Secretary Julie Lorenz recently announced that she would be resigning her post as head of KDOT at the end of this year.
Secretary Lorenz has been a champion for multimodal transportation in the State of Kansas and her policy accomplishments deserve praise. They include:
- Updating the Statewide Active Transportation Plan: At the direction of Secretary Lorenz, KDOT began updating the plan, something which hadn’t occurred in about 20 years. BikeWalkKC and our partners (including Topeka Community Cycle Project, BikeWalkMHK, and Bike Walk Wichita) worked to inform the process and ensure that elements of equity, safety, and sustainability were key components. The newly updated document includes stronger guidance on a safe streets approach as well as a robust economic impact analysis.
- Launching the Safe Streets and Roads for All Match Pilot Program: Additionally, KDOT created this innovative program to increase funding for projects which make roads safer for everyone. The $4 million created through the program expands opportunities to fund planning, infrastructure, and other endeavors to lower traffic injuries and fatalities. The program itself drew praise from national leaders, including the League of American Bicyclists.
- Establishing the Multimodal Transportation and Innovation Division: Finally, Secretary Lorenz created this new arm of KDOT “to evolve and increase our focus on improving the accessibility, use and connection of all modes of transportation.” This new office will play a central role in working with advocates and officials alike to advance the policies, plans, and projects which make it easier to walk, roll, bike, and use transit across Kansas.
BikeWalkKC wants to thank Secretary Lorenz for her service and leadership. We wish her the best in her future endeavors, and we look forward to working with her successor to further advance active transportation throughout the State of Kansas.