A community’s access to reliable and safe transportation was identified by Harvard in a continuing study of upward mobility as a vital component of individual’s odds of moving into the middle class. The July 2021 Program will focus on identifying opportunities where transportation investment can have a positive impact on upward social mobility for marginalized communities, and how to effectively refocus investments in response to COVID-19.

The Central Florida region continues to make significant transportation investments including I-4 Ultimate, SunRail commuter system and connectivity with local transit systems, SunTrax testing facility, the Brightline connection, areawide bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements by local governments, and the upcoming transportation sales tax referendum. The region is also working on tackling issues like homelessness, expanding mobility options for transportation disadvantaged individuals and improving access to employment. 

As of 2020, the transportation industry is facing an unprecedented degree of funding uncertainty due to COVID-19 impacts, necessitating project reprioritization across the board. During this program, we will hear from local and national experts on the relationship between transportation investments and upward social mobility for the most vulnerable members of our community. The discussion will range from investments and impacts of bike/ped infrastructure, roadways, and transit operations improvements.