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Celebrating the New Year & New Beginnings!
Welcome to the very first WMPO Newsletter! As we step into a new year, we're excited to launch this fresh way of staying connected with you--our Board, planners, consultants, and community members.
In each edition, you can expect a mix of updates, insights, and behind-the-scene moments, all designed to keep you informed and engaged. In this issue, we're reflecting on 2024 highlights, sharing what's ahead in 2025, spotlighting one of our newest team members, and showcasing how the WMPO is making an impact in the region.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Let's celebrate new beginnings together!
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 We made some BIG moves in 2024, literally!
We moved! After years of planning and construction, the WMPO transitioned from 305 Chestnut Street, to the Skyline Center, to our very own office at 525 N. Fourth Street in Wilmington's vibrant Brooklyn Arts District. This historic building, originally constructed in 1894 as the Thomas Grocery Company, underwent significant restoration beginning in August 2022. The $5.4 million project was funded in part by NCDOT, the City of Wilmington, and New Hanover County, and completes Phase 1B of the Wilmington Multimodal Center. On October 30, 2024, we celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by WMPO Board members, local elected officials, NCDOT, WMPO member jurisdictions and planning partners staff, as well as community supporters. If you haven't seen it yet, stop by and we'll give you a tour!
But that's not ALL that we accomplished....
January
- Secured a $500,000 joint funding request with Wave Transit from NCDOT's Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) to expand RideMICRO service in Zone 1, and mitigate congestion during the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Preservation Project
February
- WMPO adopted the Local Input Methodology for Prioritization 7.0
- We welcomed Beth King as an intern from UNCW
March
- Adopted the FY25 Unified Planning Work Program
April
- Received 100 kids bicycle helmets from NCDOT's Bicycle Helmet Initiative grant to give out and fit for underserved youth in the region
May
- Celebrated Bike Month through Go Coast
- Supported Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation's Bike to School Day on May 17
- Celebrated the reopening of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge on May 8
- Continued crafting the 2050 MTP, recognizing Modal Development and financial forecasts.
June
- Hired Beth King, former intern, as an Associate Transportation Planner
July
- Awarded $242 million from U.S. Department of Transportation via the Bridge Investment Program to support the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
August
- Approved the WMPO's Local Input Point Assignment for Regional Impact Tier Projects for P7.0
September
- Welcomed Tessa Jones who has fulfilled the newly created role of Public Information Officer, as recommended in the WMPO's 2023 Organizational Assessment and supported by the Board's Strategic Business Plan
- Hosted the 4th annual Brunswick Heritage Riverside Ride riding along northern Brunswick County's Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
October
- Received an NCDOT Mobi Award for our contributions to the Park Avenue Multiuse Trail Phase II at the biannual awards luncheon in Raleigh
- Hosted the inaugural Bike to Work Day during the annual Get There Greener challenge, which included five pitstop locations through the city, including our own stop at Padgett Station
- The annual Get There Greener Challenge tracked 2,753 alternative transportation miles for a total of 1,101 kg of CO2 savings
November
- Go Coast conducted two public employer workshops to inform the development of the Transportation Demand Management short range plan update
- Celebrated GIS Day at UNCW
- Adopted the Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail Feasibility Study
December
- Welcomed Krysden Burden who has fulfilled the newly created role of Grants Coordinator, as recommended in the WMPO's 2023 Organizational Assessment and supported by the Board's Strategic Business Plan.
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 The WMPO and the city of Wilmington have been awarded the 2024 NCDOT Mobi Award in the Large Urban Category for their work on the Park Avenue Multiuse Trail Phase II.
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 Buckle up - here's what's in motion for 2025!
- Developing a regional Safe Streets and Roadways for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
- Completing the development and formal adoption of the Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan
- Assisting with the development of the Carolina Beach Bike/Pedestrian Plan
- Creating a 5-year Direct Attributable funding program for supporting WMPO members with their local transportation project implementation
- Advancing the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge project, as well as other major projects that include the South Front Street Widening project, Gordon Road Widening Project, and the Hampstead Bypass
- Supporting NCDOT in their implementation of Wilmington Beltline improvements.
