The State Smart Transportation Initiative just released its new framework, Innovative DOT. This comprehensive framework offers specific recommendations designed to support state transportation officials in positioning their agencies for success in today’s evolving transportation landscape.
Developed with input from top transportation professionals—including T4America— and state DOT staff from across the country, the State Smart Transportation Initiative’s new framework highlights innovative approaches that leaders are adopting to enhance transportation system efficiency, government effectiveness, and constituent satisfaction. Learning from peers can help state transportation officials tackle shared problems without reinventing the wheel.
This comprehensive resource covers everything from planning to operations and agency culture. It shows how your agency can build a path to resilience while implementing policies and practices that prioritize people over cars.
It also highlights one of our principles, fix it first, and calls on states and local governments who aren’t already doing so to advocate for dedicated funding streams to invest properly in a state of good repair, focusing on maintenance rather than expanding existing transportation infrastructure.
We encourage transportation professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore this valuable resource to continue innovating and improving their organizations to address contemporary challenges state DOTs are facing.
The State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI) is a joint program of Smart Growth America and the High Road Strategy Center at the University of Wisconsin.
Join us for a webinar on Tuesday, February 25th at 2 p.m. ET to discuss the state of transportation funding, including recent executive orders and the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.
Federal transportation funding is at a crossroads, with executive orders and USDOT directives reshaping priorities and halting projects, not to mention federal surface transportation program planning already underway. In a rapidly shifting USDOT, what is the latest on projects across the country facing uncertainty, delays, and outright cuts to obligated funding? How will the Trump administration’s policies influence long-term funding decisions? And could a shift in the reauthorization status quo really be a bad thing?
Join Beth Osborne, Director of Transportation for America, for a timely discussion on the state of federal transportation funding, what to expect in the coming months, and how advocates and practitioners can navigate this evolving landscape.
TransportationCamp DC took place at George Mason University Arlington Campus on January 6. As one of 300 attendees in person – with an additional 100 joining virtually – I witnessed the beauty of what can happen when people come together to have conversations about transportation and policy reform and the future of transportation infrastructure across the nation.
A rainy first Saturday of the year did not deter the enthusiasm and participation of hundreds of folks who came from near and far for the much anticipated annual TransportationCamp DC. The multi-purpose room of Van Metre hall slowly filled as people grabbed their morning coffee and bagels and said hello to friendly faces, old and new, while mulling over an icebreaker that prompted people to consider how to implement or improve upon different modes of transportation at the local and national level.
This annual “unconference” is a unique approach to talking about transportation. Rather than create a pre-planned agenda, the program’s sessions are decided by the participants, who range in age and expertise. They pitch topics of discussion to the group at large who then carefully consider and vote on the propositions that interest them most, resulting in the day’s agenda. Gradually, sheets of paper began to line the front of the room where people frantically wrote and displayed their session ideas in the hopes of winning over the crowd with their proposed topics. An array of ideas – green mobility, data-driven policy, transit equity, and climate grief and burnout to name a few – were listed, enticing people to intently ponder which subjects resonated most with them before casting their votes.
Once the submission window closed, attendees transitioned to the main auditorium to hear from Veronica O. Davis, the Director of Transportation for the City of Houston. With copies of her new book, “Inclusive Transportation” in hand, people took their seats in anticipation of her opening remarks. Davis, a lively, energetic speaker who came prepared to engage the audience, began by surveying the room. When prompting people to proudly raise their hands if they grew up walking and biking in their communities, dozens of arms shot up, but the numbers dwindled as she built in the context of today, wondering at last, who among the crowd would allow their children to walk or bike in our current environment.
“We have built a world in which a child cannot move freely,” she acknowledged. It was a captivating segue into the rest of her presentation, where she read aloud the preface of her book and invited everyone to let their guard down and enter the day’s conversations intentionally, respectfully, and openly.
Inspired and ready for the day to unfold, it was nothing but hustle and bustle to peer over the heads and shoulders of the crowd that had formed to view the official schedule of the day. Five periods and their corresponding rooms and topics were assigned…TCamp was officially in session. Breakout rooms became an intimate space to discuss pedestrian safety, transit-oriented development, curbing transportation emissions, and more. The structure for each session ranged from formal presentations to open forums to robust group discussions.
