Out in the Field - Stories of Our Ambassadors

One of my resolutions this year is to take the time once a month to look at each of the ambassador blogs and write about some of the highlights. Last year, I improved to the rate of reading the blogs about once every two months, so this small change will not be burdensome and I expect to feel that much closer to the people and organizations that our ambassadors serve each day.

Highlights for January

Dave Cyra - Region IX Ambassador blog
This month Dave writes about a California partnership for procurement of equipment. These details will be useful for transit managers and procurement staff.

Roland Mross - Region V Ambassador blog
Roland finds a coordination success story 40 miles east of Columbus, OH, in Licking County. The partnership includes human services, transit and emergency management. Roland says:

They are guided by the principle that if nothing is attempted, nothing is gained. During my visit, the key components of what we have stressed for successful coordination were clearly evident. Initiative, leadership, trust, sharing, and a clear focus on serving the citizens.

JoAnn Hutchinson - Region IV Ambassador blog
JoAnn reminds us of the wealth of resources available at the websites of the National Resource Center and United We Ride. These two sites offer information on everything from mobility management to technical assistance to transportation for vulnerable individuals.

Explaining Transportation Service Realities

NRC Director Chis Zeilinger is sharing his insights in a monthly message. These are well worth reading, and I am not saying that because I am an NRC staff member. Chris has decades of experience in DC and in the field. From up close and through the lens of legislation and regulation, Chris sees the realities of coordination and partnerships and how to start and nurture productive conversations.