- Updating WMPO's Public Participation Plan
- Increasing public engagement and outreach
- Hosting the North Carolina Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations' (NCAMPO) annual Conference
- Collaborating with NCDOT and local transportation and emergency services partners to update the WMPO's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Plan
- Hosting the 35th annual River to Sea Bike Ride and the 5th Annual Brunswick Heritage Riverside Ride.
- Promoting the 2025 Be A Looker Campaign
- Did we mention having lots of FUN?!
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WMPO on the GO!
WMPO on the GO! showcases our staff stepping out of the office to take action in the field, driving both the organizational growth and their own professional development.
As part of the Get There Greener Challenge, Go Coast hosted its first Bike to Work Day, encouraging sustainable commuting. Pedestrians and cyclists stopped at six different pit stops throughout Wilmington, including Padgett Station, where organizations and businesses engaged with participants about safe cycling and alternative transportation options. Beth (pictured) highlighted Go Coast's program initiatives like Get There Greener and Be A Looker by conversing with patrons and handing out information and swag, including bike lights, bumper stickers, and keychains.
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At October's Fall Fest at Maides Park, Go Coast distributed helmets to young attendees through the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Grant received in April. Carolyn (pictured), along with Greer and Tessa, helped fit helmets for about 25 kids, ensuring a secure fit. Attendees also chose from bike lights, bells, or keychains to promote safe cycling, with several pledging to Be A Looker. Fall Fest was one of many outreach events where staff promoted Go Coast’s initiatives and shared information about WMPO.
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UNCW hosted the 25th anniversary of GIS Day in the new, state-of-the-art Discovery Hall. Our former GIS Analyst, now Senior Planner, Greer Templer helped coordinate the event. Attendees included other local GIS Analysts, as well as UNCW professors and students within the curriculum. This event featured a Maps and Apps competition, in addition to map exhibits and interactive demonstrations.
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Deputy Director Abby Lorenzo took part in WILMA’s 2024 Leadership Institute which gives area women the opportunity to learn from leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each others’ personal board of directors.
The program is part of WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, created to help develop more women leaders in our area.
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Executive Director, Mike Kozlosky, was named to the WilmingtonBiz 100 in the Influencer category by the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. This annual recognition highlights individuals shaping Southeastern North Carolina's business landscape, with the Influencer category honoring changemakers working in front of or behind the scenes. Mike's leadership has been instrumental in advancing the region's transportation future, including securing funding for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and driving the Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050 plan. |
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In the Driver's Seat is where one of our team members takes the wheel and steers us forward, giving you a closer look at the people who help drive WMPO's success!
We're excited to introduce Krysden, who joined the WMPO team just before the holidays! Krysden's energy and sunny disposition are already contagious, and we're lucky to have her in the new role of Grants Coordinator. Learn more about her below.
Explain your role.
In my role as the Grants Coordinator, I focus on finding & obtaining grant funding to support the WMPO and its members. This includes researching available grants, writing proposals, working with our team and other agencies, and monitoring grant progress.
What do you find most rewarding about working for the WMPO?
Knowing that my work positively impacts the community is rewarding, especially in making our area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
What is your favorite (or preferred) transportation mode?
Walking, especially with some good music!
Name your favorite transportation themed song.
'Midnight Train to Georgia' by Gladys Knight
What's something about you that most people may not know?
I play the bagpipes- I started taking lessons in middle school and have been playing ever since!
Fuel For Thought is where we put the pedal to the metal with fun, interactive questions and trivia that get you thinking and engaging--whether you're on the road or scrolling through socials. Join the conversation, and let's keep the momentum going!
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Q & A
How many jurisdictions are in the current planning area?
Hint: We have cities and counties that we serve. Together, it adds up to a perfect score!
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DID YOU KNOW?
Our new office building, located at 525 N. Fourth Street has lived many lives, playing host to a furniture store and grocery store, as well as a salon and offices! Though the building is almost unrecognizable, a mural on the back of the building showcases its former use with a ghost sign. Have you seen it?
If not, follow us on social media to view the artwork! Plus, you'll get the latest updates.
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