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Smart Transportation
EPA Releases Guide to Sustainable Transportation Performance Measures
by U.S. EPA Sep 08, 2011
The guide describes 12 performance measures that can readily be used in transportation decision-making, and for each, it presents possible metrics, summarizes analytical methods and data sources, and illustrates its use by one or more transportation agencies.
EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities has published a Guide to Sustainable Transportation Performance Measures. The guide describes opportunities for transportation agencies to incorporate environmental, economic, and social sustainability into decision-making through the use of performance measures. Performance measures allow decision-makers to quickly observe the effects of a proposed transportation plan or project, or to monitor trends in transportation system performance over time.
How to Consider Climate Change in Transportation and Land Use Planning
by Emma Timboy-Pickering Aug 31, 2011
Based on lessons learned from an interagency pilot project on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center has developed a guidebook for integrating climate change into transportation and land-use scenario planning. Through a process of data collection and scenario development, the pilot project resulted in a multi-agency transportation and land use development scenario for Cape Cod, with a focus on reducing future greenhouse gas emissions and considering the potential impacts of sea-level rise on the region. 
Check out this new guidebook from the U.S. Department of Transportation, intended to serve as a resource for organizations that may be
interested in, or stand to benefit from, incorporating climate change
considerations into transportation and land use planning.
Download the Full Report (pdf)
New Tools to Accelerate Adoption of Electric Vehicles
by U.S. Department of Energy Aug 24, 2011
Electric vehicle charging station in Lake Oswego, OR (photo credit: Todd Mecklem The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the launch of two
online tools designed to help communities better prepare for widespread
adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). DOE has developed a
template to help local governments design permits for residential EV
charger installations and accelerate the approval process. DOE has also
released a training video to provide inspectors and electricians with a
guide to facilitate inspections and installations of home EV chargers. These tools will encourage cities to develop standardized permitting
and inspection procedures and help local officials streamline their
processes. They also aim to create more favorable conditions for EV
businesses, including infrastructure providers and installers, to
thrive as more plug-in electric vehicles come to the market. This
effort will not only speed the adoption of EVs that reduce our reliance
on foreign oil, it will make it easier for EV drivers to save energy
and money by charging at home.
via Flickr)
In 4 Cities, Bicycling Advances as Safe Transportation Option
by Don Knapp Jul 20, 2011
This week's news and blog headlines shared forward progress from four cities working to making bicycling easier, safer, and more prevalent on their streets. 
Chicago's New Protected Bike Lanes (TheCityFix)
Along with a new mayor, Chicago got its first protected bike lanes this past month. Funded by a federal grant, the Chicago Department of Transportation is installing the half-mile bike lane as a pilot program.Bicycle Safety Plan Rolled Out for Boston (Sustainable City Network)
Mayor Thomas M. Menino, in conjunction with partner groups announced a new enforcement and education
campaign to promote safe behavior among cyclists and drivers in
preparation for the city's launch of the new bike-share program,
New Balance Hubway.
Watch ICLEI’s Top 10 Sustainability Webinars
Have you been tracking ICLEI USA’s webinars for local governments? Over the past year, we’ve featured dozens of sustainability innovators who have shared their experience and expertise so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Below, we’ve compiled our top 10 of the past 12 months. Click to watch them on demand, or download the presentation slides. To keep up with our latest sustainability webinars, trainings, resources, news, and tips for local governments, subscribe to our free, bi-weekly ICLEI Connection e-newsletter. Note: some webinars are for members only and require a website login. 
Our Top 10, On Demand
1. Sustainability in the Master Plan and Zoning Code (Nov. 2010)
ICLEI’s most popular webinar of 2010. Midwest local government staff share perspectives on the role of the master plan and zoning code in creating sustainable communities.2. Clean Energy and Sustainability as a Local Economic Development Strategy
Part 1: Saving Money, Expanding Markets, and Building a Talented Workforce
Part II: Leveraging Public Resources and Federal Funding (Nov. 2010)
Connect the dots between sustainability and prosperity. Learn from the leading experts ICLEI brought together for this popular two-part series.
Message to the President: Energy Independence Requires Local Transportation Solutions
by Martin Chávez, ICLEI USA Executive Director Apr 11, 2011
Caution: National energy independence cannot be achieved unless local governments Guest blogger: Martin Chávez, ICLEI USA Executive Director: While the President’s acknowledgment of this reality is a step in the right direction, any energy independence vision must include marshaling the power of local governments to address a fundamental issue: our unsustainable dependence on the auto-based economy. Our cities and towns are a key component of addressing climate change, and this must be matched by serious and forward-thinking urban planning. It is encouraging to witness President Obama stress the importance of a reduction of reliance on fossil fuels, but an increased reliance on biofuels, domestic oil drilling and natural gas must also be coupled with better growth policies and empowerment of localities to build more energy independent communities.
are empowered to implement smart transportation policies.
In his March 30 speech on energy at Georgetown University, President Obama declared that “there are no quick fixes” with regard to the country’s energy policy, and noted that huge amounts of the nation’s wealth and petroleum consumption are directly tied to transportation.
How Local Governments Are Leading the Way to Cleaner Transportation
by Adrienne DeAngelo Mar 21, 2011
On March 17, 2011, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie and speakers from
ICLEI, NRDC, and NESCAUM participated in a webinar discussion to
demonstrate how state and local governments are leading the way to cleaner transportation options. 
If you missed the webinar, you can watch to the complete video file or view the slide show for highlights. 
View the Recorded Webinar View the Presentation Slides (pdf)
NACTO Launches Urban Bikeway Design Guide
by Adrienne DeAngelo Mar 14, 2011
Photo credit: NACTO website The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has unveiled a new tool for designers and planners that will take their bikeway plans to the next level. NACTO's comprehensive new Urban Bikeway Design Guide was developed by cities for cities to provide practical, street-wise solutions that are safe and enjoyable for bicyclists. To create the Guide, the team conducted an extensive survey of expert knowledge, existing design guidelines from places around the world, and projects on the ground. The guide can be adopted by individual cities, counties, or states as either a stand-alone document or as a supplement to other guidance documents. NACTO says the guide will be updated regularly and will have a website with engineering drawings, 3-D renderings and images of the various design treatments, as well as a professional discussion area. 
Among the topics covered in the guide:
Read more »
Lexington-Fayette, KY, Greens Its Fleet, Institutes “No Idling” Policy
by Adrienne DeAngelo Feb 10, 2011
Photo credit: Simone Ramella via Flickr Creative Commons
Read more »
Minneapolis Making Huge Strides to Reduce Smog
by Adrienne DeAngelo Feb 04, 2011
Photo credit: IrishFireside via Flickr
