The Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies has launched a landmark study that will provide a valuable body of knowledge for rural communities on innovative ways to integrate land use and transportation plans.
Beginning summer 2005, a research team will work with an advisory panel of experts from across the country to identify innovative approaches to addressing rural community needs by integrating transportation and land use planning. The resulting guidebook, scheduled for distribution in hard copy and online in fall 2006, will provide a compendium of resources and case studies for transportation and land use planners serving rural areas.
NEW! Online Survey Seeks Input on Rural Transportation and Land Use
We invite all representatives of rural communities, and those who serve or study them, to participate in a landmark study of issues and best practices in rural land use and transportation planning by completing an online survey posted at: www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=49661336287 . The survey is available from December 5, 2005 - January 15, 2006. (Note: this survey is different from the green paper survey many ICMA members received in the mail. If you received the paper survey, we ask that you complete it first.)
Funded through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, the project, "Best Practices to Enhance the Transportation-Land Use Connection in Rural America," will involve a detailed literature scan, nationwide surveys, focus groups, and interviews with rural planners and community leaders, as well as regional, state, federal, and nonprofit agencies involved in rural area transportation, agriculture, housing, community development, public health, and Native American tribal planning.
The research team includes ICMA and the Renaissance Planning Group, a private planning firm with nationally recognized expertise in the integration of transportation, land use, and community design. CH2MHill, a private transportation engineering and planning firm, is also providing expert support to the team.
For more information, watch this Web page (http://icma.org/ruraltransportation ), which will be updated with information about the project as it progresses. Individuals also can contact research team leader Hannah Twaddell of Renaissance Planning Group (434/296-3025) and Dan Emerine of ICMA (202/962-3607). Both can be reached by email at ruraltransportation@icma.org.
The research team is interested in hearing from rural communities that have dealt with land use and transportation challenges. Individuals with a story to share or who are interested in participating in a survey or focus group, can use the above contact information.