We are delighted to share a new report, “Navigating New Mobility: Policy Approaches for Cities.” Our digital devices are changing how people and goods move. More and more, people are taking a ride on an e-scooter or getting a ride courtesy of Uber and Lyft to get from where they are to where they want to go. Or, they can forgo the trip to a store or restaurant entirely and order online or via an app instead. Increasingly, city leaders are coming to the realization that new mobility services are creating novel and complex issues that cities and other governmental agencies must address. The Navigating New Mobility Report (Lewis, Steckler), was conducted for the cities of Gresham and Eugene, OR, but is applicable to cities across North America, provides information on how new mobility services could impact cities and what cities can do to take advantage of the opportunities and mitigate the challenges.

Specifically, the report focuses on 10 topic areas that new mobility will likely impact:

1. Safety
2. Social equity
3. Active transportation
4. Congestion and vehicle miles traveled
5. Sustainability and environmental impacts
6. Design and management of the right-of-way (ROW)
7. Land use and metropolitan footprint
8. Informed decision-making
9. Managed innovation
10. Fiscal impacts and new mobility revenue

While this report focuses on new mobility and goods delivery services that currently exist, the framework offered is also applicable to emerging technologies that haven’t been commercially deployed yet, such as fully autonomous vehicles. Download the report today!

Also, proposals for the 2020 Urbanism Next Conference are due soon! The 3rd Annual Urbanism Next Conference will be held May 13-15, 2020 in Portland, OR.  This year, we will focus on the ways that new mobility, mobility as a service, e-commerce and urban delivery, and autonomous vehicles impact land use, urban design, building design, transportation, and real estate. How will these changes impact equity, health and safety, the economy, and the environment? How should governments respond? What additional education, outreach, and research is needed to understand these changes and respond to them?

We want YOU to help shape the agenda. We invite you to submit a proposal for a session or workshop. Click here for full proposal details. Proposals are due Thursday, December 5, 2019 (11:59pm PST). We look forward to reviewing your proposals and hope to see you in Portland May 13-15, 2020!