As the newly elected President of AASHTO, Craig Thompson is committed to fortifying the workforce to construct a modern and efficient transportation system that centers the needs of all citizens. Recognizing the profound impact of transportation on our daily lives, the economy, and society at large, President Thompson looks forward to collaborative efforts to propel the transportation system into the future. In this podcast interview, President Thompson shares insights into his presidential emphasis areas. Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of this year's AASHTO president and explore how his extensive experiences have shaped AASHTO's strategic focus for the 2024-2025 year.

This episode concludes our four-part series on equity, where we've focused on transportation professional's work towards building an equitable transportation system. This episode is brought to you from the AASHTO 2023 Annual Meeting where we spoke with guests and attendees from all over the country. Our guests today join us from the audience and the panel of the annual meeting knowledge session titled "Stop, Look, Listen: Engaging Communities to Put Equity into Action!" We speak to them today about their immediate thoughts and reactions on the knowledge session and get their perspective and opinion on what equity looks like in transportation.

This is the third episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work toward building an equitable transportation system. ReConnect Rondo, a leading organization in community reconnection, recently held the Reconnecting Communities Summit, attracting 150 communities nationwide. This episode showcases interviews with summit attendees who have either secured grants, applied for them or are engaged in initiatives aiming to create a brighter future for their residents through community reconnection efforts. Listen to today's episode to hear from Heather McLauglin-Kolb with the Salt Lake City Division of Transportation, and Cayce James with the City of Seattle. Additional speakers include JT Flowers representing the Albina Vision Trust, Gretchen Chavez with the California Department of Transportation, and Lauren Hood, co-chair of Detroit’s Reparations Task Force.

This is the second episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work towards building an equitable transportation system. Our guests today highlight the crucial connection between active transportation and equity as transportation planners, policymakers, and communities' team up to create a more inclusive and accessible future. Tamika Butler, Principal of Tamika Butler Consulting sits with us as she dives into her leadership efforts in building an equitable and inclusive transportation system sits. Our second guest is Joshua Phillips, Communications & Public Relations Coordinator with the Alabama Department of Transportation to speak on Alabama’s City Walk Birmingham.

This is the first episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work toward building an equitable transportation system. We are joined by Keith Baker, the executive director of ReConnect Rondo, where we discuss a variety of topics including the vision behind ReConnect Rondo, and the innovative approach they are taking to transform their neighborhood.

The Lehigh Planning Commission is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that was created to provide planning services to Lehigh and Northampton counties while working alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. LVPC coordinates with its respected communities, community leaders, and businesses, elevating Pennsylvania’s transportation and quality of life while keeping the environment in mind. In this episode you will hear from Executive Director of LVPC, Becky Bradley and the impact LVPC is making in Pennsylvania.

In this episode Tony Bush, Stormwater Branch Manager at Washington Department of Transportation speaks on its stormwater management innovations and key takeaways.

Joining us today from Ohio DOT is Erica Schneider, Assistant Environmental Administrator and Tom Barrett, ODOT’s Historic Bridge Program Manager and State Byways Coordinator to speak on Ohio’s Historic Bridge Inventory, Evaluation, and Preservation Plan and how other DOTs may implement these findings in their state.

FHWA recently launched its Wildlife Crossing Program, approving $350 million for wildlife crossing projects to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity. The Oregon Department of Transportation has set a successful wildlife corridor, reducing 86% of wildlife-vehicle collisions. In this episode, Cidney Bowman, Wildlife Passage Program Coordinator with the Oregon Department of Transporation speaks on Oregon's accomplishing work.

Leaders of the transportation sector sit with us as they consider today's transportation climate and how DOTs can best equip tomorrow's leaders in tackling future challenges. Joining us today are Sara Stickler, Thomas Davidenko, and Alicia Walker. Sara is the President and CEO of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International, Thomas is the Director of Programs at the Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT), and Alicia is the Director of Programs and Strategic Engagement at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Our guests discuss a variety of topics such as workforce development, the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining quality candidates, and more.