The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments (NWMO RCOG) invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in shaping a major regional initiative focused on strengthening and modernizing our infrastructure, including roadway safety, pedestrian access, connectivity, utilities, hazard mitigation, and long-term system reliability. Public input gathered during this engagement process will directly guide project priorities, design, and long-term outcomes. The initiative is called NWMO Safer Roads.

“As planners, we know the most resilient and effective projects are built with the community, not just for them,” said Christy Pearce, NWMO RCOG Community Planner. “This is the region’s moment to influence an investment that will impact transportation and safety for years to come. Now is the time for our region to speak up.”

The NWMO RCOG was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop a transportation safety action plan for the region, which includes Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties. Your input is crucial in ensuring that improvements reflect the experiences and priorities of the people who travel, work, and live in the region every day.

NWMO RCOG is hosting multiple opportunities for the public to participate, including:

• Safer Roads Online Survey (open through May 22, 2026)

• Engagement Map (open through May 22, 2026)

• County Stakeholder Group Conversations

“Every community voice matters, whether you’re a commuter, a parent concerned about safe routes, a local business owner, or simply someone who wants to see long-term growth in northwest Missouri,” Pearce added. “Your input will heavily shape the direction of this project from the ground up.”

Get Involved

To learn more about the NWMO Safer Roads initiative, ways to get involved, and engagement and commenting options, visit https://www.nwmorcog.org/nwmosaferroads. Subscribe on the website to stay involved and receive updates about the project. Community members are encouraged to visit the project website for updates, to participate in the survey, leave comments, and learn more about how they can contribute to roadway safety in Northwest Missouri.