The role of a transportation agency CEO is multidisciplinary, requiring focus on multiple fronts and long term vision for the future. Responsibilities cover operations, funding and revenue challenges, stakeholder interactions, communications, marketing and board interactions and management. Being a CEO also requires handling human resource challenges, including staffing shortages, employee retention and career path mapping. […]

A mostly abandoned railroad right-of-way. An abandoned railroad viaduct. Underutilized transit assets near a rail station. These all are examples of spaces that were brought to life through vision and ingenuity. The transformations range from a network of soccer fields to a hugely popular urban multimodal trail, from greenways that connect neighborhoods to re-envisioning transit […]

As agencies with limited resources search for ways to better serve their communities and respond to changing travel patterns and microtransit options, bus network redesign projects, aka comprehensive operational analyses, are being planned and implemented across the country. As these projects steadily rise, so does the importance of robust community input, especially given that some […]

In the design process, we've all certainly used input from staff, stakeholders and the public. But what important insights are people leaving out? How are users actually navigating spaces and systems? And what information can we glean from their conscious and unconscious choices? Learn about some uncommon ways that your colleagues are answering these questions. […]

Let the recent developments around Aerial Transportation (AT) take you on a mesmerizing journey around the globe. This commonly overlooked model is defying historic misconceptions by providing a reliable and sustainable response to last-mile connections in urban areas. Embark with experienced guides on an imaginary trip through the U.S., Canada, and France on gondola systems […]

Even as large-scale, multimodal projects advance in communities around the country, local residents do not always see people like themselves involved on site, as workers. Workforce equity programs tend to operate on a project-by-project basis. Not all programs reach the communities they are meant to serve, resulting in barriers for local populations who could benefit […]

The push to rethink land use policies always needs to be able to meet communities where they are. Also, the perfect cannot be the enemy of the good, or the enemy of the better. Sometimes progress requires a fundamental rethinking of the problem that is trying to being solved. It also can involve more fundamental […]

Are you a transit-oriented development (TOD) manager at a transit agency? Or a city or regional staffer tasked with making TOD happen? Maybe you work for a redevelopment authority or other financing entity or in affordable housing. Whatever the case, get together with people like yourself and dive into discussion. Your voice will be heard, […]

Circle up and let’s explore how developers and community groups develop a "capital stack,” the layers of the financial structure of a real estate deal, to achieve their transit-oriented and community development objectives. With specific projects as examples, we’ll cover the nitty-gritty of preparing a financial plan along with the challenges of convincing stakeholders and […]

You’ve likely heard about and (if you’re in the US) even benefitted from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. But do you understand where it’s going? Continuation of the hard-earned gains and transformational elements of the law is not a given. In this interactive and high-energy conversation, hear from insiders about the key issues the […]

What do a small borough in Pennsylvania, a small city in Florida and a city near Phoenix share in common? All have prioritized equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) in conjunction with expanding regional rail and light rail service. Hear about what makes each place unique as well as the challenges they face, from funding sources to […]

In North America, the majority of public transit users are women. But they don’t always have an easy ride. Women often feel unsafe or experience harassment. They frequently travel with strollers or packages and often are assisting family or community members. The absence of gender-sensitive design and infrastructure exacerbates their mobility challenges. Learn about new […]

Due to public misunderstanding, culture wars and other factors, some local and state governments have proposed — or enacted — measures to slow or stop progress of transit lines or prohibit rail-based transit and other tools in the mobility toolbox, such as bus-only lanes or road diets. So, how can localities and transit agencies address […]

For the first time in U.S. history, the federal government, via the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program, is making significant investments to address the historical injustices wrought by past transportation policy. Let’s dig into projects underway in Syracuse and Portland that are addressing legacies of inequity and the historic harm of highway building. In Portland, […]

Planning for transit-oriented development (TOD) alongside new transit investments is hardly a novel idea. But as the North American TOD and transit-oriented communities capability continues to mature, the benefits of planning early and effectively can’t be overstated. This is especially true when the planning area is not simply a station but a whole corridor or […]