I attended one session all about “researching your passion” and found myself sharing my interests in data storytelling. To my surprise, two other people in the small group expressed similar interests. The like-mindedness and curiosity of campers at TransportationCamp made it easy to feel included and I learned that it didn’t matter what my background or experience was. If you are willing to learn, there are endless opportunities to inherit new nuggets of knowledge.
Speaking of knowledge, the plenary speech given by Councilmember John J. Bauters was a presentation chock-full of additional, valuable insights. With an impressive background and intense understanding of the field, Bauters took a moment to showcase a variety of examples and success stories of how he’s helped his community in Emeryville, CA become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to inclusive transportation and infrastructure. Bauters’ speech helped me understand the importance of engaging with and electing decision-makers that align with my transportation goals, a lesson I was able to take into the conversations that followed for the remainder of the day.
After a jam-packed day, Camp came to an end, though the conversations were far from over. Some participants lingered beyond closing while others made their way to the reception at Penn Social in D.C. It was a space for vibrant and engaging interactions where people proceeded to mingle and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere complete with snacks, drinks, music, and arcade games.
It’s evident that TransportationCamp sets the stage for advocates, planners, and transportation nerds alike to enter the year with new or evolved alliances with peers and an invigorated sense of purpose and determination. Devoting time to learn and grow together is a powerful tool that generates hope for the future, a future where everyone can travel safely and conveniently, no matter where their trip begins and ends.
TransportationCamp DC is coming back on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at George Mason University’s Arlington campus. This is an annual opportunity to connect with experts, practitioners, and students all at once. Here’s everything you need to know about the “unconference.”
Shabazz Stuart delivers the keynote speech at TransportationCamp DC 2023.
1. Why is it called an unconference?
At TransportationCamp, every attendee has the opportunity to lead the conversation. Attendees submit topics for 50-minute breakout sessions and in-person Campers get to vote on what they want to talk about, giving the power to participants to create the experience they want to have!
2. Who should come to TCamp?
Everyone! Advocates, practitioners, Complete Streets Champions, politicians, business leaders, and students are all welcome to join and learn from each other.
The process is different depending on whether or not you’re joining us virtually or in person. Here’s what it looks like:
In person: Attendees will submit sessions the morning of Camp and have the chance to vote on what they want to discuss.
Virtual: Attendees must be registered for Camp to submit sessions. Look for the submission form in your confirmation email!
If you plan to attend TCamp on Zoom, virtual-only sessions will play a big part in your experience. The deadline to submit virtual session ideas is December 31—have you submitted your session yet?
5. What do I need to know about leading a session?
We want sessions to feel like a conversation, so we recommend a casual, engaging, and inclusive approach. Breakout rooms at GMU will each have a projector, USB port, a computer if you need to use email to access resources, and a whiteboard with whiteboard markers.
Keep accessibility in mind. 14-point font is best for presentations. Be sure to choose a high-contrast design and, if you’re joining us in person, we’ll have a Google Drive folder available where you can drop your slides for people to view on their personal devices. Keeping these in mind will help ensure that everyone is able to enjoy your presentation.
For more advice on leading a session, please check here.
5. How do I get there?
TransportationCamp will be at Van Metre Hall on George Mason University’s Arlington campus, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201.
By bike: Bike parking is available near the front entrance on Fairfax Drive and in the parking garage, located at the rear of the building.
By metro: The closest metro stop is Virginia Square–GMU on the orange and silver line. Exit via Virginia Sq-GMU Metrorail Station at the southwest corner of Fairfax Drive & North Monroe Street, then head north on North Monroe St toward Fairfax Drive.
By car: Route to Founders Way North, Arlington, VA in Google Maps to get directed to the parking garage entrance.
For those joining Camp virtually, make sure info@t4america.org emails are reaching your inbox. Check your email the morning of Camp for a Zoom link to join, then you can simply tune in by joining a session using the link we attach.
6. Can I volunteer at TransportationCamp?
This year we are unfortunately not able to do an open call for volunteers. However, for future Camps, we’d like to have volunteer tickets available for partnering schools and organizations. If you are a student or part of an organization that would be interested in volunteering at Camp next year, please reach out to us!
7. Is there TransportationCamp near me?
There are TransportationCamps across the country hosted by various organizations! Visit transportationcamp.org to learn more.
8. Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions or comments, please email tcampdc@smartgrowthamerica.org. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
