Foster Stakeholder and Public Engagement
Project Showcase
CTS identifies core transportation issues, convenes stakeholders from diverse groups and interests, and helps inform policy and decision-making practices with new knowledge. Highlights from FY22 follow.
Bending the curve: Addressing the troubling trends in Minnesota traffic fatalities
Over the last 20 years, Minnesota has made significant progress in reducing traffic fatalities. Progress has stalled, however, and fatalities are now increasing year-over-year—especially since the beginning of the pandemic. The CTS Councils convened a panel of transportation experts to frame the challenges behind the numbers and discuss what the solutions could be.
Amid COVID supply chain disruptions, experts consider challenges and solutions for Minnesota industries
Transportation and supply chains are a central focus for many policymakers. CTS convened experts to examine the businesses and supply chains that are key to Minnesota’s economy, with attention to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. The forum was organized in response to interest from Representative Frank Hornstein, chair of the Minnesota House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.
Museum exhibit reveals I-35W’s impact on a South Minneapolis community
Many Minnesotans have driven on I-35W through Minneapolis without giving any thought to how the freeway was built—or the impact it’s had on the community. Thanks to the work of several U of M researchers and Twin Cities residents, people had the opportunity to learn just that at a Hennepin History Museum exhibit. Human Toll: A Public History of 35W explored what happens when the construction of a freeway literally and figuratively tears apart a community.
Intersection of climate change and transportation examined at CTS conference
Earth is warming rapidly and will continue to do so if humans don’t act quickly to curb greenhouse gas emissions—including those from transportation. Jonathan Foley, executive director of nonprofit Project Drawdown, issued an urgent call to action at the opening session of the 2021 CTS Transportation Research Conference.