Transit agencies, publicly funded entities that require private partners to deliver certain types of development, have historically struggled to catalyze transit-oriented development and communities. One reason? A lack of understanding about how to engage developers and encourage investment, especially given that real estate isn’t an agency’s primary mission. Why do developers invest in transit-oriented development […]

Many transit agencies nationwide are still confronting a post-COVID decline in ridership. Meanwhile, many riders are experiencing unprecedented issues of safety and security onboard transit vehicles. How do we maintain service quality for our current ridership, assist those in need and attract new riders? Maximizing police and security forces isn’t enough. Explore unconventional methods for […]

Adopted over 30 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was a major step forward in opening up public spaces and transit to people with disabilities. Mission accomplished? Not quite. Chances are everyone will face mobility challenges at some point in their lives. Access barriers also affect people with children in strollers, luggage bags, bicycles […]

The tenets around Environmental Justice and equity are converging, and one project shows just how much. Link21 is a proposed new train crossing between Oakland and San Francisco that would transform the regional rail system and unlock better travel possibilities across the 21-county Northern California Megaregion. LINK21 sets a new standard for engaging diverse communities […]

Large-scale efforts are underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Like anything, effective policy and action requires input from different fields. But to no one’s surprise, not everyone agrees on the correct approaches to take. Should the solutions be all-EV? Or does monomania about EVs perpetuate harmful land use patterns? Is the […]

The terminology around transportation and development can be a real head-scratcher. Get ready for some fun as we put your knowledge of acronyms and terms to the test! Break into teams for a gameshow-style introduction to the lexicon of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Transit Oriented Communities. Flex your jargon muscles, discover your inner wonk […]

ICYMI: Housing supply and affordability challenges aren’t confined to expensive coastal transit markets. They are a core focus for transit-oriented development (TOD) efforts across the country. Delve into case studies from the heartland that showcase cutting-edge TOD strategies at different scales, from a parking lot conversion to affordable housing (involving discounted land sales) to use […]

The Red Line High School Internship program demonstrates that transit projects that invest in youth workforce development bring immense benefits to the community. The program seeks to engage students residing and studying within the Red Line corridor, providing them with insights into the Red Line Transit Project and exposing them to careers within the transportation […]

Toronto, like many fast-growing cities, faces a housing affordability crisis, with one in five households in need of some form of housing assistance. At the same time, a generational investment in rapid transit infrastructure is underway, connecting neighborhoods and opening up new opportunities for housing. To meet the need and the moment, the City of […]

It can take many partners, a lot of coordination and a series of small miracles to turn a transit system vision into reality. In the case of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), laying the groundwork for developments that won't be brick and mortar for 10 years or more requires partnerships between the transit agency, community, city, developers […]

Sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks aren't just infrastructure but symbols of a community's identity. This recognition is part of a paradigm shift in the way transportation projects engage with communities, especially when there is a history of disparities and neglect. Let’s dig into an example of first/last mile planning that puts community and community-based partnerships […]

Transit agencies develop bus rapid transit (BRT) projects on streets owned or administered by the city, the county or the state. Inroads must always be made – to understand and find solutions amidst competing interests and possibly different outcomes desired. Together, let’s take a look at tensions and tradeoffs in BRT project design and the […]

How are analysts using public data to better align transit service to customer needs, across modes and at local and regional scales? It takes special skill to turn raw data into real insights that lead to implementable solutions. Four unique evaluation methods illustrate how to use data to focus on specific problems your agency or […]

The majority of transit riders are women. Yet, even before the pandemic, the transportation sector was composed of only approximately 15% female-identifying workers. The gender gap remains, driven by changing cultural and political environments, generational composition of the workforce, preferences in work environments and more. Who’s working to change this picture – and where? Get […]

Next stop: Transformation. Across the United States and Canada, century-old train stations are morphing to meet present-day needs, becoming dynamic epicenters of civic life and community space, while also preserving transit operations. Take your seat and discover the intentionality behind the evolution of these modern transit hubs. See the role of community in design and […]

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. These emissions contribute to the global climate crisis. To meet our climate goals defined under the Paris Agreement, the US must eliminate nearly all greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050. Transportation electrification and fuel efficiency alone are not enough to […]

