Transportation
by Gianmarco Katz, Diana McFarland, Griffin Beronio,
with support from Chris McCahill of State Smart Transportation Initiative
What’s the Problem?
Safe, efficient, and affordable transportation brings communities together and supports a thriving economy, yet many people lack access to reliable transit options. Inadequate infrastructure and land use policies that create low-density, car-centric urban spaces create gaps in service that disproportionately impact lower-income and historically marginalized communities. To address these gaps, it is critical for local leaders to leverage federal resources and state funding streams while engaging their community members to develop infrastructure plans that best serve their communities.
At the heart of this policy platform is the ambition to increase accessibility, grow the local economy, minimize costs, and improve sustainability. Interventions are best designed in collaboration with community members, especially those who are currently underserved, to enhance accessibility and safety for all. What’s more, these policies have already been implemented in hundreds of communities around the country to create transportation networks that tie communities together. To measure success, cities should focus on sustainable transportation performance and equitable access and efficient resource allocation.
What are People Currently Doing?
Revenue
Sustainable revenue streams are necessary to sustain transportation services and address new challenges. Gasoline tax revenues have declined as vehicles become more fuel-efficient, but mileage-based fees are a good replacement because they are directly tied to usage by vehicle owners. Local elected officials usually do not have the ability to impose these taxes, but can and should advocate for their adoption at the state level. Meanwhile, cities can utilize innovative funding strategies to offset rising infrastructure costs. Progressive fee structures such as congestion pricing, impact fees, or wheel taxes can support the maintenance and improvement of local transportation services. Santa Rosa and Austin have utilized parking fees to fund transportation projects. Value capture policies, such as land value taxes and special assessment districts, can further enhance funding by leveraging the increased value of new developments.
Strategic budgeting and implementation are essential to support more efficient and sustainable operations. This report provides recommendations to enhance funding streams, and illustrates how comprehensive needs and assets assessments can help local elected officials identify areas for improvement and set priorities. By pooling transportation revenues into a single fund, local governments gain the flexibility to allocate resources where they are most needed, such as maintaining existing transportation infrastructure or investing in high-efficiency mass transit. Localities can combine these strategies to promote more resilient and efficient transportation networks for their communities (see ProGov21’s Public Finance roadmap for innovative funding streams and asset management).
Integrated Land Use
Cities can also incentivize progressive transportation practices by updating zoning policies, building codes, and development standards. Development strategies that co-locate transportation options and other services can be used to expand affordable housing, create safer streets, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Boulder, CO released a Transit Plan that illustrates a collaborative effort to plan and establish these practices. Denver, CO also strategically acquired low-value, vacant, and delinquent land near planned transit routes to capitalize on rising property values. Promoting affordable housing near transit hubs can further reduce traffic congestion and bolster equitable access, ultimately creating a more integrated and efficient transportation network. By integrating mixed-use developments near public transit hubs, communities can enhance walkability, shorten commutes, and revitalize local economies (see ProGov21’s Land Use roadmap for more).
Modern demand mitigation strategies establish requirements for developers to implement strategies that reduce overall demand rather than accommodate it. Madison, WI encourages developers to either build multimodal infrastructure or contribute to dedicated funds for transportation improvements based on their projects’ impacts. This integration of land use and transportation planning helps city councils reduce congestion and improve service to their constituents. Local governments can also adjust parking requirements to incentivize walking, biking, and public transit and free up land for more productive uses. Even in states where local control of zoning is limited, cities can utilize a point-based system to reward new developments that incorporate features like bike storage, electric vehicle charging stations, carpooling programs and proximity to public transit hubs. This report from Nelson Nygaard includes effective and implementable transportation demand management strategies communities can use to guide future projects.
Safety & Accessibility
Complete Streets Policies are a set of guidelines for designing, building, and maintaining streets that are well-connected and equitably serve all users. Local governments should consider these policies a fundamental standard rather than an optional upgrade. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, often face isolation and lack access to quality services. Working families also need safe and affordable transit options to access education, jobs, and the broader community. El Paso improved accessibility by creating a resilient and equitable transportation network. Hoboken prioritized safe roadways and user-friendly public spaces with traffic calming strategies, well-placed transit options, and green infrastructure. By situating critical services like child care at transit hubs, cities can further reduce commuting burdens and enhance accessibility. RoundTrip’s employer toolkit for Dane County was created to highlight the commute options that support worker wellness and sustainability.
State and local governments can improve their effectiveness by working together to align their strategies. Minnesota’s Department of Transportation created best practices for pedestrian and bicycle safety, and Minneapolis Streets 2030 represents a tangible action plan to implement those best practices, and more. This guide from SSTI helps practitioners measure and address transportation accessibility in their own networks. These strategies improve transportation choices for low-income families while enhancing mobility for those with disabilities.
Taking it to the Next Level
Public Participation
By collaborating with residents, policymakers can create comprehensive policies that integrate transportation planning with infrastructure development and community priorities. It is crucial that localities center equity to ensure the inclusion of historically marginalized voices. Accessible meetings with free childcare and meals help remove barriers to participation and encourage broad involvement. Each community has unique needs and engagement strategies must reflect local contexts rather than theoretical “best practices.”
Effective public participation begins with a thorough needs assessment to identify the challenges and gaps in existing community services. Local governments should continue to facilitate strategic community engagement during the planning and development of transit networks as well. This guide from leaders in Portland includes strategies to create welcoming spaces, encourage civic leadership and connection, and improve responsiveness. Vulnerability assessments help local governments understand and address the impacts of climate change initiatives on different groups of residents. Local elected officials should prioritize quality over quantity, and intentionally time engagement efforts to maximize the impact of the input.
Public Health
Sustainably built developments improve health, reduce congestion and eliminate air pollution. Subsidized transit passes encourage residents to choose buses and trains over personal vehicles, while bike-sharing programs offer convenient, eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, it is vital that public health considerations are integrated into transit planning; systems must be equipped with proper ventilation and sanitation to prevent the spread of diseases. These projects can be funded through the Department of Transportation’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program provides flexible funding for projects and programs that reduce emissions or promotion of alternative modes of transportation. These initiatives not only enhance the efficiency of transportation networks but also foster greater social cohesion and improve overall safety and health outcomes.
Allies, Advocates, and Advisors
Mayors Innovation Project, our sister organization, is a national learning network for mayors committed to shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, and efficient democratic government.