23 Feb Dana Wood: New NWCCOG Regional Mobility Manager
In the quiet town of Silt, where the scenic beauty of Northwest Colorado unfolds, resides Dana Wood, a vibrant soul with a deep commitment to enhancing regional mobility and community well-being. Dana, recently appointed as the Regional Mobility Manager at the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, generously shared insights into her professional journey and personal passions during a candid conversation.
Meet Dana Wood:
Dana, a resident of Silt, has embraced remote work, managing the transportation mobility program for the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments. With a rich background in food access and public health, Dana’s career has traversed both government and nonprofit sectors, paving the way for her current role.
Having joined the organization in December, Dana is excited about the opportunities her new role presents. The transportation mobility program, focusing on vulnerable populations, is a recent addition to her repertoire. Managing the Intermountain Transportation Planning Region (IMTPR) and the Regional Transit Coordinating Council (RTCC), Dana is deeply involved in shaping transportation strategies that span a five-county region in Western Colorado.
The Intermountain Transportation Planning Region (IMTPR) serves multiple purposes that, together, establish the foundation for regional decision-making related to the statewide transportation system. It is developed using community input, public feedback, and regional data. It allows the people of the Intermountain TPR to clearly communicate their needs and priorities for transportation to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Transportation Commission, which simultaneously helps them understand what to expect from CDOT with regard to planning, funding, and completing projects in their area. The RTP is updated periodically to adjust for changes in travel behavior, transportation policy, and the transportation system over time.
IMTPR undergoes project prioritization every four years, shaping the transportation landscape. Dana emphasized the importance of collaboration among elected officials, planners, and transportation professionals to enhance the region at the state level. The upcoming retreat in April promises a forum for such discussions.
The Regional Transportation Coordinating Council (RTCC) was formed in 2010 after a study on the growing older adult population in our region identified the addressing of gaps in transportation services as a major regional priority. Transportation across county boundaries to access healthcare facilities and other services was one clear gap. While the initial efforts focused primarily on older adults, filling gaps in transit, transportation, mobility and related services that benefit older adults benefit everyone. The RTCC acknowledges the challenges faced by older adults are also faced by veterans, people with limited income, and individuals with disabilities.
The RTCC is in a phase of reevaluation. Dana envisions the RTCC as a mechanism to fill transportation gaps between communities and foster innovation. The group’s summit in September will be pivotal in defining its future trajectory.
While her professional life is dynamic, Dana’s personal life is equally engaging. A proud owner of Luna, a husky lab mix rescued in Texas, Dana enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, skinning, running, and practicing and teaching yoga. Her deep community involvement extends to serving on the planning and zoning board for the town of Silt and being on the board of an educational nonprofit farm in the same town since 2011.
Living in Silt, Dana acknowledges the town’s current lack of recreational activities but sees it as an affordable place to live with exciting potential for community development. She is keen on preserving the small-town feel while bringing in necessary resources, such as a grocery store, to enhance the quality of life for Silt residents.
“The sense of community in the Roaring Fork Valley is great, and having all those connections keeps me here,” Dana says of her region.
Fun Fact:
In addition to her professional and community roles, Dana has a hidden talent – she participated in two local theater plays in Rifle, where she lived for eight years. It’s a delightful revelation that adds an extra layer to Dana’s multifaceted personality.
Say Hi to Dana at NWCCOG!
Dana Wood, with her infectious enthusiasm for community development and commitment to transportation solutions, is a shining example of individuals making a difference in their regions. As she continues to bridge gaps and build connections, both professionally and personally, Dana remains a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to create positive change in their communities.
Here at Vintage, we are grateful for our community partners, fellow staff at NWCCOG, and all of our Northwest Colorado community!