When it comes to budgeting public money, every dollar comes into question. What if taxpayers could provide input on how their money was to be spent? What if diverse stakeholders could come together and agree on how to jointly achieve the public’s goals? What if there was a way to build consensus before spending the […]

Find a good seat for a Town Hall with USDOT and other industry leaders focused on the Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Speakers will take questions about discretionary grant programs and discuss the federal role in accelerating decarbonization outcomes, addressing equity disparities and providing incentives for carbon-friendly growth. Hear on-the-ground insights from state and local climate […]

For a long time, North America’s commuter rail systems followed a tried and true model: provide reliable, high-quality, amenity-rich service to the legions of white-collar commuters heading to office jobs. Even before the pandemic and work from home trends took a bite out of the 9-5 commute, some commuter systems were envisioning a different model. […]

Bus riders are the most loyal and reliable customers for transit. And the bus stop is the front door, the first impression. Recognizing this, agencies around the country are focusing more intently on the bus stop experience. Hear about the factors that go into developing and prioritizing investments for bus stops, from Americans with Disability […]

Bus rapid transit (BRT) needs space, not just for buses to run quickly and reliably, but for stations, supportive multimodal infrastructure, stormwater treatment and other features. This space is never easy to come by, especially in “legacy cities,” where road rights-of-way were first established for carts and wagons and hundreds of years of urban development […]

Equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) is a marathon, not a sprint. But how do you even get started? Let’s explore Honolulu, HI, and Pottstown, PA, two very different places facing the same challenges of how to implement ETOD from the ground up. Come ready to listen, learn and contribute your ideas. After an introduction, split into […]

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed early in the Biden Administration, unlocked historic amounts of transportation funding. It also included ambitious directives for involving communities in the planning and implementation of projects. These directives that dovetail with a growing effort among planners to center equity and repair past harms. What tools and tactics are emerging? Learn […]

Transit ridership and travel behavior patterns and destinations all are changing. Some of this change predates the pandemic but post-pandemic it’s clear that reaching and understanding riders is key. Key to rebuilding ridership, to responding to changing mobility needs, to addressing inequities and to positioning transit as core to the way communities move in the […]

Actually delivering equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) takes intentionality. Let’s see what that means by looking at the specifics of programs in two cities. In one, a new grant program focused on partnerships with local cities and community-based organizations (CBOs) includes several features: updating city policies to implement ETODs, bolstering CBO capacity to take on affordable […]

City life has transformed. Remote work, e-commerce, delivery services and streaming media bring daily needs to our doors. Yet, this convenience, fed by technology, is taking a toll – and not only on retail and restaurant districts, which depend on in-real-life interactions. Studies show that isolation is affecting our mental health and social fitness, as […]

Odds are you’ve been part of the process of creating goals and visions for transit-oriented communities around existing and new transit lines. How often does the vision get bogged down? When zoning or other requirements to implement the vision are not actually developed or adopted? Or when politics or other unforeseen circumstances get in the […]

Coalitions evolve in response to common concerns and interests. For transit coalitions, what does that look like? Let’s hear about two advocacy efforts focused on improving transit riders’ access and experience as well as preserving transit service. The aspirations of these coalitions align with those of transit agencies: both want riders and communities more invested […]

Students making the transition from childhood to their teenage years are developing world views and habits that can last a lifetime. Recognizing this, transit agencies and community organizations are engaging with young people, helping them to become more independent and capable transit users as well as advocates for transit within their communities. Learn the specifics […]

Transportation project timelines and cycles present challenges for authentic community engagement. How do you build the sustained relationships necessary to really hear and understand community needs and views, especially those of under-represented, low income, non-English-speaking or BIPOC segments of the population? Three case studies offer different pathways. In one location, an existing Ambassador program focused […]

Maybe you’re working on a transit-oriented development (TOD) master plan. Or you have a transit corridor where you want to integrate TODs with different stations and neighboring communities and commercial districts. You’re likely working with different levels of government, plus the private sector, plus local nonprofits to develop a vision. How do you bring these […]

