Title
Receive a presentation on the MoveChatham Multimodal Transportation Perceptions & Needs Study
Abstract
Introduction & Background: The MoveChatham Multimodal Transportation Perceptions & Needs Study was developed to better understand how folks who live and work in Chatham County travel today and what multimodal improvements they need in the future. This study represents Phase I of a larger countywide multimodal planning effort designed to guide long-term transportation policies & decisions. Chatham County hired Bolton & Menk, Inc. to design and carry out a comprehensive public engagement strategy to gather input from residents, local agencies, and community partners.
Overall, MoveChatham sets the foundation for a more connected and equitable transportation future by gathering essential community insights that will inform planning, policy updates, funding strategies, and infrastructure priorities in the next phase.
Discussion & Analysis: Chatham County Planning staff & Bolton & Menk will be providing the Board of Commissioners with a presentation showcasing the results of the MoveChatham Phase I study and recommendations that they will carry into Phase II. The staff will specifically review the study’s timeline over the past 5 months, marketing materials, the study webpage, and engagement events.
Public engagement revealed that Chatham County residents depend on personal vehicles, due to the limited availability of multimodal options and long travel distances between destinations. Survey results show that residents perceive walking and biking conditions as unsafe or inadequate, citing missing sidewalks, lack of bike lanes, high-speed traffic, and poor driver awareness as primary barriers. Many expressed a desire to walk or bike more but currently drive to destinations where safe walking environments exist. Transit awareness is also low-particularly for on-demand service-and existing demand-response transit is viewed as inconvenient for most work schedules, highlighting a clear need for more flexible, reliable mobility options.
These findings will help guide staff in the planning for Phase II of the MoveChatham study and also support any future transportation planning endeavors that take place at the local and regional level.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: MoveChatham directly supports the transportation vision outlined in the Chatham County Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes providing safe, accessible, and multimodal transportation options for people of all ages and abilities. The Comp Plan identifies transportation as a core element needed to guide growth and sets a primary goal of ensuring infrastructure that supports desired development while advancing the county’s economic and environmental objectives. It also highlights two secondary goals: fostering a healthy community and expanding recreational opportunities and access to open space. Move Chatham builds on these guiding principles by evaluating current conditions, identifying multimodal needs, and gathering resident perceptions to shape a more connected transportation future consistent with the Comp Plan’s vision.
Budgetary Impact: N/A
Recommendation/Motion: Receive a presentation on the MoveChatham Multimodal Transportation Perceptions & Needs Study.