The State Smart Transportation Initiative is a project of Smart Growth America and the High Road Strategy Center, based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For more than a decade, SSTI has supported state transportation agencies committed to equity, sustainability, and transparency.
We convene top officials from state transportation agencies across the U.S.
We build capacity among agency staff through applied research and technical assistance.
We share knowledge and best practices with the larger transportation community through our newsletter, webinars, and other resources.
SSTI’s participating state agencies differ in many respects but share a commitment to rethinking policies and processes to produce better transportation outcomes.
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Our Focus Areas
Innovate DOTs
The Innovative DOT Handbook offers 34 specific recommendations to help state transportation officials position their agencies for success in the coming era.
Multimodal Access
Transportation systems that promote safe walking, biking, and public transit are the strong core of healthy economies and sustainable, equitable communities. For state DOTs, a multimodal focus often requires new standards and decision-making frameworks.
Equity
Equity in transportation is about making sure that everyone has access to employment and other opportunities; that travelers do not impose safety and environmental burdens on vulnerable residents; that bike and pedestrian networks serve all.
Demand Management
More transportation agencies are now exploring opportunities to manage travel demand and accommodate people’s daily needs with fewer and shorter car trips.
Environment
The transportation sector is now the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and produces countless harmful pollutants that contaminate air and water. SSTI works with transportation agencies to minimize those impacts.