Urban and landscape design offer creative approaches to bringing community vision into transit projects. Learn about ways to do this within the constraints of a typical infrastructure project, which has stringent functional requirements and procurement processes along with pressure for speedy delivery. Several examples from around the country demonstrate success in a variety of settings, […]

The phrase "Creative Placemaking" was coined fourteen years ago in a report commissioned by the National Endowment for the Arts. Since then, the term has evolved to be “placekeeping” and the endeavor part of best practices for capital projects. But creative placekeeping is not just a tool for beautification. It also provides opportunities for effective […]

How do agencies with limited funding connect people with low incomes – and limited access to a car – to jobs and services when operating in areas with topographic challenges and low densities? Let’s explore a few places making it happen! Hear about workforce transportation in a rural community, on-demand service to outlying employment centers […]

New C-Suite roles are arriving at transit agencies and changing the way we think about engagement, transit agency operations and future development. Hear from two of these leaders  in a talk show style discussion. What is their day to day like? What new innovations are they bringing to the board room and business practices? What […]

In older, legacy cities around the country, new greenways are blooming in underserved communities of color. Each involves nonprofits and cities working with community members to re-envision underutilized infrastructure and create safe, comfortable and beautiful places for active transportation. Let’s review best practices and lessons learned. The case studies feature prototypes of on-street, off-street and […]

When you look at land, how far does your imagination stretch? Expand your perspective about the ways public sector entities can leverage land assets to impact a broad array of social infrastructure. We’ll cover a lot of ground, including the shifting perspective of transit agencies, from strictly mobility providers to foundational cornerstones of urban and […]

How can transit-oriented development around bus and rail assist the revitalization of older, legacy city downtowns? Let’s look at multiple cities across the Northeast and Midwest — examples of  "Frostbelt" or "Rustbelt" communities seeking to rebound from decades of disinvestment and de-industrialization. Many of these downtowns have central transit hubs or are involved in establishing […]

More transit agencies are taking up the framework of Equitable Transit-Oriented Communities (ETOC) as an approach to centering equity in their practices, meeting the needs of a diversity of residents and integrating economic, climate and relationship-building goals. What best practices are emerging from agencies and community-based organizations? Let’s workshop both the processes and the tools, […]

Transit agencies, bolstered by federal funding during the pandemic, are facing drastic fiscal shortfalls as special allocations go away and ridership lags. Without substantial and sustained funding, agencies risk service cuts, fare increases and deferred maintenance. To help avert the worst of these scenarios, agencies are tapping into their creative side, developing initiatives to increase […]

Ready to turn chaos into harmony? Achieving consensus is key to successful collaboration, especially in today’s fast-paced, polarized world. So let’s dive into the art and science of consensus building, providing you with practical tools and strategies to foster agreement and promote cooperative decision-making, at lots of different levels. We’ll start with insights from two […]

Not surprisingly, much of the focus for transit-oriented development goes to places with high frequency transit, whether that’s central areas with abundant service or station areas for rail or BRT. But what about car-oriented corridors in outlying suburbs, where transit is planned but not there yet? Find out about a t-o-d approach to “second-tier” locations, […]

Bike riders and transit riders deserve to feel safe, but many street environments make it feel the opposite. In Philadelphia the regional planning agency, city and transit agency are finding routes to safer streets by leveraging repaving projects and the long-awaiting trolley modernization project. Explore past and future projects. Hear about methodology for traffic analysis […]

Fan-filled sports and entertainment venues bring big juice to cities, generating tourism dollars and civic pride. They also generate a lot of traffic. Recent big events – Beyonce to Taylor Swift to Super Bowls – have put a spotlight on transit access in unique ways. And some venues, hoping to reduce their environmental footprint, are […]

There are many sustainable infrastructure frameworks and certifications in existence – from LEED to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to the Living Building Challenge. But no single framework captures the importance of going beyond net zero results and focusing on the coevolution of human and natural systems, especially with attention to local communities and […]

Interested in how communities participating in the Build America Bureau’s Thriving Communities Program (TCP) leverage technical assistance to engage in effective public engagement practices? Start with an overview of the technical assistance and innovative finance programs currently offered through the Build America Bureau, along with highlights from the USDOT’s Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement […]