2016 MARTIN WACHS LECTURE

This lecture is funded by the Martin Wachs Distinguished Lecture in Transportation Fund.

This event is preceded by reception in the 112 Lobby at 5 pm.

A TRANSPORTATION AGENDA FOR THE GLOBAL ERA

Each era faces its own challenges in maintaining and growing economic well-being.  Linked to this lofty goal is a focus on new transportation modes, increased capacity and greater mobility undergirding our economic viability and quality of life. Yet, success has triggered congestion, increased energy consumption, air pollution, environmental damage, urban sprawl, safety, damage to natural habitats, climate change and health impacts among others. Our current dilemma and hypermobility requires us to identify a transport agenda for this global era. This talk will address several tools and frameworks that can help meet our challenges. Among them are megaregions, which are the urban and connected areas that produce innovation and power the economy, autonomous and connected vehicles, sustainable energy sources, greater connectivity, disruptive innovation on steroids, new technology, financing critical infrastructure and sustaining our quality of life.

Catherine Ross is an internationally recognized expert on transportation and urban planning solutions, with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.  She is the director of Georgia Institute of Technology’s Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development (CQGRD), Deputy Director of the National Center for Transportation System Productivity and Management (NCTSPM) and the Harry West Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology.   Dr. Ross has a distinguished record of research and public service. She served as the first Executive Director of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), an innovative regional state agency created by the Georgia Legislature, past National President of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, board member of the Auto Club Group of the American Automobile Association and she advised the Obama Administration on creation of the first-ever White House Office of Urban Affairs. Her last two books are Megaregions Planning for Global Competitiveness, Island Press 2009, and Health Impact Assessment in the United States, Springer 2014.

About the Martin Wachs Distinguished Lecture in Transportation
Now in its ninth year, the annual Wachs Lecture draws innovative thinkers to the University of California to address today's most pressing issues in transportation. Created by students to honor Professor Martin Wachs upon his retirement from the University, the lecture rotates between Berkeley and UCLA, the campuses at which Marty taught. Marty's commitment and integrity as a scholar, professional, and educator have profoundly affected his students, peers, colleagues and friends. We invite you to act on that inspiration by supporting the lecture. Your tax-deductible gift today will help to endow the lectureship, securing its future as an annual event.

Click here to support the lecture fund.