Dear Neighbors, 

Thank you for reading Progress North Texas 2015: Improving Transportation for Your Family. The North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department has developed this report to explain how transportation projects you see every day – and some you do not – are improving your life. They are making it easier for you to move around the region, regardless of how you do it. 

Billions of dollars are being spent to keep the region moving, whether on the roads, rails or trails. This expansion is being made because we live in a vibrant, dynamic part of the country where, quite frankly, other people want to be. They are attracted by good jobs, cheaper housing and a great quality of life. And once they get here, they help their growing communities thrive by contributing their skills and talents to their employers, schools and neighborhoods. 

This report focuses on many of the transportation-related improvements we come in contact with daily. Growth, infrastructure improvement and safety are issues at the forefront of transportation planning. But there are other matters – technology, aviation, air quality and public involvement – that play a part in a well-rounded transportation planning effort.

We have organized the report in this way in an effort to illustrate the relevance of transportation to your life. So often, we hear about the funds being spent on transportation and become overwhelmed by the magnitude of money allocated to projects and programs. We want to put things in perspective and explain what all the work being done around the region really means to you.

Again this year, NCTCOG partnered with a local school district for help with the cover design. Congratulations to Ruben Ramirez, a seventh-grader at Garland Independent School District’s Sam Houston Middle School, whose representation of “Improving Transportation for Your Family” was chosen as the winner among 100 entries.

In recognition of his efforts, Ruben’s piece is featured on the cover of both the print and online versions of this year’s publication. As Chair of the Regional Transportation Council, I had the pleasure of helping judge this year’s competition. Ruben’s outstanding artwork accurately captured the theme and beautifully set the tone for an informative report.  

I hope the information in this report will inspire you to help us plan for future transportation needs. The data helps drive decisions, but your voice is an essential part of the planning process.

Sincerely, 
Mike Cantrell
Chair, Regional Transportation Council, 2014-15
Commissioner, Dallas County