How Can We Make It Happen?

Our region stands at a turning point. We face big challenges—creating opportunities for every resident, strengthening our infrastructure, making communities more resilient, and responding to a changing economy and environment. New technologies can help, but progress depends on people: the choices we make, the policies we adopt, and the partnerships we build.

Creating the future we want will take collaboration, creativity, and commitment. Everyone has a part to play—from government agencies and businesses to community organizations and residents. Together, we can make our shared vision for Greater Philadelphia a reality.

Big Moves, Big Support

Ambitious ideas can’t move forward without strong support. Too many critical projects are delayed or underfunded, even as costs rise, and communities wait. To deliver the infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities our region needs, we must streamline decision-making and secure the resources to match the scale of our goals.

This means thinking big and acting boldly. Dependable investments and diversified funding streams will help us cut through red tape and get projects moving.

Here's what is needed:

Reliable, long-term federal and state funding to maintain and improve infrastructure and support ongoing transit operations.
Stronger formula-based federal funding, paired with competitive programs that reward innovation.
Greater financial support for metropolitan planning recognizing that regional challenges require regional solutions.
State legislation enabling local governments to raise funds for their own transportation priorities.
Flexibility to invest in local and regional priorities—projects that connect people to jobs, lower the cost of living, and improve quality of life through safe, multimodal travel.
Streamlined federal permitting (NEPA) processes to reduce time and cost, especially for smaller or environmentally beneficial projects.

What DVRPC Is Doing

DVRPC brings together people and ideas to tackle the region’s toughest challenges. As the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for Greater Philadelphia, we serve as a regional convener—connecting local governments, transportation agencies, business leaders, and community voices to plan for a better future.

In a world that’s changing fast, DVRPC grounds decisions in data, technical expertise, and a commitment to innovation and improving communities for all. In a region as large and diverse as ours, strong, trusted leadership is essential—and DVRPC will continue to step up.

Our commitment:

Deliver trusted data and analysis that empower partners to make informed decisions.
Support local and regional projects that align with long-term priorities and shared goals.
Strengthen civic leadership and bridge gaps across boundaries to align action.
Facilitate regional collaboration and cooperation across sectors, from municipalities and agencies to nonprofits and the private sector, to implement real solutions.
Listen to communities and elevate their voices.
Advance the Plan’s goals through DVRPC’s annual work program, the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and collaboration with regional planning partners.

DVRPC’s work provides the foundation for lasting change, but real transformation depends on all of us. To create a better, more connected region, we must work together.

What Local Governments Can Do

Local governments play a key role in building a stronger, more connected region by turning long-range plan goals and strategies into on-the-ground progress. Every zoning update, infrastructure investment, and community initiative that is consistent with the Plan helps bring the regional vision to life. DVRPC offers a variety of resources to help local governments deliver results that reflect local priorities while advancing shared regional goals.

Ways to get involved:

Put Plan strategies into practice. Visit the Strategies web page for actionable steps communities can take to advance the regional vision, organized by topic area.
Link local efforts to funding. Participate in the Municipal Exchange to hear from subject matter experts on a variety of municipal challenges. Learn of grant opportunities and technical assistance programs that can help local governments secure funding for projects that advance the Long-Range Plan’s goals.
Access planning tools and guidance. Explore Municipal Support for data resources to support sound decision-making, effective local planning, and informed approaches to community growth and housing needs.
Visit the Municipal Help Desk. Not sure where to start? Use the Municipal Help Desk to connect with the right DVRPC staff for support with planning, public engagement, data, grants, funding, and implementation.

Change starts locally. By aligning community goals with regional priorities, local governments can help ensure that every project, policy, and plan contributes to a Greater Philadelphia that works better for everyone.

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