Building together:
A state and local
transportation summit

About the summit

Why we’re convening

America’s surface transportation networks—its roads, bridges, rails, and trails—are struggling to meet America’s needs, especially within cities, towns, and larger metro regions. Decades spent focusing on interstate movements have created a network that quickly moves people and goods outside regions but struggles to keep people safe, lower travel costs, or reduce environmental hazards within them.

Our country needs a new approach to designing and delivering surface transportation projects: common models that will improve safety, boost affordable access, and protect against natural risks. Such systemic reforms will require that states, regional governments, and municipalities find new ways to work together to deliver these shared goals.

However, state, regional, and local officials typically work within distinct funding systems, planning processes, and political mandates, leaving too little space for valuable, sustained collaboration. Those divisions can make governments competitors for resources rather than partners in solving shared problems.

This summit will bring together a unique combination of public, civic, and private leaders to start building a more partnership-focused surface transportation agenda. Through candid exchange about shared challenges and promising approaches, participants will identify areas of common interest and build relationships that extend beyond the gathering. With a new round of policymaking beginning after the 2026 elections, participants will leave better equipped to bring practical ideas for partnership into transportation debates concerning their own states and regions.

Who’s attending

Your invitation to this conversation means you are an expert, and we are thrilled to have you in the room. From government officials and business leaders to researchers and philanthropists, you’ll have the unique chance to tackle these shared transportation challenges with your peers from across a variety of institutions. New connections lead to better solutions, and we are confident that this truly unique blend of attendees will spark practical, innovative ideas.

The share-and-learn format

We brought this group together because we want the experts to lead the conversation. Unlike a traditional conference, this summit will center around a variety of themed roundtables, designed to inspire candid conversations. As such, the entire summit will operate under the Chatham House Rule. Come ready to share your experiences and learn from your peers.

Since the focus is on conversation, not one-way presentations, Brookings staff will take notes and synthesize takeaways for attendees, emphasizing best practices and practical tips. All you have to consider is the topic at hand.

Common themes

The summit will include three rounds of discussion topics. The first two rounds will revolve around common themes, including:

• Revenue Collection
• Long-Range Planning
• Project Selection
• Scoping, Permitting, and Design
• Construction and Project Management
• Performance Measurement
• Coordinating Offices
• Fund Allocations

The third round will offer an opportunity for individuals to join their colleagues in shared sectors. This is your chance to compare takeaways from the day and consider future opportunities for collaboration.

To further prioritize your interests and expertise, the registration page allows you to specify your preferences for discussion topics. Your input will be used to design the sessions in greater detail.

This is a private, invite-only summit. Invitations are not transferable.
The summit will be held under Chatham House rules. Please do not share any items from the agenda, speaker names, or participant names publicly.

Summit agenda

Thursday, December 3

Research

Transportation

The future of US transportation policy demands new ways to pursue long-standing goals

Adie Tomer, Ben Swedberg

September 25, 2026

Transportation

A Bridge to Somewhere: Rethinking American Transportation for the 21st Century

Robert Puentes

June 12, 2008

Transportation

Traffic: Why It’s Getting Worse, What Government Can Do

Anthony Downs

January 1, 2004

Opening reception

Summit attendees are invited to join us for an opening reception the evening before the summit. Let us know if you will attend when you register.

Summit hotel room block

A room block is available at Sixty Hotel DC for summit attendees. The special rate of $175 per night is available through November 2, 2026.

Nearby hotels

The following hotels are also located near Brookings. There is no conference room block at these properties.

• Tabard InnNearby hotel; no conference room block.
• Courtyard by MarriottNearby hotel; no conference room block.
• The DarcyNearby hotel; no conference room block.
• Holiday Inn Washington-CentralNearby hotel; no conference room block.

Registration

Summit location

The Brookings Institution
Falk Auditorium
1775 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036

There is street and garage parking available around Brookings. There is no onsite parking available.