Planning Ahead for an Autonomous Vehicle Future

A new guide says cities need to plan now for AVs so they are not caught off guard when the technology finally arrives.

1 minute read

September 25, 2019, 10:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Self-Driving Cars

Zapp2Photo / Shutterstock

Aarian Marshall writes about a recently released autonomous vehicle planning guide from the National Association of City Transportation Officials. It is the second version of the blueprint—the first was released two years ago—that presents a more cautious approach for cities to prepare for AV technology, drawing partly on the challenges that cities have more recently faced with rideshare and scooter companies.

The guide addresses issues such as road pricing for AVs and data-sharing policies with private companies. "NACTO [also] advises transportation officials to maintain control of the self-driving tests, demos, and deployments in their midst. That runs counter to the impulses of many self-driving vehicle developers, who argue that a 'patchwork' of local rules is preventing the countrywide rollout of technology that could save lives," notes Marshall.

Even though AV technology is evolving more slowly than anticipated, cities need to plan ahead, and the NACTO guide portrays a future where, with the right policies in places, AVs make cities more livable, equitable places. "Some of the largest and most influential cities in the country are clearly concerned that the autonomous vehicle experiment might go poorly for them. But they are still optimistic," says Marshall.

Monday, September 9, 2019 in Wired

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.