Learn more about the process and how to use your voice to speak up for active transportation!
- The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) uses the Local Consult process to gather feedback from residents and key stakeholders about what they should prioritize.
- There are two key opportunities for folks in the Kansas City area to engage: the in-person meeting on Tuesday, October 21 from 1-4PM at the Great Wolf Lodge (10401 Cabela Drive) and the statewide virtual meeting on Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30-8:30PM (register here).
- Take this survey before September 30 to tell KDOT what you want to see them prioritize in the state’s transportation system!
Read on to learn more!
One of the primary ways that the Kansas Department of Transportation works to understand public priorities and work those elements into their efforts is through the Local Consult process. It is a key part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation (IKE) Program, which is a 10-year, $10 billion program to upgrade the transportation system across the Sunflower State. The Local Consult process is a key opportunity for elected officials, staff, key stakeholders, and everyday folks like YOU to share your insights and help to shape what KDOT prioritizes for the years ahead.
It’s 2025 and the Local Consult process is underway once again! While meetings are planned across the state for the month of October, there are two key instances for people in the Kansas City area to learn about what KDOT is working on and urge them to support the needs of people who walk, roll, bike, and use public transportation:
- In Person: Tuesday, October 21, 1-4PM at the Great Wolf Lodge (10401 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, KS 66111)
- Virtual: Tuesday, October 28, 5:30-8:30PM (click here to register)
Regardless of which meeting you attend, it’s important to be prepared for the meeting ahead of time. So, what can you do to prepare for the Local Consult meetings?
- Identify the concerning transportation hotspots in your community: Take a moment to think about how you walk, roll, bike, or use public transportation in your community. Is it easy, safe, and comfortable throughout or not? If not, what are the areas that could use some improvements? What sort of improvements would make those areas easier, safer, and more comfortable to navigate (especially if you were outside of a car)?
- Read some of the active transportation-focused documents from KDOT: With your help, BikeWalkKC has been able to shape the development of several key documents that guide how the department works on multimodal transportation. This includes the updated Statewide Active Transportation Plan as well as the Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Tool. These resources are critical for not only detailing what KDOT can do to better support active transportation, but where they should focus their efforts. The Local Consult process is a key opportunity to bring additional attention to these recommendations, especially as they relate to your community.
- Check out some of BikeWalkKC’s other resources: Start by reading our blog post about how to get the most out of public meetings. You can also check out our Advocacy 102 video, which explores the basics of public meetings and public speaking.
Ahead of the meetings, KDOT is also circulating a brief survey as part of the Local Consult process as well. Anyone who uses the transportation system in Kansas should take this, but it’s especially important that they hear from folks who regularly walk, roll, bike, and use public transportation. The survey closes on September 30, so take it NOW and urge your friends and neighbors to do the same!
Because of the voices of everyday folks like YOU, BikeWalkKC has been able to make critical progress on active transportation plans and priorities across the State of Kansas. The Local Consult process represents another opportunity to push for greater investments and priorities for people who walk, roll, bike, and use public transit in the Sunflower State. Your engagement in that process will reinforce the statement we often say: “Advocacy is a team sport”. Using your voice alongside your friends and neighbors shows that together, we can send a clear message that Kansans need and deserve a transportation system that works for everyone, regardless of your preferred mode of transportation.
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