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Event Overview

Dates: August 7-9, 2008
Where: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort

New Mexico’s transportation infrastructure is vital to the state’s economic prosperity and integral to the quality of life, health, and welfare of our citizens. Traditional funding has been well below the actual needs of maintaining a modern transportation system. Federal, state, and local investment in transportation represents less than 40% of the actual needs of the system creating a sense of urgency for states to seek alternative funding options. Both federal and state transportation revenue has not been sufficient to keep up with inflation, the rising cost of construction, and the demands for transportation services of a growing population. Without an increase in investment, our transportation system will become more congested and the condition of our transportation infrastructure will become less safe.

For these reasons, the New Mexico Department of Transportation and NewMARC is hosting a three-day town hall on finding sustainable funding for preserving and improving our highways, bridges, and public transportation options for the residents of New Mexico. Whether you live in a rural community or an urban center, this issue affects you. Participants at the town hall will develop recommendations that will impact the quality of life for all New Mexicans.

Who Should Attend?

• State and local policymakers
• Community leaders and citizens
• Business leaders and managers
• People with special transportation interests (e.g., commuters, bicyclists, seniors, first responders, etc.)
• Technical specialists (e.g., transportation, economic development, finance, etc.)

Seating is limited. The town hall can accommodate a maximum of 120 participants. Early registration is highly recommended.

What Happens at the Forum?

This will not be a typical conference with day after day of presentations. There will be a keynote speaker to help set the context for the issue and a panel of New Mexicans who will share their views regarding the challenges. But, the bulk of the town hall is comprised of small group discussions among people who care about the topic and want to resolve it. The primary goal is to come to consensus-based recommendations for funding options that will preserve and sustain our investment in New Mexico’s transportation system.

Prior to the town hall, participants will receive a background report. The report will provide valuable information on anticipated transportation needs, describe the reasons for concern, and outline potential funding strategies. It will serve as a basis for the discussions held during the town hall.

New Mexico First has been chosen to facilitate the town hall. Using their proven consensus-building process, the three-day event will ask participants to share their best ideas for sustaining our state’s investment in its transportation infrastructure. On day one of the town hall, participants are divided into small groups to discuss the key transportation funding issues that face their communities. On day two, participants begin refining and synthesizing their conclusions. By noon on day three, participants will have developed concrete, actionable recommendations for state and local leaders and policymakers.

Interested?

Registration information is available here.