Public and Community Partnerships Leading the Way to Construction Mitigation

Central Texas is entering a decade of major transportation improvements, with more than 35 projects, valued at over 23 billion dollars, planned across the region. While these investments will improve mobility and connectivity, construction impacts will affect residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.

This session will unpack these projects and explore how public agencies and community partners are working together to reduce disruption, communicate impacts, and support the community throughout construction. The session will conclude with a live demonstration of the CTX GO app, designed to help people navigate construction and stay informed.

Panelists

Shannon Riley, a Capital Improvement Program Manager, manages the City of Austin’s $48 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, coordinating regional partners to advance transportation demand management (TDM) across the Central Texas region. Since joining the City in 2022, she has helped lead high‑impact strategic projects, including Cap & Stitch. Originally from Seattle, her earlier career included roles in Mayor and City Manager offices, shaping her passion for public‑sector innovation. Shannon holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University.

As VP of Public Affairs, Matt Geske leads the Downtown Austin Alliance's advocacy and influence initiatives and serves as a key connector between policy leaders and the Downtown Austin Alliance leadership.

Additionally, he leads the DAA’s Construction Mitigation Plan which is a multi-year communication, collaboration, and business support program to keep Downtown open during the next decade of construction projects.

Since joining the Downtown Austin Alliance in Spring 2023, Matt successfully led the organization’s Project Connect Preferred Alignment, approval of the Palm District Plan, state approval of the I-35 CapEx Central project, increased funding for homelessness, and city funding for the I-35 Cap and Stitch Project.

Frances Jordan is a distinguished strategic communicator with 15 years of experience. She brings a rare blend of communications expertise, project management skills, and deep community insight into every initiative she leads. Her background spans a wide range of industries and audiences, giving her a unique ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and create meaningful connections among stakeholders with diverse interests. She works at AECOM and is a part of the Austin Transit Partner delivery partner, leading the business support effort.