The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Friday unveiled The Connected Region, a vision for Greater Cincinnati’s transportation future. The vision makes an immediate priority of establishing more and better connections to jobs, education, health care and other lifestyle activities.
The announcement was held at GE’s Global Operations center, where Cincinnati Chamber president & CEO Jill P. Meyer said the region’s transportation possibilities are made clear.
“It’s critical that business leaders collaborate to bring this vision to reality,” said Meyer. “A connected region connects businesses to the workers they need, driving our economy, growing our businesses and making for more robust bottom lines.”
Alongside other business and civic leaders, and GE employees, Meyer unveiled five principles for action that will guide the work of a coalition to establish a more connected region:
1) Invest in the future of public transit
2) Improve and maintain our infrastructure
3) Drive innovation and future-oriented investments and projects
4) Provide people with transportation choices that fit their needs
5) Align regional decision-makers toward the vision
Meyer also announced www.TheConnectedRegion.com, a digital tool and information hub where community members can get involved in shaping the region’s transportation future.
Data informs the work that leads to action
Meyer honed in on data and partnerships needed to establish a more connected regional transportation system. She noted that too few of the region’s jobs are connected by a 90-minute public transit commute, the region’s roads and bridges need new investment, advances in technology are rapidly changing the transportation landscape and more people are in search of reliable transportation options.
“Good data is the baseline of a great plan and the foundation of meaningful reform,” said Meyer. “We looked closely at many of our peer cities and found that the most successful regions have a clearly-defined vision and a broad and diverse set of stakeholders working to make that vision a reality.”
More and better transportation choices unlock opportunities and establish connections
“We need your help,” said Meyer. “We have to begin tackling the areas where few transportation options exist in our communities – the areas where without access to a car, you don’t really have access at all. And there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. For some communities, it’s an addition of sidewalks where they haven’t been; for others, it’s new bike infrastructure. And elsewhere, that means better access to public transportation. By providing people with choices, we will unlock opportunities and economics that do not exist today.”
Meyer also encouraged community members to tell their story and define in a public way what makes a connected region for them.
“How will your life be improved by better connectivity,” asked Meyer. “We need everyone to tell their story and be a part of a growing region that thrives because of the strength of its connections.”
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber grows the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. It does this by serving as a bold voice for the interests of its 4,000-member businesses and their more than 300,000 employees. The Chamber is committed to expanding the region’s talent base by attracting new residents and finding new ways to connect employers to skilled workers.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber