Morris County Joins Third Annual Municipal Transportation Forum
Published on March 27, 2025
Avenues in Motion Event Focused on Infrastructure and Safety
Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw participated in the Third Annual Municipal Transportation Forum, hosted by Avenues in Motion yesterday at the County College of Morris (CCM).
The event brought together local officials, law enforcement, transportation professionals and community members to discuss strategies for improving infrastructure and road safety.
View More Photos from the Municipal Transportation Forum
“This forum provides a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, connect with experts and explore innovative solutions to the transportation challenges we face. Whether we are planners, policymakers, providers or users of transportation services, each of our perspectives is essential. Together, we share a commitment to enhancing transportation and making Morris County an even better place to live, work and play,” said Deputy Director Shaw, who also serves as Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Board of Trustees.
In his opening remarks, Shaw highlighted Morris County’s role in managing 287 miles of roads across 39 municipalities, 1,000 bridges and culverts and three freight railroads.
“Morris County invests heavily in transportation infrastructure, with nearly half of our annual capital spending targeted towards maintaining and improving our roads and bridges,” said Deputy Director Shaw. “A coordinated approach between counties, municipalities and regional agencies is key to ensuring our transportation systems are safe, efficient and responsive to future needs.”
He also encouraged participation in the NJTPA’s Connecting Communities survey, which seeks public input on long-term transportation priorities through 2050. The survey is open until the end of March at njtpa.org/connecting.
The forum featured discussions on Vision Zero and New Jersey’s Target Zero Commission, both aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities through policy changes and infrastructure improvements. Panelists included Robert Gaydosh, Deputy Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety; Paul Mickiewicz, Program Manager at the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, and Jeff Perlman, Senior Director of Planning at the NJTPA.
Another panel focused on community-driven safety strategies, featuring Warren County Assistant Planner Ryan Conklin and Piscataway Police Officer William Kloos, who discussed local enforcement efforts and roadway safety programs.
During the forum, Deputy Director Shaw and Perlman highlighted two upcoming NJTPA funding opportunities. The Local Mobility Initiatives Program, which traditionally funds shuttle and shared-ride services, will now also support micromobility projects, such as bike-share programs and shared scooter systems. The Planning for Emerging Centers Program assists municipalities in developing transportation plans to support growth and sustainability. Both solicitations will be available at NJTPA.org.
Attendees also participated in breakout sessions focused on building a “culture of safety” through partnerships and public awareness.
“We are incredibly encouraged by the collaboration and engagement that took place at this year’s forum,” said Dan Callas, President of Avenues in Motion. “It is inspiring to see local leaders, professionals, law enforcement and advocates come together to brainstorm real, local actions that can eliminate traffic fatalities and improve safety for everyone. This is just the beginning of the important work ahead.”
Avenues in Motion, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Transportation Management Association serving northwestern New Jersey, hosts the Municipal Transportation Forum annually to bring together stakeholders in support of safer roadways. This year’s event was sponsored by local transportation providers Boxcar and My Limo.
The NJTPA, the federally authorized Metropolitan Planning Organization for northern New Jersey, oversees $3 billion in transportation improvement projects annually and serves seven million people across 13 counties.
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Photo: Madison Borough Mayor Robert Conley, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Emily Loscano, Planner Trainee at Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, and Joe Barilla, Director of Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation.