Connecting Texas 2050 - Additional Outreach
To further Connecting Texas 2050's public involvement goals, TxDOT expanded outreach beyond public meetings and hearings with additional engagement methods. This included the use of videos shared through TxDOT's social media channels and “traveling roadshows" (booths set up at public events).
Providing these additional opportunities for the public to learn about Connecting Texas 2050 was instrumental in fostering meaningful dialogue and participation with communities all across the state.
Social media videos
Social media videos were posted online and on various TxDOT social media channels to reach and engage with the community. Using social media sites like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Nextdoor, and Instagram, TxDOT was able to engage with hundreds of thousands of followers online.
“Connecting Texas 2050” highlights TxDOT's latest update to the statewide long-range transportation plan.
“Connecting Texas 2050 Fall Public Involvement Series” details TxDOT's efforts for a second statewide virtual public meeting with local in-person open houses in the fall of 2023.
“Be Part of the Plan” encourages the public to voice their opinions and help set the vision of transportation in Texas for years to come.
“Connecting Texas 2050 Virtual Public Hearing” details the opportunity to attend the public hearing and comment on TxDOT’s draft plan.
The “Capstone” Connecting Texas 2050 video explains the updated Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan
Traveling roadshows
To expand outreach to the public and local governments, TxDOT leveraged additional events across the state called "traveling roadshows." This effort included tabling at local community events, public libraries, and applicable planning conferences held by organizations such as the Texas Municipal League and American Planning Association.
At these events, participants discussed the plan with team members, filled out surveys, and could sign up for updates.
Roadshow locations were chosen to align with public comment periods, aiming to increase participation. By focusing on areas with previously low representation, the initiative sought to include a wider range of voices in the decision-making process. This approach targeted underrepresented regions and communities with unique viewpoints or concerns.
| Day | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 4-6 and 22-23, 2023 | Dallas | Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference |
| Nov. 8-10, 2023 | Corpus Christi | American Planning Association (Texas Chapter) 2023 State Planning Conference |
| Dec. 1, 2023 | Virtual/Statewide | Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) Meeting |
| Dec. 2, 2023 | Lufkin | City of Lufkin Christmas in the Pines |
| Dec. 13-14, 2023 | El Paso | El Paso Public Library Branches: Richard Burges, Westside, and Esperanza Acosta Moreno |
| Dec. 16, 2023 | Shiner | Shiner Downtown Market Days |
| April 16, 2024 | Midland | Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Small Business Showcase and Expo |
| May 14, 2024 | San Antonio |
ActivateSA's National Bike Month Event |