153;JRâ&#x20AC;? Barela, Facilities Maintenance Kelly Benavidez, Customer Service, NM Rail Runner Jonathan Blaich, Data Analyst Eduardo Borunda, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Gerald Bowe, Transit Services Surveyor James Breiterman, Train Dispatcher Grant Brodehl, Special Projects Planner Veronica Campbell, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Henry Campos, Facility Maintenance Wendy Candelaria, Human Resource Manager Elizabeth Carter, Transit Operations Manager Isaac Castle, Traffic Counter Dewey Cave, Executive Director Mark Chavez, Train Dispatcher Martin Chavez, Facility Maintenance Allyne Clark, Marketing Manager Tara Cok, Transportation Planner Gary Cowles, RMRTD Driver, Rio Rancho Arasely Cummings, Clerk, Los Lunas Ross Cummings, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Shohreh Day, GIS/Systems Analyst Terry Doyle, RMRTD Director Danny Duran, Facility Maintenance Manager Nellie Escarcida, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Kirk Estrada, Train Dispatcher Ernie Fernandez, Train Dispatcher Richard Frye, Facility Maintenance Vangie Gabaldon, Special Projects Planner Sandra Gaiser, Regional Planning Manager Kenneth Garcia, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Samuel Garcia, Traffic Counter David Gardiner, RMRTD Driver, Rio Rancho Martha Garley, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Ted Gaudette, Information Systems Officer Andrew Gingrich, GIS/Data Analyst
Deanna Gonzales, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Robert Gonzales, Operations Manager NM Rail Runner Esteban Gonzales, RMRTD Driver, Rio Rancho Christy Greenwood, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Eric Gutierrez, Accountant Scott Gwatkin, IT Specialist Valerie Hermanson, Regional Planner Larry Horan, Attorney Sarah Ijadi, Planner Michael Jiron, Graphic Designer Denise Kurtz, Dispatcher, Los Lunas Louie Leyba, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Julie Luna, Transportation Planner Brandon MacEachen, Marketing Coordinator David Maes, Transit Manager, Los Lunas Sylvia Maestas, Accountant Lupe Maltos, Dispatcher, Los Lunas John Mares, Facility Maintenance Virginia Marquez, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Arthur Martinez, Workforce Operations Manager Jocelyn Martinez, Program Support Coordinator Riann Martinez, Marketing Specialist Theresa Martinez, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Nathan Masek, Transportation Planner Carol Mathews, RMRTD Dispatcher, Rio Rancho Martha Mendoza, Administrative Assistant Augusta Meyers, Communications Manager Adrienne Molinar, Accountant Kim Monjaras, Procurement Officer Kendra Montanari, Senior Socio Economic Program Manager Steven Montiel, Transportation Planner Dominic Montoya, Special Projects Planner Ernest Montoya, One Stop Facility Maintenance Marie Morra, Marketing Coordinator Eric Murphy, Customer Service, NM Rail Runner Amy Myer, Senior Finance Manager Elizabeth Olson, Train Dispatcher Nicole Ortiz, Program Support Coordinator, WCCNM David Padilla, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Stephanie Paiz, Community Outreach/Safety Officer Jenna Paulson, Customer Service Manager
Dave Pennella, MPO Administrator Jose Ricardo Rael, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas David Rankin, - Transit Rail Manager, Rio Rancho Maida Rubin, Transportation Planner Irma Ruiz, Special Projects Planner Alexander Sanchez, Facilities Maintenance Jerilynn Sans, Administrator, WCCNM Bayard Scadden, RMRTD Driver, Rio Rancho Augustus Schultz, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Lisa Sedillo, Customer Service, NM Rail Runner Marla Segura, Special Projects Coordinator Carl Seif, RMRTD Driver, Rio Rancho Chowdhury Siddiqui, Land Use Modeler Ann Simon, Economic Development Program Manager Joel Steinhauser, RMRTD Driver, Rio Rancho Matthew Stone, Operations Supervisor / Dispatcher Anthony Sylvester, Planning and Project Development Manager Socorro Telles, RMRTD Supervisor, Los Lunas Sheila ter Bruggen, Communications Coordinator Barbara Thomas, Office Manager Caerllion Thomas, Transportation Planner Winifred Tinney, RMRTD Dispatcher, Rio Rancho Ramona Torres, RMRTD Driver, Los Lunas Nicole Perches, Customer Service NM Rail Runner Jesse Turley, WCCNM Accounting Manager Connie Vigil, Senior Finance Manager RMRTD Josephine Vigil, Accounting Manager RMRTD Paul Wacek, Train Dispatcher Matthew Wylie, Quality Assurances Coordinator
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Mid-Region Council of Governments 809 Copper Avenue NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 247-1750 www.mrcog-nm.gov