Omaha Capsule Learning

May 11, 2022

A colorfully painted electrical box

Originally published on railvolution.org. Rail~Volution is now Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility

It’s an historic moment for the metro area of Omaha-Council Bluffs. The Nebraska legislature recently passed legislation allowing the formation of a regional transit authority (RTA) and opening the door for increased funding for transit. Omaha Metro transit agency has fresh leadership with a new CEO. Multiple long range plans and collaborative efforts are setting the path for Greater Omaha’s future, including Heartland 2050,  ConnectGO,  MetroNEXT, North Omaha 2025 and UNMC NExT.

A bus stop with a colorfully painted electrical box

Metro launched Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) service on Nov. 18, 2020 — the most significant mass transit investment this region has seen in decades. Shown here is an ORBT stop featuring artwork from a local artist. Photo Credit: Omaha Metro

Each year, the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), through its Heartland 2050 Vision, sponsors a learning trip for approximately thirty individuals. In 2021, the learning trip will not be possible due to pandemic travel restrictions, so MAPA engaged Rail~Volution to develop learning-in-place that will advance the region’s current efforts involving transit, land use and community development.

In June, capsule learning in Greater Omaha kicks off with a focus on equity. The capsule learning program with Rail~Volution’s ACT2 program is led jointly by MAPA, Metro Transit, and ConnectGO. Through the planning process, four key focus areas for learning were identified:

  • Equity and Inclusion
  • Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
  • Forming a Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
  • Coalition Building

The Greater Omaha capsule learning program will be completed by year end and includes two capsules (on equity and TOD) and two stand-alone sessions (on forming an RTA and coalition building).

Capsules are formulated for small group, bite-size learning with a focus on integrating learning in real time. Each includes a kickoff meeting, 3-4 on-demand sessions with facilitated discussions, a live “ask me anything” session with Rail~Volution experts, and a wrap up session.

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