Systemic issues have led to a lack of diversity in the planning field. The injustices this has created and perpetuated are large and complex, however that doesn’t mean we as individuals and as a company don’t have a responsibility to engage with them. Alta has been working to build this into our company with our […]
My team (Alta’s unique Programs Team) exists to help people walk, bike, and take transit more often. More specifically, we help public agencies design, run, and evaluate behavior change campaigns. If you were asked to design a campaign like this, what would you do? You might tell people about the health benefits of walking and […]
Some of the most common questions clients ask me are: who should hire a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator? Are SRTS Coordinators most effective when they’re housed in school districts, cities, counties, regions, or even state agencies? What about in transportation or planning departments? The department of education? Or public health? My answer is […]
Blog 4 of 4 on the Empire State Trail When complete, the Empire State Trail will be the longest statewide multi-use trail in the US. We caught up with Jeff Olson, one of Alta’s principals working on this project to hear about what’s next. What are you hoping the impact will be for a project […]
Blog 3 of 4 about the Empire State Trail When complete, the Empire State Trail will be the longest multi-use trail in the US. We caught up with Kristie Di Cocco, one of Alta’s senior engineering associates working on this project. Who are the key players? Are there other organizations or stakeholders that were involved […]
We all know that access to safe, comfortable, and convenient active transportation options is good for the environment. Every time a driving trip is replaced with a bicycling or walking trip, our air and water get a little cleaner. Alta’s work of creating healthy, active communities has been helping to reduce emissions from the day […]
Last year, Alta Planning + Design supported a UCLA grad student, Rabi Abonour, in a research project to examine how racial justice concerns around enforcement practices tie into Vision Zero policies and projects. In his own words, he explains his research process and findings. By: Rabi Abonour As a street safety advocate, I have spent […]
The Urbanism Next Conference, held in Portland, OR last week, is emerging as one of the premier events focused on the impacts that new technology, new transportation options, and new data are bringing to the way we plan, build, and interact in our communities. This was the second annual event, hosted by researchers from the […]
Last month, Alta Planning + Design staff from around North America gathered in Syracuse, New York to attend the 2019 International Trails Symposium. Here’s what they learned. 1. Trails are a tool for justice One of the most memorable sessions at the conference was the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion discussion, led by Charles Thomas from […]
Photo credit: Nancy Pierce, 2017 Statewide active transportation planning presents a unique challenge. How do you create a comprehensive, cohesive approach for biking and walking across numerous diverse and unique communities? It takes effective coordination and a depth of experience to develop an effective approach. From Alta’s experience completing numerous statewide active transportation plans across the […]
