Abstract Manager

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z and every generation in between, the transportation profession is connected by a shared goal: creating balanced, effective solutions that address our communities’ evolving needs.

Many experienced Transportation Planning and Design professionals have spent decades honing their practice and building a wealth of knowledge through education and work experience. The foundation of their expertise was developed during a time when wide, forgiving roads were preferred and roadway drainage designs focused on rapid capture and conveyance. Transportation Planning and Design, however, is a constantly evolving profession.

As emerging professionals enter the field, foundational priorities are shifting toward accessible, multimodal transportation, with climate change increasingly influencing design solutions. Emerging professionals are more likely to consider narrower roads to reduce runoffs and enhance climate resilience. These evolving objectives are shaped by different lived experiences and a growing understanding of how transportation affects people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Professionals from different generations can often approach transportation challenges from different lenses. These foundational experiences can influence how people define problems, evaluate trade-offs, and identify opportunities. While differing viewpoints can sometimes create tension, they can also lead to stronger outcomes when approached collaboratively.

In this presentation, two transportation professionals from different generations will share how their experiences shaped their perspectives on the role and objectives of transportation systems. Using an active transportation project in the City of Edmonton, they will discuss how they worked through competing priorities and challenged each other’s assumptions. The project required many discussions and concessions, ultimately resulting in a solution that reflected the strengths of both perspectives. By blending two unique perspectives on the project, they were able to follow established design practices and incorporate newer design approaches that focus on improving active transportation and user experience.

Overall, the presentation will demonstrate how a multi-generational approach to project planning and delivery not only improves project outcomes but also supports the growth of the profession itself. By learning from one another and embracing different viewpoints, we can cultivate exceptional professionals who are better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.