Call to Order / Welcome & Attendance
Minutes from July 23,, 2024 Commission Meeting – Motion
Guest Presentation – Complete Streets in Rural Communities
- Bret Allphin, Senior Program Manager & Krishna Kunapareddy, Program Manager from National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) will explore the Complete Streets approach and how it works for rural communities. North Country Council will host the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), sharing their nationwide experiences in planning, designing, and building safer and accessible streets for all users in rural communities. Full bios of presenters can be found on the back..
Break- grab a snack and chat with fellow representatives.
Transportation Related Updates
- Nick Altonaga, Transportation Planner, will provide updates and highlights of the Council’s fieldwork, efforts with Complete Streets, and other opportunities.
Approval of CEDS Draft Update Amendment Approval– Angela Cleveland – Motion
- The North Country Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was updated and adopted for the last 5-year term in 2023. In the beginning of 2024, we were asked to amend it to include a new section on industrial and commercial development in Carroll, Coos, and Grafton Counties (pages 39-44). In the spring of 2024, North Country Council staff amended the CEDS with the new section and included modified actions, a new goal and strategies to support our industries in the North Country. In July, Council staff put the amended document out for a 30-day public comment period. We received one change – correction to a photo source on and updated the Committee list and staff. In August 2024 the CEDS Committee voted to endorse the CEDS and send it to the North Country Council Board of Directors and Commission.
- Review pages 39 to 44; page 57 Goal 4 strategy rewording, including resilient infrastructure and insertion of new goal number 8, with strategies & actions. Link to amended CEDS. https://www.nccouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CEDS-2023-2028-UPDATE-FINAL-for-BOD-Commission-August-2024.pdf
- This is the previous CEDS for reference – https://www.nccouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CEDS-2023-2028-as-Adopted.pdf
Other Business
Public Comment
Adjournment – Motion
Guest Speaker Bios
Bret Allphin, Senior Program Manager
Senior Program Manager Bret Allphin joined NADO in April of 2022 bringing with him a wealth of knowledge after a 20-year career with Buckeye Hills Regional Council in Marietta, Ohio. In addition to his bachelor’s in political science and master’s in public affairs, Bret is licensed Geographical Information Systems Professional (GISP). He is NADO’s go-to team member for all things mapping while also supporting members with transportation and economic development technical assistance services.
An avid sports aficionado and former collegiate athlete, Bret enjoys cheering on his Cincinnati Reds, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, and improving his golf game whenever possible. Bret is an involved community member in Marietta dedicating much of his spare time to serving on local nonprofit boards.
Krishna Kunapareddy, Program Manager
Program Manager Krishna Kunapareddy began her role with NADO in February of 2023 after 14 years of service at Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Missouri. Krishna manages NADO Research Foundation’s Planning and Environmental Linkages and Center for Environmental Excellence projects. In addition to researching and writing, Krishna also conducts virtual workshops on innovative tools and techniques related to transportation planning.
She holds an undergraduate degree from Andhra University and a master’s from JNT University in India, as well as a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Krishna is also a certified Smart Cities Academy Practitioner and holds the Location Advantage certificate from geographic information system software company ESRI.
In her spare time, Krishna volunteers with Mentors4College helping high schoolers better plan for their post-high school paths. She is also a dedicated advocate for documented H4 Dreamers.”
