November 2025

Topic of the Month

AN EYE ON: Aviation in North Texas

When it comes to aviation, North Texas doesn’t just fly – it soars. With two major airports that serve millions of passengers each year, our region is a major hub for air travel and commerce.

But aviation’s impact in North Texas goes far beyond the terminals. The aviation industry has greatly impacted the region’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity.

For November's Topic of the Month, we’re taking to the skies to explore how aviation powers our economy, shapes our workforce and keeps North Texas at the forefront of flight. We start by recalling aviation’s early days in North Texas, then chart where we are today before, finally, taking a glimpse at where we hope to someday soar.

Read more here.  

Look Out Texans

Navigating the Time Change: Stay Alert and Visible After Falling Back

Daylight saving time has ended, which means earlier nightfall in the evening. For most of us, our work and social schedules do not shift due to the time change. This results in our evening activities or commutes more likely occurring in the dark, thus increasing the risk of crashes between vulnerable road users and motorists. To navigate the time change, the Look Out Texans safety campaign has tips to keep you safe.

Pedestrians and bicyclists: Be safe. Be seen

During dawn, dusk and evening hours, when lighting conditions are low, be sure to wear reflective or bright clothing. Reflective materials can be seen up to three times farther away by drivers using headlights. For bicyclists, state law requires the use of white headlights and red rear lights or rear reflectors when riding at night.

Additionally, when riding a bike or walking on or near the road, never assume you are visible to a motorist. Always stay alert. Crashes can happen at a moment’s notice, so it is important to pay attention to your surroundings. Before crossing in front of a driver, make eye contact to ensure they acknowledge your presence.

Drivers: Move safely while falling back

In dark lighting conditions, it is important to be extra cautious of pedestrians or bicyclists on or near the road. Stay alert at night and pay attention to pedestrian crosswalks and bicycle facilities. Marked crossings and bike lanes are dedicated spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists. Be sure to stay in your lane and be vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists entering the road at these locations.

Why It Matters:

Over the past several years, fatal crashes involving drivers and people walking or bicycling have increased in North Texas. Understanding how pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers should interact is crucial for the safety of our families, friends and neighbors. Showing kindness and looking out for one another can make all the difference in keeping yourself and fellow North Texans safe.

For more tips on walking, bicycling and driving safely, visit LookOutTexans.org.

Safer Access Planned for New Amazon Facility in Cleburne

As construction ramps up on a new 1.7-million-square-foot Amazon operations facility in Cleburne, local and regional leaders are racing to stay ahead of the traffic – literally.

To help manage access to the Amazon facility, a traffic signal was originally planned near the intersection of US 67 and Chisholm Trail Parkway. However, Johnson County raised concerns about the signal’s proximity to the intersection, which could increase the risk of vehicle and truck conflicts. In response, the county requested a review by the North Central Texas Council of Governments to identify safer alternatives.

Officials from the City of Cleburne, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Amazon and NCTCOG collaborated to develop several viable access options designed to enhance traffic flow and safety for the growing volume of truck traffic expected with the facility's opening.

Because the permanent option can be constructed quickly, the Regional Transportation Council funded this solution with a $362,000 grant as a regional commitment. Additionally, the RTC agreed to loan the City of Cleburne the remaining $2.6 million needed to complete the permanent access improvements from the outset, eliminating the need to build a temporary fix only to replace it later.

This approach supports long-term efficiency and safety while accelerating project delivery to meet the facility’s timeline. The cooperative effort underscores a strong regional commitment to planning infrastructure that supports economic growth while prioritizing public safety.

Balancing Growth and Livability Near Freight Facilities

North Texas is a growing hub for freight infrastructure, including distribution centers, manufacturing plants and warehouses that drive regional economic success. However, when these vital facilities are located near more sensitive areas like neighborhoods and schools, conflicts can arise. The challenges include issues such as noise, traffic, light pollution and safety concerns, especially when industrial and residential zones are side by side.

These impacts are felt most acutely in Areas of Persistent Poverty, where households with limited financial resources often live closest to freight facilities. Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of freight activity is essential to supporting both economic vitality and community well-being.

To address these concerns, NCTCOG is encouraging smarter land use planning and the adoption of “Good Neighbor Strategies.” These include thoughtful site design, buffers and operational best practices that minimize negative impacts on nearby residents. With most regional freight facilities located in areas facing persistent poverty, these strategies play a critical role in supporting sustainable development across the region.

To learn more, read our Areas of Persistent Poverty fact sheet.

RTC Approves 2025 Public Participation Plan Update

The Regional Transportation Council approved the 2025 update in September to NCTCOG’s Public Participation Plan, a federally required document that guides and evaluates the Transportation Department’s public involvement efforts.

The Public Participation Plan establishes the principles, procedures and strategies that ensure meaningful engagement between NCTCOG and the public. The plan’s mission to inform, educate and engage audience participation is supported by four guiding principles of consistent communication, commitment to engagement, collaboration with stakeholders and consultation with committees.

Key revisions in the 2025 update reflect changes in planning regulations and federal policy.

The plan also works to reaffirm the public involvement process for the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). Public meetings will no longer be required for UPWP modifications. UPWP will instead be posted online in the form of public input opportunity minutes and public comment reports.

Additionally, the plan will also modernize virtual public engagement by incorporating the use of phone applications for polling as well as the usage of online public engagement platforms.

For more information and to view the Public Participation Plan 2025 update, visit the Transportation Department’s Get Involved webpage.

NCTCOG Seeks Input on Emerging Transportation, AQ Programs Nov. 10

NCTCOG invites the public to provide input on recent transportation initiatives, including a new technology and innovation program and funding opportunities for air quality improvement, during a hybrid public meeting at noon on Monday, Nov.10.

The meeting will be held in the Transportation Council Room at the NCTCOG offices, located at 616 Six Flags Drive in Arlington. Those unable to attend in person can view the meeting online at PublicInput.com/nctcogNov25. Residents can also participate by calling 855-925-2801 and entering code 5672. Public comments will be accepted until Dec. 9.

At the meeting, staff will provide an overview of the Technology Project Identification process, a new framework under the Transportation Technology and Innovation Program designed to identify and advance emerging transportation solutions in coordination with public-sector partners. The presentation will outline program process, project eligibility, evaluation criteria and an implementation schedule. Input received will help refine the process, ensure alignment with regional priorities and guide future funding decisions to support innovative transportation deployments across North Texas.

Local Motion is a monthly email newsletter from the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department. For more information about topics, contact Brian Wilson at 817-704-2511 or bwilson@nctcog.org. Visit www.nctcog.org/trans for more information on the department.

--Imagery provided by Getty Images and NCTCOG.