Ausherman Family Foundation (AFF) has worked with several nonprofit leaders, members of the community, government officials, and businesses to discuss Frederick’s transportation barriers and opportunities. Over the last year, AFF has been on a quiet listening tour, compiling information, feedback, and common themes. This continuing pressing need is one consistently identified in numerous community needs assessments and has a significant impact on many residences of Frederick.

Equipped with this knowledge, AFF recognized the best way to resolve this issue is to bring the community together. Therefore, the next step was to move forward and recruit Heidi Holtz of Stillwork Consulting to help tackle this issue. Heidi has a rich background in strategic planning and prioritization, capacity building, leadership coaching, and community engagement. She was a co-chair for a similar Transportation Initiative in the Greater Syracuse New York area and has years of experience working with Nonprofits and Foundations. She will bring her expertise to the community and guide a Transportation Study. Added bonus, Heidi has a unique advantage as she owns a home in Frederick County and several family members in the area.

The Frederick Transportation Study will build upon previous studies and data reports that focused primarily on policy. Through a series of scoping sessions and community forums, the study will explore the capacity of our community to offer equitable and sustainable transportation by listening to those most in need as well as those managing the systems. With the tenet “do nothing about us without us” as our guiding principle, the committee will provide opportunities for Frederick County residents, government, businesses, and nonprofits to offer recommendations and solutions. Most critically, they will be looking for partners and advocates to see these suggestions through to fruition.

Community members interested in getting involved can contact Heidi Holtz directly at moc.gnitlusnockrowllits@idieh