University of Texas at San Antonio
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.33 / 2.00 |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
In October 2023, UTSA was awarded a $11.7 million Transportation Alternative (TA) grant through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This grant will improve bicycle and pedestrian pathways on UTSA Main campus. This award is one of 83 funded projects across the state that will “enhance safety and mobility options to schools, jobs, public transit and local destinations.”
“The TA grant will allow UTSA to enhance the walkability and bikeability of Brenan Avenue, which runs through the heart of the Main Campus, by constructing a 12-foot-wide pedestrian path and an eight-foot-wide bicycle track. In addition to the pathways, the project will include raised crosswalks, ADA improvements, bicycle racks, and lighting and safety improvements.”
“UTSA received the grant with the cooperative support of several community partners, including Bexar County Commissioner Grant Moody, Councilman Manny Pelaez, Security Service Federal Credit Union and Valero. This collaboration led to Bexar County submitting an additional project proposal through Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to complement and extend the pathways, linking to a growing network of 100-plus miles of developed multi-use accessible trails.”
The UTSA President presented County Commissioner Grant Moody drawings and collaborative workshops to identify areas of connection that needed improvement around Bexar County and letters of support. UTSA advocated for Bexar County to receive funding to construct a 10-foot wide pedestrian and bike path along Babcock Rd, Walter Brennan, and Valero Way. The submission to AAMPO will improve transportation alternatives and recreational opportunities in the area. These pathways will connect the community to the Greenway Trails, The Rock at La Cantera, the Shops at La Cantera, the Rim, and various other attractions in the area. This is beneficial for the community that does not have a vehicle and is only able to travel by foot or bike.
UTSA’s initial TA application started conversations about the importance of making the area accessible to all with an increase in residents. This has allowed collaboration with surrounding stakeholders and assisted in the city also taking a step to improve walkability in the San Antonio area.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
The Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Pilot Program mission “is to improve college enrollment, retention, and graduation rates for students with a history of foster care while increasing the number of children in foster care who understand that attending college is achievable and expected and are academically and emotionally prepared to do so” in collaboration with the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M San Antonio, the Alamo Colleges District, Bexar County Children’s court, Child Advocates of San Antonio, and Family Tapestry.
A general revenue fund of $1,750,00/year this program is designed to prioritize the “academic aspirations and pursuits of our students while recognizing the social, emotional, and environmental factors that may create barriers to higher education attainment”. This allows students access to an array of support such as workshops, financial assistance, and campus assistance. This program is offered to students from middle school through college graduation.
For more collaborators and funding sources such as legislative and State please visit the link below: https://www.utsa.edu/president/documents/Bexar-County-Foster-Care-Pilot-brief.pdf
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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