La Vista Active Mobility Plan Earns APA-NE Award

LA VISTA, NE—The La Vista Active Mobility Plan earned an Excellence in Transportation Planning Award from the Nebraska Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NE). The project was recognized for creating an actionable roadmap to improve walking, biking and trail connectivity throughout the city.

Although La Vista sits within a strong regional trail network, gaps between local routes and the broader transportation system have historically limited access. To address this gap, the City enlisted Benesch to develop the La Vista Active Mobility Plan (AMP), a comprehensive framework that integrates active transportation into everyday travel and strengthens connections between neighborhoods, destinations and regional amenities.

Throughout the planning process, the project team incorporated several innovative strategies to guide recommendations. Surveys were distributed in parks across the city to gather input from a broad range of residents and ensure diverse perspectives were reflected in the plan. The team also leveraged tools such as heat maps of bicycle and foot traffic to identify key corridors and prioritize improvements.

In addition to expanding mobility options, the AMP highlights projects that enhance the city’s appeal, including scenic overlooks, walking bridges and underpasses. The plan also incorporates universal design principles aligned with the latest Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines, with recommendations such as accessible crossings, tactile paving and improved routes connecting underserved neighborhoods to trails, parks and community destinations.

To support implementation, the AMP organizes recommendations into short-, near- and long-term phases, providing the City with a clear path to advance improvements over time. Since the plan’s adoption in early 2025, La Vista has begun advancing priority trail connections, incorporating recommendations into capital improvement planning and securing federal funding for several projects. Multiple initiatives are already moving forward in design or construction, expanding access to the regional trail network and strengthening support for active transportation investments.

The award was presented on March 5 during the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association (NPZA) and APA-NE Awards Banquet.