Last Chance to Sponsor and Register
For the Mobility 21 Summit!

Mobility 21 is excited to bring together more than 1,100 transportation leaders and elected officials for the 15th annual Southern California Transportation Summit on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Disneyland Hotel.

Plan Your Day

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Kip Field
Southern California Area Manager, HDR

Kip Field is the Southern California Area Manager for HDR and a civil engineer with over 29 years of experience in the planning, development and implementation of infrastructure projects in California in both the private and public sectors. He began his career at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works with a focus on transportation planning and land development. Yet the majority of Kip’s experience has been in the private sector as a consultant working primarily in the planning and design of transportation projects.

He has extensive experience in leading large, complex transportation organizations, addressing the needs of multiple constituencies, and delivering transportation projects. He has successfully managed a statewide program, involving over 165 cities in 19 counties as well as over 127 state, federal, regional and local agencies. As a consultant, some of the notable projects he has been involved with include program management of California High-Speed Rail and the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Metrolink Expansion/Grade Crossing Program.

In 2007, Kip served as the Director of Public Works for the City of Corona for over six years. During those difficult economic times, he was successful in obtaining funding for and leading the department through the development and completion of multiple water and roadway infrastructure projects. He also served as a partner with the Riverside County Transportation Commission and led the city’s involvement in the development of the State Route 91 Corridor Improvement Project, a $1.3 billion design-build freeway improvement project through the city.

Kip was born and raised in Nebraska. He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska and is always happy to return to HDR’s headquarters in Omaha for meetings, especially when its football season.

He resides in Riverside and spends all of his free time with his children (two daughters and a son), supporting them in their activities (baseball, dance, college trips, etc.) and enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and camping.

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Mark Kempton
Project Director, Skanska

As Project Director, Mark is responsible for the development of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the Western United States and Canada for Skanska, a Fortune Global 500 Company and one of the 10 largest construction companies in the world. Mark identifies and assesses public projects for private partnership potential and then leads those projects through to commercial and financial close, significantly contributing to Skanska’s growth objectives in North America.

Prior to joining Skanska Infrastructure Development, Mark was Director of Strategic Performance for Skanska’s heavy civil business unit in North America, supporting the executive team in the development and execution of corporate strategy, including the integration of separately-acquired businesses into Skanska’s best performing business unit during a period of global economic downturn.

Mark has spent 23 years managing private procurement projects, coordinating corporate responses to public policy and leading several strategic initiatives related to federal, state and local government requirements at both Fortune 500 and Fortune 500 Global companies.

A customer fuels up at SoCalGas’ new Pico Rivera compressed natural gas station. All 15 of the company’s 24-hour stations are open to the general public.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
SoCalGas

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is pleased to sponsor the 2016 Mobility 21 Summit: Empowering California.

SoCalGas is helping California meet its aggressive environmental goals by focusing on natural gas as a clean, affordable solution to the state’s air pollution problems. It invests in technologies and solutions to expand the use of natural gas engines in heavy-duty trucks, which can reduce smog-forming emissions by 90 percent or more compared to traditional diesel engines.

Earlier this year, SoCalGas opened new compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations in Murietta and Pico Rivera, CA. The company now operates 15 CNG stations located across its service territory from Visalia to the Mexican border, and these 24-hour public stations help with meeting the growing demand from commercial fleets for a clean burning and affordable fuel.

SoCalGas has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities.


Byline7 facilitating the Future of Surveying Forum.

Summit Silver Sponsor Spotlight:
Byline7

Barb Eljenholm, CEO and President of Byline7, has supported Mobility 21 as a volunteer for four years. Established in 2015, Byline7 focuses on community relations and marketing, approaching projects collaboratively with each client, while building upon strong and diverse experience in communications, environmental planning and transportation. Working in the many disciplines that touch the engineering, development and construction industry, Barb draws upon her AICP and LEED credentials, extensive experience in leadership roles with Michael Baker International and passion for helping organizations successfully achieve their goals, to provide exceptional value via Byline7.

A California State Certified Small Business, Byline7 has been involved in key projects across the nation this year that are truly advancing positive change. Byline7 works with NCEES, ASCE, NSPS, WFPS, MAPPS, ASPRS, AAGS, COPPS, FIG, xyHt, POB and American Surveyor to develop strategy and an action plan through facilitating the Forum on the Future of Surveying. The collaboration is moving forward with an expanded definition of the high-tech, rapidly evolving field of professional surveying, a vital profession within transportation, to create public awareness, a national brand/image, toolkits for education and engagement for recruiting/mentoring.

Byline7 is dedicated to serving the world of transportation and to the success of Mobility 21.

Mark Spitz, nine-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, meets riders at the Downtown Santa Monica Station during a Friday afternoon commute.

