Training Description
All transportation ecology problems involve the public as stakeholders in some way. Although it is usual to involve stakeholders with institutional or consulting roles in decisions, it is less usual and often seen as more challenging to equitably involve the majority of the public. In 2022, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) released its Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making guide. This training will cover ways that work to involve the public, youth, disadvantaged and impacted communities, and others in transportation ecology research and decision-making. Participants will discuss meaningful public involvement practices and engage in facilitated activities. This training applies to practitioners working in policy, planning, engineering, operations, civil rights, environmental justice, and public involvement. Practitioners and individuals from tribal nations who provide transportation services in the areas of highway, highway safety, rail, airport, pipeline, port, transit and rail authorities/agencies are encouraged to attend.
Organizer and moderator
Kimberly Andrews, PhD is a professor at University of Georgia, Marine Extension. She conducts ecological and climate adaptation projects in local communities throughout the Georgia coastal region.