How We Align Decisions and Dollars
As the transportation system has grown and become more complex, transportation decision-making has become more difficult, transportation projects have become more costly, and revenue challenges have grown. In recent decades, investments have failed to keep pace with increasing needs and much of our infrastructure has fallen into disrepair. The seven finalists propose a wide range of strategies to use technology to create efficiencies, improve public services, support innovation, and engage their citizens in the planning process.
- Building integrated data platforms that combine public and private-sector data to improve decision-making, both in real-time and through historical analysis.
- Developing new open data portals with real-time Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to increase transparency, spur innovation, and support research.
- Using new data sources, such as sensors, video processing, smartphone app data, and crowdsourcing, to inform policymakers and promote better allocation of limited taxpayer dollars.
A survey by the National Association of Realtors found Americans strongly prefer walkable neighborhoods with parks and transit options nearby. |
Community Parklets
Already located throughout San Francisco, parklets are public spaces built on top of on-street parking spaces, typically providing seating and other pedestrian amenities. San Francisco plans to expand parklets throughout the City, obtaining community input on design elements, installing Wi-Fi kiosk access points, and documenting impacts on its users. The goal of the parklets is to increase pedestrian and cyclist amenities and increase digital equity through greater access to Internet connectivity.
Reducing Commutes by Optimizing Land Use
Rapid population growth is forcing Austin to rethink how it uses its land. New mobility services, enhanced data integration, or electric vehicles will not on their own solve these challenges. Austin is exploring ways to create walkable and bikeable urban environments and reduce lengthy, sprawl- inducing commutes by reclaiming land that has traditionally been allocated for road expansions and parking facilities. Through property redevelopment, infill, and transit oriented development, Austin intends to cultivate stronger, less car-dependent and more equitable communities.