Transportation Policy Strategies for Iowa to Advance the Quality of Life

In 2002, the Iowa Transportation Commission commissioned the Public Policy Center to develop a strategic plan to help guide major road investments. The three policy goals explored were: promoting economic development, encouraging sensible urban development patterns, and contributing to an improved quality of life. This report builds on that research by considering other transportation modes and using focus groups to assess public response to recommended policy directives. The monograph is structured as follows. First, we define each policy issue and discuss how transportation can play a role in addressing it. Perspectives of focus group participants are discussed, in light of the circumstances facing the state. We also examine available data pertaining to the issue. Finally, we tie together all of this information and make several specific recommendations regarding each policy issue. The recommendations combine the analysis of available data with insights derived from the focus group meetings.