Metro and LA 2024 Host Gold Medalists
From the Past at Transit Stations

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the Los Angeles 2024 Olympic Candidature Committee (LA2024) announced their own celebration of Los Angeles’ Olympic history by honoring local gold medalists from the past at transit stations throughout the Metro system.

During the Rio Games, Metro riders had the opportunity to meet Olympic champions, see genuine gold medals, have their photograph taken with the champions and receive autographs.

Los Angeles has been an Olympic city twice, in 1932 and 1984. Los Angeles is currently vying to be the host city of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and transportation infrastructure is an important factor that International Olympic Committee (IOC) members will consider when deciding where to host the Games.

“Since the last time our region hosted an Olympiad, L.A. County has built 105 miles of modern, efficient rail transit with expansions underway that will connect to LAX and Westwood,” said Metro Chair John Fasana. “Add to that substantial highway improvements completed and under construction and L.A. has a lot to offer the IOC.”

“If the Olympic movement were to build a city on the ideals of equality, diversity, and cooperation, that city would be Los Angeles,” said L.A. Mayor and Metro Board First Vice Chair Eric Garcetti. “These champions embody that spirit—and their presence, along with the historic improvements we are making to our transit system, sends a message to the world that we are more than ready to welcome the Games to our city for a third time.”

Metro is in the midst of historic transportation infrastructure improvements. This year alone, two rail systems have been expanded, the Gold Line to Azusa and the Expo Line to Santa Monica. Three rail systems are under construction, the Crenshaw/LAX line, the Regional Connector in downtown and the Purple Line subway to Westwood, with all scheduled to be completed before 2024. Freeway improvements have been completed on Interstate 405 and construction is ongoing on Interstate 5, in addition to many other projects.

“Los Angeles is putting together all the necessary pieces to be a Games-ready city,” said LA2024 CEO Gene Sykes. “I encourage everyone to come meet the gold medalists and show the Olympic spirit that would make LA a uniquely warm and welcoming host city in 2024.”

Measure AA Puts the Future of
Ventura County in Voters’ Hands

This November Ventura County voters will be asked to weigh in on the future of their transportation system. Measure AA proposes a half-cent sales tax to fund improvements to Ventura County’s freeways, roads, transit and bicycle network. If approved, it will raise $70 million a year while costing residents about a dollar a week.

Measure AA developed in response to the region’s looming transportation funding crisis. With traffic congestion on the rise and cities and the county struggling to keep up with basic road maintenance, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) has a responsibility to educate citizens about the transportation challenges and inform them of potential solutions.

Using a message of “Repair, Preserve and Improve,” VCTC launched a comprehensive education program, including digital, print and in-person community outreach. Each element informed residents that “the future of Ventura County is in your hands” and guided them to a website where they could review and comment on VCTC’s proposed Transportation Improvement Plan.

The education program was both strategic and efficient. It conveyed targeted information to a large population in just a few months. Interest in the issues grew to 79% and support for a transportation sales tax jumped to 69%. In July, VCTC unanimously voted to place Measure AA on the November ballot.

The American Public Transit Association will recognize VCTC’s public education effort with an award at its 2016 conference.

Join SCAG at California Housing Summit

Tuesday, Oct. 11
More Info | Register

Join the Southern California Association of Governments and over 30 partners from the public, private and nonprofit sectors for the California Housing Summit, Oct. 11, 2016 at the L.A. Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The summit, “The Cost of Not Housing,” will address the issue of housing affordability across the state and its impact on local, regional and statewide economies. In the state of California, median income has decreased by 8 percent since 2000, while during that same period median rent has increased by 28 percent. Californians are four times more likely to live in overcrowded housing than residents of any other state. The summit will look at the root causes of the housing crisis and focus on actionable strategies for stakeholder partnerships that will ultimately lead to “YES” to housing. For more details and to register, visit www.scag.ca.gov/housingsummit.

 

Crews from the 91 Project are placing wooden structural supports for the upcoming concrete pour of the new direct tolled connector between the 91 and Interstate 15. Photo: Nick Nusser

91 Project Construction More
Than 80 Percent Complete

Great news for Southern California motorists: The 91 Project in Riverside County is making significant progress and is now 80 percent complete, which is a major milestone for the community and the region. The extension of the 91 Express Lanes and the addition of new general purpose lanes remain on schedule to open during the first half of 2017.

A project of this magnitude normally takes about seven years to build, based on a traditional design-bid-build approach. This project, however, is using a design-build method, in which design and construction are occurring simultaneously. This approach is saving three to four years in construction time.

Since the start of full construction in July 2014, crews have been moving “fast forward” on construction activities, with the following progress to date:

ACTIVITY % COMPLETE
DESIGN 100
EXCAVATION 88
UTILITY RELOCATION 86
WIDENING/RECONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES 83
PAVING 78
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS 70
STRUCTURE WALLS 66
BARRIER RAIL 59

 

The Riverside County Transportation Commission is continuing to remind the community that construction activity will continue at a rapid pace during the coming months. Motorists should slow down and watch for changing conditions, expect frequent nighttime closures, allow extra travel time, follow detour signs and carpool or use Metrolink and other public transit options, whenever possible.

