2022 Mobility Plan Update

Mobility Plan Update Overview

On May 7, 2019, the City of Denton entered into a contract with Walter P. Moore to complete necessary updates to the 2015 Mobility Plan. The Capital Projects/Engineering Department collaborated with Development Services and the Parks and Recreation Department to make updates, in concert with the Comprehensive Plan - Denton Plan 2040, and the Denton Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan, establishing a holistic, multimodal transportation plan that serves as a combined thoroughfare, bicycle, and pedestrian master plan for the City of Denton. On March 22, 2022, City Council adopted the 2022 Mobility Plan (Ordinance No. 22-513).

Background and Process

Information about the Mobility Plan update process is provided in the sections and resources listed below. These outreach and engagement processes were critical to shaping the outcome of the 2022 Mobility Plan Update. 

Goals & Objectives

The overall goal of the 2022 Denton Mobility Plan was to approach mobility from the perspective of finding the most efficient means of moving people and freight within and through the City over the next 30 years.

There were four primary objectives with the update:

  • Engage the community to understand mobility issues
  • Build on previous plans
  • Utilize reliable data sources to weigh mobility options
  • Develop an implementation strategy

The project involved a number of planning activities with some of the key project components being the collection of data and stakeholder input, updates to the Denton Master Thoroughfare Plan and Bicycle Plan, creation of a Pedestrian Plan, and updates to the Denton Transportation Impact Fee.

Public & Stakeholder Input

Over the course of the Mobility Plan update process, multiple public input meetings and outreach opportunities were offered to identify the vision and articulate the communities' priorities pertaining to mobility. The meetings were open to all residents, business owners, non-profit organizations, schools, and churches!

2019 Mobility Plan Survey Results

Just as important as the technical analysis, the engagement of the Denton community is a critical and key element in the Denton Mobility Plan.

Residents were able to provide their input through a survey available from July 18, 2019 through October 11, 2019. A total of 384 responses were received and the results are provided in the 2019 Mobility Plan Survey Results (PDF).

COVID-19 Response

In an effort to keep our community safe, the second round of public meetings, where residents reviewed the draft Mobility Plan materials and provided input, were held virtually. 

2020 Virtual Community Meetings 

A second round of public meetings were conducted for residents to review the draft Mobility Plan materials, ask questions, and share their input. 

Virtual Community Meeting Presentations

Five virtual community meetings were held to provide community members the opportunity to view the draft mobility plan, ask questions, and share their feedback. The meetings were conducted for specific focus areas of the City. Copies of the presentations from each virtual community meeting are as follows:

Virtual Community Meeting Recordings

Recordings of the final three virtual community meetings and a final draft Mobility Plan complete overview are available for viewing using the links below. The area and plan updates for the two virtual community meetings which recordings are not available, is included in the final draft Mobility Plan complete overview recording.

Virtual Community Meeting Q&A Reports

At each of the five virtual community meetings, community members were provided the opportunity to ask questions and share their feedback about the plan.

Copies of the question and answer reports from each virtual community meeting are as follows:

Denton Plan 2040 and Mobility Plan Open House

An Open House was conducted on September 16, 2021, with staff from Capital Projects/Engineering in attendance to answer questions and receive input. Opportunities to provide feedback through the City of Denton’s website were also available through September 30, 2021, where input was solicited on the Comprehensive Plan; Mobility Plan; and Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan. 

Council Work Session Recordings

Six City Council Work Sessions were held from December 2019 through March 2020 to discuss the project, and receive input and direction on the City Vicinity Focus Areas. Recordings are available for viewing using the links below.  

Refer to the Item # listed below to select the appropriate Video Index for the recorded work session item.

Community Input and Themes

The City received 384 responses from July 18, 2019 through October 11, 2019 and 287 responses from March 1, 2020 through October 30, 2020. Additional public feedback was received at the Denton Plan 2040 and Mobility Plan Open House, and using a feedback form that was available for the Comprehensive Plan; Mobility Plan; and Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan  on the City of Denton’s website to receive comments through September 30, 2021. 

The following themes were identified from public comments:

  • Focus on a Multimodal Approach (Complete Streets)
  • Ensure Access and Promote Safety for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
  • Address Maintenance and Operations
  • Consider Future Development to Inform the Plan
  • Coordinate with future Texas Department of Transportation Roads
  • Confirm appropriate Road Classifications (Arterial vs. Collector)
  • Ensure Consistency with Comprehensive Plan Denton Plan 2040

Presentations to Planning Commission and City Council

The Mobility Plan Update was presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council between September, 2021 and March, 2022 for input and direction. Specific details of these meetings is discussed below. Several themes offered at these meetings informed changes that were incorporated inot the adopted plan, including:

  • Goal #1 (formerly Goal #7) was rewritten to include language that is in alignment with making Safety the highest priority of the Mobility Plan
  • Evaluation and modification of the roadway classifications in the Northeastern quadrant of the City
  • High level discussion related to Southeast Denton roadway classifications
  • High level discussion related to the roadway classifications for the Southwest quadrant of the City

On September 28, 2021 City staff presented an update to the City Council on the progress made on the Draft 2022 Mobility Plan.  Following this meeting, staff updated the 2022 Mobility Plan to address public comments received, coordinated changes based on recent development and capital improvement projects, and worked internally with City departments including the evaluation of the land use assumptions as part of the Comprehensive Plan Denton 2040. 

City staff also presented the Draft 2022 Mobility Plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission January 12, 2022, and February 9, 2022, and to City Council on January 25, 2022 and February 8, 2022. A Joint Meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council was held on February 14, 2022. Staff presented the final 2022 Mobility Plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission for recommendation of adoption on March 9, 2022.

The Planning & Zoning public hearing and consideration of the 2022 Mobility Plan was held on March 9, 2022, where the Commission recommended approval by a vote of [7-0]. At the March 22, 2022 City Council public hearing, the 2022 Mobility Plan was adopted by a vote of [7-0].