Emergency Evacuation and Response

Abstract

In the past decade since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the concept of resilience has emerged as a new way of thinking about cities, economies and transportation systems. In the immediate aftermath of Katrina, many questioned the future viability of New Orleans whereas in 2014 Forbes rated New Orleans as the #1 Brain Magnet city in America. The creation of a resilient transportation system in New Orleans, including significant pedestrian improvements, over 100 miles of bicycle facilities, streetcar expansion, new buses, the growth of the port, and the establishment of a unique City Assisted Evacuation Plan in partnership with the nonprofit Evacuteer.org have all served as tangible examples of creating a resilient transportation system. This lecture will discuss a decade of lessons since Hurricane Katrina and present ideas for creating a new national framework in transportation policy.

Bio

Dr. John L. Renne, AICP is an Associate Professor of Planning and Urban Studies at the University of New Orleans (UNO) and Director of the Merritt C. Becker Jr. University of New Orleans Transportation Institute. Dr. Renne is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). His research focuses on transportation and land use planning, including livable communities, sustainable transportation, and evacuation planning.

Sponsored by: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R), University Transportation Centers Program

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, findings and conclusions reflected in this presentation are the responsibility of the authors only and do not represent the official policy or position of the USDOT/OST-R, or any State or other entity.

For more information, contact Denise E. Dunn at denise.e.dunn@dot.gov