MACOG Seeks Public Input on New Regional Transportation Safety Action Plan: Move Safe Michiana

After a year of collaboration, data analysis, and community engagement, the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) is proud to unveil Move Safe Michiana – the Regional Transportation Safety Action Plan. This comprehensive strategy addresses roadway safety in St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, and Marshall Counties and is now available for public review and comment until June 9, 2025.

Funded in part by a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Action Plan uses data on fatal and serious injury crashes—including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and horse and buggy—to identify high-injury and high-risk. These findings will guide future infrastructure investments and policy decisions aimed at reducing—and ultimately eliminating—serious crashes and fatalities across the region.

“This plan is a significant step forward in our region’s commitment to safer streets for everyone—whether they drive, walk, bike, or use other modes of transportation,” said James Turnwald, Executive Director at MACOG. “We need the public’s input to make sure we’ve gotten it right, and we can continue towards working as a community to eliminate life altering crashes.”

Public and stakeholder engagement played a central role in shaping the plan. Residents shared local knowledge about dangerous intersections, unsafe road designs, and areas where they feel vulnerable. Now, MACOG is inviting the public to review the draft Action Plan and offer feedback before it is finalized.

Once adopted by the MACOG Policy Board, the Action Plan will unlock opportunities for local communities to apply for federal discretionary funds to implement targeted safety improvements.

Ways to Review and Participate

The draft Plan will be available at areas libraries, MACOG’s office, and on MACOG’s website at www.engage.macog.com/move-safe. Comments may be provided online, by phone at 574-287-1829, or through email at macogdir@macog.com.

Public Open Houses will be held to give residents an opportunity to learn more and provide comments:

· Wednesday, May 28 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
St. Joseph County Library, 304 S Main St, South Bend, IN 46601
Classroom C, Community Learning Center

· Thursday, May 29 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, 418 S Main St, Elkhart IN 46516