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Central Ohio is growing – and with that growth comes an even more urgent responsibility to make our system safer for everyone. More than 200 people are killed each year on our region’s roadways and another 1,200 suffer severe injuries. These tragedies are preventable. That’s why events like SAFE Streets Central Ohio matter: they bring partners together to share ideas, learn from one another and build momentum toward Vision Zero.
MurphyEpson was honored to help facilitate those conversations at this year’s event hosted by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Our CEO and President, Marie Keister, co-led the overall facilitation alongside Michelle May, Highway Safety Program Manager at the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). I joined by leading table discussions with engineers, a COTA team member, City of Columbus staff and other participants. Yes, we asked people to imagine what a safer future could look like. But we also encouraged them to explore solutions in a practical and pragmatic way. What policies, projects or partnerships could realistically make our streets safer? Where are barriers that need to be acknowledged and removed? What steps can be taken now, not just someday?
One of the clearest takeaways was the importance of ensuring everyone is at the table. SAFE Streets creates a space for cross-pollination. Our role is organizing those thoughts. Engineers can learn from public health advocates, where global experts can inform local practitioners and where city staff can exchange ideas with transit leaders and first responders. We heard repeatedly that inviting diverse voices into the conversation leads to stronger, more creative solutions. That’s a role MurphyEpson is proud to play: helping facilitate listening, amplifying perspectives and connecting partners across disciplines.
Our approach is always grounded in moving from conversation to action. We prompted participants to think about practical solutions – whether it was design changes that could reduce speeds, data collection that could reveal equity gaps or partnerships that could accelerate transit expansion. SAFE Streets is about finding the levers we can pull now to make our streets safer tomorrow.
Global perspectives added valuable insight. Our partner and friend Eline de Boo, Senior Economic Policy Officer at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Chicago, shared how Vision Zero has been advanced in her country and how similar approaches can take root here. For some, the concept of “zero deaths” on our roads may seem unrealistic. But Vision Zero isn’t just an aspiration – it’s a practical framework supported by proven strategies like safer street design, lower speeds, equitable investment and better options for walking, biking and transit.
As Central Ohio continues to expand, the stakes only rise. More people and more activity mean our transportation system must adapt quickly. SAFE Streets underscored the urgency of collaboration. MORPC, ODOT, COTA, the City of Columbus, LinkUS and many other partners are showing what’s possible when silos are broken down and relationships are strengthened.
MurphyEpson is committed to advancing this work. We know how to bring voices together, foster dialogue and help turn ideas into action. SAFE Streets reaffirmed that Central Ohio can be a leader in safety – but only if we lead together.
