The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) received three achievement awards for 2024 from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the categories of Transportation, Community and Economic Development, and Personnel Management, Employment and Training.
Since 1970, NACo achievement awards have annually recognized outstanding county government programs and services.
In the Transportation category, NACo honored the county’s University Boulevard dedicated bus lane project. The project added over two miles of dedicated bus lanes to alleviate traffic along one of the county’s most congested corridors, enhancing the daily commute for thousands of residents who depend on public transportation.
The dedicated lane initiative is part of MCDOT’s Bus Priority Project, which strives to prioritize environmentally sustainable transportation options.
MCDOT was also awarded for its work in community and economic development to maximize underutilized public parking spaces in the Bethesda Parking Lot District. This year, MCDOT obtained a long-term parking lease agreement that enabled the Woodmont Corner Public Parking Garage 11 to remain open for lease customers during business hours and still remain publicly available after business hours.
NACo also recognized MCDOT’s problem-solving committees for their personnel management, employment and training improvements.
MCDOT Transit Services previously experienced a high staff turnover rate due to low morale. In response, MCDOT created problem-solving committees tasked with decentralizing decision-making and empowering staff in leadership choices. The committees were acknowledged for their efforts to improve their work environment.
“The Montgomery County Department of Transportation continues to develop forward-thinking programs that prioritize equitable, climate-friendly transportation, strengthen our business partnerships, and champion our employees,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin in a press release. “I am pleased that NACo recognizes MCDOT as a national leader in solving some of the most critical issues facing local communities today.”
Photo courtesy of MCDOT