RCTC also asks drivers to “stay connected,” using the following communication tools:

  • Helpline: 877-770-9191
  • Website: sr91project.info
  • Email: sr91project@rctc.org
  • Facebook: sr91project
  • Twitter: sr91project
  • Instagram: sr91project
  • IE511.org

San Diego Region Awarded $49 Million
FASTLANE Grant for Border Project

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and Caltrans are slated to receive a $49.28 million federal grant to complete a new border freeway that will connect to a state-of-the-art port of entry along the San Diego-Tijuana border.

The competitive grant came from a U.S. Department of Transportation program called FASTLANE (Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies). The funds will help pay for Segment 2 of State Route (SR) 11, along with two southbound connectors linking SR 905, SR 125, and SR 11. This project is critical to facilitating the growing volume of trade between the United States and Mexico, and alleviating chronic congestion in the California-Baja California mega region.

SR 11 will connect to the planned Otay Mesa East Port of Entry (POE). The goal is to operate this crossing with a 20-minute border wait time to reach primary inspection.

SANDAG and Caltrans, which are leading the effort to build the SR 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Project, jointly applied for the grant. In order to qualify for FASTLANE funding, projects must provide nationally significant freight and highway enhancements. The SR 11 project is the only California project to be awarded a FASTLANE grant.

“This FASTLANE grant is a major boost to our region’s effort to build a modern system of border infrastructure to meet the needs of the California-Baja California mega region,” said SANDAG Board Chair and County Board of Supervisors Chair Ron Roberts. “These investments in roadways – and in the future port of entry – will provide enormous dividends not just to our economy, but also to our environment. Reducing border congestion will help cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with idling vehicles waiting to cross the border.”

Currently, all border crossings in the San Diego region are congested. Border delays cost the U.S. and Mexican economies an estimated $7.2 billion in gross economic output (value of goods and services produced) and more than 62,000 jobs each year, according to a 2007 SANDAG study (which is in the process of being updated). The SR 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Project (POE), which will serve both commercial and personal vehicles, is designed to address that problem.

SR 11, a four-lane highway, is a key component of the planned port, as it will serve as the dedicated roadway to access the new crossing. When SR 11 is completed, it will operate as a tolled facility, providing border travelers the ability to get to the border more quickly by paying a fee.

To learn more, visit sandag.org/SR11.

 

Transportation Events in the Community

Tuesday, Sept. 6
OCBC: Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast with Dr. James Doti, President of Chapman University
More info | Register

Monday, Sept. 12
CMAA SoCal: Golf Classic
Sponsor

Tuesday, Sept. 13
WTS-LA: Members-Only Reception Honoring US Transit Leaders
More info | Register

Thursday, Sept. 15
WTS-SD: Annual Awards & Scholarship Gala
More info | Register

Friday, Sept. 16
ACEC-OC: 2016 Scholarship Golf Tournament
More info | Register

Monday, Sept. 19
Los Angeles Sustainability Coalition: A Vision Into The Future
More info | Register

Sept. 19-21
ITS California: Annual Conference and Expo
More info | Register

Tuesday, Sept. 20
OCBC: 2016 Golf Tournament
More info | Register

Thursday, Sept. 22
CMAA SoCal: 1st Annual Construction Management Industry Recognition Banquet
More info | Register

Tuesday, Sept. 27
WTS-IE: 5th Annual Softball Game
More info | Register

Wednesday, Sept. 28
SANBAG: Business2Business Expo
More info

Friday, Sept. 30
WTS-SD: Negotiation Skills Workshop
More info | Register

Tuesday, Oct. 4
AAa/e: Annual Awards Banquet
More info | Register

Oct. 9-12
Rail~Volution
More info | Register

Tuesday, Oct. 11
OCBC: Workforce Development Conference
More info | Register

Tuesday, Oct. 11
SCAG: California Housing Summit
More info | Register

Thursday, Oct. 13
WTS-SD: California Road Charge Pilot Program
More info | Register

Friday, Oct. 21
2016 Mobility 21 Summit, Disneyland Hotel
More info | Register

Nov. 16-18
California Transit Association: 51st Annual Fall Conference & Expo
More info | Register

Thursday, Nov. 17
OCBC: Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet Awards Reception
Nominate

Dec. 4-6
Self-Help Counties Coalition: Focus on the Future, Hollywood
More info

Thursday, Dec. 8
WTS-OC: Annual Awards & Scholarships Gala
More info | Sponsor

Thursday, Jan. 19
WTS-IE: Annual Dinner