SpeakUp VB: Provide Input on Three Different Transportation-Related Issues

Managing transportation in Virginia Beach is a complicated issue that is important to everyone. Every day, it affects communities and individuals and involves multiple organizations at the local, state and national levels.  

While the City of Virginia Beach is consistently working to improve transportation, City leaders are focused on three current projects — long-range transportation trends and needs, the safety of roadway users and ensuring resources are used equitably throughout Virginia Beach.  

Input from residents is critical to each of these projects. Learn more about each one and how you can weigh in.

Local Road Safety Action Plan

This project of the Department of Public Works is focused on developing a plan to improve the safety of roadways for all users. It is developed in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roadways for All program. It works to identify safety improvements citywide that will be eligible for future state and federal funds through various grant programs.

At a community meeting in November 2023, residents helped identify safety strategies. At the second community meeting, Public Works will share findings, countermeasure identifications and strategies developed from the first meeting. It is planned for 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, in the Libris Meeting Room of the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library.

• Learn More

Master Transportation Plan Survey

The Planning Department is working on updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan. A major component of the Comprehensive Plan is the Master Transportation Plan, which defines and coordinates the City’s transportation policy. It evaluates existing conditions around the city for consideration in future transportation trends and needs. Resident input on this 19-question survey helps identify important transportation issues that affect the quality of life in Virginia Beach, such as congestion and equity. Complete the survey through March 22 at SpeakUpVB.com/TransportationPlan.

• Complete Survey

Equity Assessment

As part of the funding requirements for the federal government’s Justice 40 Initiative, the Department of Public Works is working with consultants Kimley-Horn and Woolpert, as well as other City departments and organizations, to analyze and prioritize infrastructure investment in communities of need. The work group is evaluating equity, identifying and prioritizing vulnerable areas, and developing solutions in relation to the City’s Capital Improvement Projects. The assessment uses guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation Equity Action Plan and data from the U.S. Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Ensuring consistency with these resources maximizes the City’s eligibility for federal funding opportunities.

A community meeting is planned to present the assessments and to gather input from the community to identify needs and priorities within the identified project areas. The meeting will be in May. Make sure to subscribe to the “Be in the Know” newsletter to get updates. 

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Virginia Beach City leaders continually use public input — in addition to other information sources and factors — when making decisions and setting policies. Residents can provide their ideas by contacting their council member; speaking at City Council meetings; attending community meetings; and completing surveys and providing comments online at SpeakUpVB.com.  

If you have questions about public engagement, please contact Nancy Bloom, public engagement manager, at nbloom@vbgov.com or (757) 385-6279. 

Subscribe now to "Be in the Know" to be notified of future public input opportunities with the City of Virginia Beach.  

SpeakUpVB.com
Residents are encouraged to create a profile on SpeakUpVB.com. Profiles allow residents to make changes to their responses throughout open survey periods and complete additional SpeakUpVB.com surveys without having to re-enter login information. Also, profiles allow staff to troubleshoot any issues for residents more easily. 

Surveys request residents voluntarily provide demographic information. Staff members analyze this information to ensure that input is coming from all segments of the Virginia Beach population and make adjustments in outreach as needed. Learn more about how the City uses personal information.

Content on the SpeakUpVB.com project page and the survey can be translated via the Google Translate tool available at the top right of the webpage. Those who do not have computer access or who need additional help in accessing the information and completing surveys online are encouraged to visit any Virginia Beach Public Library for assistance.