Rail~Volution 2011 Highlights

Rail~Volution 2011 Highlights

Rail~Volution 2011 Highlights

Did you miss a plenary session at Rail~Volution 2011? Watch videos of our three keynote events.

Monday, October 17: Opening Plenary

		Welcome to Washington! Emcee: Scot Spencer, Associate Director for Advocacy and Influence, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Baltimore, Maryland Councilmember Mary Cheh, Ward 3, District of Columbia Mayor Vincent C. Gray, District of Columbia
		What Is The Next American Dream? What do you see when you dream the American dream? Join Chris Leinberger as he returns to Rail~Volution to discuss his recent research around walkable urban places — with particular focus on the Washington, DC Metro area. Is the American dream really just a choice between living in walkable urban places or in drivable suburban settings? Hear Leinberger's conclusions about the measured changes in economic viability and social equity in those areas — including employment and housing — and how those affect the evolving pursuit of the next American dream. Christopher Leinberger, Visiting Fellow, Brookings Institution, Washington, DC
		The Next American Dream: Demographic Trends Accomplished economist and demographer Manual Pastor examines recent — and dramatic — demographic shifts. The United States' racial, economic and social makeup continues to change in leaps and bounds, as reflected in the 2010 census. Join Pastor as he looks at the drivers behind these major shifts in population distribution. How can we use this data to create equitable, urban spaces where different groups live, work and play together — and realize their own American Dreams? Manuel Pastor, Professor, American Studies and Ethnicity; Director, Program for Environmental and Regional Equity; Director, Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

Tuesday, October 18: Plenary

		Saving the World, One Community at a Time Emcee: Grace Crunican, General Manager, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, Oakland, California As the federal government grapples with a stalled economy, growing evidence of climate change, and dysfunctional politics, what does the future hold for livable communities? How do we use success at the local, regional and state levels to provide jobs, strengthen our communities, create a more sustainable future for our children, and — just as important — heal the political process? Join Congressman Earl Blumenauer, the founder of Rail~Volution, as he challenges and inspires us to save the world, one community at a time. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, 3rd District, Oregon
		The State of the Rail~Volution What is public transportation's role in addressing the economic, environmental and demographic issues facing today's communities? Hear from APTA President William Millar as he presents his thoughts on public transportation's latest contributions to creating livable communities, and sets the stage for this year's focus on new partnerships for success. William W. Millar, President, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC
		Making the Connection: The Jobs Act and HSR We've heard about the Next American Dream and, tomorrow, we'll explore the question: Whose responsibility is livability? Today's session with Secretary Ray LaHood shows us how the federal government wants to put Americans back to work, building this century's rail network. Bridging the gap between dreams and responsibility, this informative and inspiring discussion will explore President Obama's American Jobs Act. Hear how the Jobs Act will help achieve the president's vision for a national high-speed rail network, connecting 80 percent of Americans across the nation. Ray LaHood, Secretary, US Department of Transportation, Washington, DC

Wednesday, October 19: Closing Plenary

		Invitation to Rail~Volution 2012 in Los Angeles Emcee: Harriet Tregoning, Director, DC Office of Planning, Washington, DC Diego Cardoso, Executive Officer — Transporation Development & Implementation, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, California Calvin E. Hollis, Executive Officer — Office of Countywide Planning and Development, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transporation Authority, Los Angeles, California
		Whose Responsibility is Livability? We come from a broad range of backgrounds and disciplines. Our professions affect every aspect of building livable communities through transit. Still, at every turn, we're faced with the basic question: Whose responsibility is livability? Join Robert Peck, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, US General Services Administration, Washington, DC, as he explores the answer to this fundamental question by showcasing how the GSA is integrating livability into its extensive management portfolio. While security has been one primary driver, the idea of open and accessible environments is also important — especially in terms of livability. How does the GSA strike the right balance? What are its major strategies? How does it utilize data in its decisions? Commissioner Peck will share his perspective on how the GSA is taking responsibility for livability.
		Whose Responsibility is Livability? Part Two Peter Calthorpe, Principal, Calthorpe Associates, Berkeley, California, addresses the complexity of the question. Livability has many dimensions and metrics — social, economic and environmental. In design it can have many forms: from streetcar suburbs to urban centers; from walkable rural villages to transit nodes. Taking responsibility means providing for this vast range of lifestyles within a tapestry of transit, walkable neighborhoods, and bikable districts. Using Vision California as an example, Calthorpe provides a multi-leveled answer to the question, involving federal programs, statewide policies, regional visions and local implementation. Where do you fit into the complex answer to this fundamental question: Whose responsibility it livability?
		Question and Answer Session Harriet Tregoning moderates a question and answer session with the plenary speakers.

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