b'PartnershipsRegional Equity Initiative Sub-committee Kicks OffThe first meeting was held at the MVRPC office.On August 27, 2024, the Regional Equity Initiative (REI)fiscal year is centered on building the regions capacity Sub-committee hosted their kick-off meeting for Fiscalto advance environmental justice, and we look forward Year 2025. The REI is a coordinated effort with memberto leveraging the talents and expertise of these local communities to address systemic inequalities by reformingstakeholders and community leaders towards that end.institutions and closing gaps that impact underservedLearn more about the Regional Equity Initiative Sub-and minority populations. The Sub-committee, composedcommittee as a part of MVRPCs Institute for Livable & of regional stakeholders and equity advocates, guidesEquitable Communities at mvrpc.org/institute. this work across all nine domains of MVRPCs Institute for Livable & Equitable Communities. The main focus this Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Completion of U.S. 35/Woodman Drive ReconfigurationOn Thursday, September 26, the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrate the completion of the U.S. 35 Reconfiguration project. The project marked the final phase of the U.S. 35 Corridor Upgrade in Montgomery County, significantly improved safety and traffic flow at the intersections of U.S. 35 and Linden Avenue. The reconfigured interchange, (L to R) Ribbon cut by ODOT District 7 Matt Parrill, ODOT Director known as a Tight Urban Diamond (TUDI), included newJack Marchbanks, City of Riverside Council Member Sara bridge decks and the addition of sidewalks along WoodmanLommatzsch, ODOT District 7 Deputy Director, Bud OBrien, City Drive to enhance pedestrian accessibility. of Riverside Mayor Pete Williams, and MVRPC Executive Director, Brian O. MartinPlanning for the project began in 2004, and its completion represented nearly two decades of effort and collaborationBrian O. Martin delivered closing remarks. This event was also between state and local agencies. one of Director Marchbanks final public appearances before The ceremony featured speeches from ODOT Director Jackhis retirement on September 30, adding a special significance Marchbanks, ODOT District 7 Deputy Director, Bud OBrien,to the celebration.Riverside Mayor Pete Williams, and MVRPC Executive Director, MVRPC 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 19'