DIVISION ACTIVITIES

The TPD is an active division working hard to improve member outreach and provide relevant programs of broad interest to the membership. A few on-going key activities include:

Newsletter
The division publishes a 12-24 page newsletter each quarter, covering a variety of transportation related features, news and information. Circulation is 1,700. Member and non-member submissions are strongly encouraged. Contact Newsletter Editor A. Ruth Fitzgerald (860)236-9369 or rfitzgerald@fhiplan.com ) to inquire about upcoming deadlines, space availability and format for submissions.
Policy Development
The TPD provides technical help to APA's public policy program, suggesting guidelines for government programs and policies, and offering expert testimony before legislative committees. The Division was instrumental in the re-authorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which led to the passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in 1997. Through this process, the Division supported APA in drafting its policy guide on transportation: http://www.planning.org/govt/tranguid.html . With TEA-21 requiring re-authorization within the next three years, TPD and APA will soon resume efforts to address new federal transportation policies and programs. Watch this space and future newsletters for more details. Those interested in taking an active role in re-authorization should contact Division Chair Whit Blanton.
Conference Sessions
Each division within APA is responsible for sponsoring and organizing two sessions at each National Planning Conference. TPD tries to offer sessions that are relevant, timely and informative to transportation specialists and non-specialists alike. The two TPD-sponsored sessions for the 2001 conference in New Orleans are: "Brewing the Right TEA for your Community" (discussion on TEA-21 issues and rules implementation), and "Travel Corridors or Places? Multi-modal Strategies for Livable Corridors."
Business Meetings
The Transportation Planning Division holds two business meetings per year; one at the APA National Planning Conference and another at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The business meetings address the Division budget, program activities and committee reports. Each business meeting is typically followed by a catered reception.
Smart Growth Transportation Guidelines
The TPD has joined the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) in helping draft transportation guidelines supporting Smart Growth development policy. A draft report reflecting the work of a half dozen TPD members is under development. Check this space and future division newsletters for interim and final work products.
Student Paper Competition
Click here for details to encourage high quality students to enter the field of transportation planning, the TPD sponsors a graduate and undergraduate student paper competition focusing on transportation-related topics. The Division awards a stipend for the award-winning paper, along with registration to the APA National Planning Conference and/or the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. Chosen entries are published in the newsletter.
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