State DOTs must regularly partner with metropolitan and regional planning organizations, local governments, and other agencies to develop and implement plans and programs. Collaboration is becoming more challenging as projects become more complex and staffing, funding, and other resources become more constrained. The AASHTO Committee on Planning identified DOT/MPO collaboration as one of its priority issues for 2026. AASHTO also established a Local Programs Community of Practice to provide resources to DOTs that provide direct funding and/or technical support to local governments and organizations. At the same time, NCHRP 08-179: Strategies and Actions for Collaboration: A Guide for DOTs, MPOs, and Partners is identifying practices and tools for being more effective in collaborating, particularly in “stretch” situations. During this session, planning practitioners from four SASHTO State DOTs will share their successes and challenges in working with MPOs and local governments. Participants will also have an opportunity to hear an update on AASHTO and NCHRP activities and provide input to this ongoing research and collaboration.

Speakers:
Preston Elliott, AICP, TDOT, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Planning
Jessie Jones, P.E., ARDOT, Chief Engineer
Casey Wells, TXDOT, Advanced Transportation Planning Section Director
Kelly Martin, GDOT, Assistant Director of Metro and Rural Planning
John Kaliski, Cambridge Systematics, Inc., Vice President and Principal