Overview

The Tri-Cities Area MPO (TCAMPO) is preparing PLAN2050, the region's long-range transportation plan. The plan will guide transportation decisions through 2050 and identify investments and strategies that support mobility, safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life across the region.

Public involvement is an important part of the planning process. PLAN2050 will affect how residents, employees, businesses, and visitors travel throughout the region, and community input will help ensure the plan reflects local needs, travel experiences, and priorities.

Federal regulations require MPOs to maintain a continuous and proactive public involvement process throughout the development of long-range transportation plans. As part of PLAN2050, the MPO will engage residents, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders through three key phases: identifying transportation needs and priorities; reviewing proposed strategies and investments; and providing comments on the draft plan before final adoption.

Outreach may include online surveys and tools, public meetings, community events, social media, and coordination with local partners. Special emphasis will be placed on reaching underrepresented populations and providing accessible opportunities for participation.

Social Media Strategy

The Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (TCAMPO) will use social media as an important tool to expand public awareness and encourage participation in the PLAN2050 long-range transportation planning process. TCAMPO will use its official Facebook and Instagram accounts to promote public meetings, and the interactive comment portal to review and comment on the plan.

TCAMPO will maintain an active and engaging social media presence throughout the planning process. Posts will highlight transportation issues and priorities identified within the Tri-Cities area, share project information and transportation data, and encourage residents to provide input. Where appropriate, posts will include photographs, maps, graphics, and other visual materials to make transportation information accessible and encourage community discussion.

All social media posts will direct residents to the PLAN2050 website and interactive comment portal, providing a convenient way for individuals to learn about the planning process and submit comments. TCAMPO will monitor comments to assess the effectiveness of its outreach efforts and identify opportunities to reach additional audiences.

Community Partners and Libraries

TCAMPO will work with member jurisdictions, transportation agencies, community organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other regional partners to expand the reach of PLAN2050 public involvement activities. Partners will be encouraged to share PLAN2050 announcements, public meeting information, surveys, and other engagement opportunities through their websites, newsletters, social media accounts, and other communication channels.

To provide opportunities for residents who may have limited access to online engagement tools, PLAN2050 information and outreach materials will also be made available through local libraries and community locations, including:

• Petersburg Library
• Colonial Heights Library
• Hopewell Library
• Ettrick-Matoaca Library
• Rohoic Library
• Prince George Library

This coordinated approach will help TCAMPO reach residents who may not regularly participate in traditional public meetings and provide multiple opportunities for community members to participate throughout the PLAN2050 planning process.

News Coverage

TCAMPO will use local and regional news media to increase awareness of PLAN2050 and public involvement opportunities. Public notices will be provided to local newspapers, online news outlets, and other appropriate media organizations.

Primary newspaper outlets will include the Petersburg Progress-Index and the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

TCAMPO will also coordinate with member jurisdictions and regional partners to amplify PLAN2050 announcements through their established communication channels. This multi-channel approach will help ensure that residents throughout the region have multiple opportunities to learn about the planning process and provide meaningful input.

Your Voice Matters

Public participation helps ensure that PLAN2050 reflects the transportation needs and priorities of the Tri-Cities region. Residents, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate throughout the planning process.

How to Get Involved:

• Attend a Meeting: Wednesday, September 9, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Petersburg Public Library Conference Room, located at 201 W. Washington St.
• Submit Comments: Share feedback through the online comment portal, interactive map, or email.
• Accessibility & Language Assistance: Accessible meeting facilities and translation or LEP assistance are available upon request.

Information about upcoming meetings, public comment opportunities, surveys, and PLAN2050 materials will be posted on this website as the plan progresses.