Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Public Good: The Role of Transportation Planners

Editor’s note: This article is an excerpt from the Vision Zero Cities Journal and is republished with permission. For more information on the Vision Zero Cities 2024 conference, click here.

As a public servant with extensive experience in transportation planning across municipal, state, and federal levels, I have witnessed the complexities and challenges that arise in the public process, particularly when it comes to integrating new technologies into our transportation systems. My passion for emerging transportation modes often raises eyebrows, leading some to question my commitment to government work. After all, the rapid pace of technological innovation does not always align seamlessly with governmental processes. We didn’t create the algorithms that power ride-sharing services like Uber, and we are still grappling with how to fairly regulate the influx of e-bikes, e-scooters, and autonomous vehicles. Yet, it is precisely this intersection of technology and public service that draws me in. Public institutions hold a unique power to advocate for the public good, especially when it comes to the management of our shared roadways. My journey as a regulator, administrator, and facilitator has led me to believe that public servants are uniquely positioned to champion safer streets amidst the whirlwind of technological change—if we can rally people around a common goal.

The Vision Zero Movement and Its Challenges

Many governmental entities are embracing initiatives like Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and climate mandates, yet they often struggle with effective implementation. This is where the expertise of transportation planners becomes invaluable. We are at a critical juncture where public servants must scrutinize existing policies, develop innovative processes, and guide unprecedented investments as new technologies emerge. Despite the hurdles, I have found success in creating impactful programs and policies through what I call a “call-in approach.” This methodology involves thorough research, consensus-building, soliciting feedback, and monitoring outcomes.

Do Your Research

The first step in regulating a new field is to learn from the experts. Begin by identifying your questions and diving into the research. For emerging technologies, it is crucial to consult unbiased sources—those not influenced by companies or venture capitalists with vested interests.

When dockless e-scooters surged onto the streets of Baltimore, I was tasked with reconciling their benefits with the public good. Fortunately, I found a supportive network in the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), which provided a platform for city regulators to share experiences and access expert research. Engaging with conferences and working groups can rapidly expand your knowledge base and inform your approach.

Build Consensus

Building consensus around shared goals is essential for any new program. Clear objectives serve as powerful talking points and guide public input. By establishing these goals early on, you can create an implementation plan that outlines decision-making processes and identifies key junctures for feedback.

In my experience, consensus-building is often overlooked in internal policy changes. Many agencies struggle to implement Complete Streets policies effectively. When requesting changes from a division, policymakers must work collaboratively with staff to build consensus around existing processes and how they need to evolve to support new safety mandates. Training should encompass all levels of employees—from maintenance workers to engineers—to ensure everyone understands how their roles may shift to accommodate safer streets for all.

Ask Your Community

As public servants, we must actively engage our communities and local experts throughout every stage of a project. This engagement should be grounded in thorough research and clear goals to ensure that community input is meaningful and constructive. Failing to do so can lead to “planning fatigue,” where community members become disillusioned with civic institutions due to a lack of tangible outcomes.

When we launched the dockless vehicle program in Baltimore, we solicited feedback from both riders and non-riders. We conducted surveys through the vehicle apps, gathering data on riding purposes, equity program utilization, and suggestions for improvement. Additionally, we engaged non-riders at neighborhood association meetings to understand their concerns. While qualitative feedback is invaluable, we also prioritized quantitative data, collecting safety statistics from local institutions and traffic enforcement officers. This combination of lived experience and expert analysis informed our decisions, leading to improvements in vehicle safety and parking practices.

Monitor Impacts

Even with a call-in approach, it is essential to recognize the limitations of stakeholder feedback. Not all participants self-report accurately; for instance, while riders can provide insights on scooter comfort, drivers may not accurately report changes in travel times. Fortunately, advancements in technology allow for unprecedented data collection, which can enhance multimodal planning.

Across the country, cities are adopting pilot programs and quick-build projects to test new initiatives. Organizations like Smart Growth America have facilitated these efforts, enabling local jurisdictions to implement temporary projects that prioritize pedestrian safety and traffic calming. By establishing explicit goals, such as reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety, these partnerships encourage engineers to design with people in mind.

Conclusion: The Crucial Role of Public Servants

In an era of rapid technological advancement, the role of public servants is more critical than ever. We have the unique ability to convene diverse stakeholders—from community members to venture capitalists—to foster a shared understanding of how to navigate our roadways. While bureaucracy can often feel cumbersome, by building consensus, soliciting diverse perspectives, and actively monitoring outcomes, we can serve as advocates for the public interest. Our mission is to harness technology in a way that enhances safety and accessibility for all, ensuring that our roadways remain a shared space for everyone.