How Structural Issues and Bureaucracy Impede Transit Projects

How outdated and inefficient city processes can hinder the progress of transportation projects and prevent the development of a comprehensive transportation strategy.

2 minute read

January 26, 2023, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Portland Transit

TFoxFoto / Shutterstock

A new National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) report titled Structured for Success assesses the structural and bureaucratic challenges that impede the effective deployment of transportation projects. Jared Brey outlines the report’s findings in Governing.

In the new report, the group defines several typologies of organizational structures, from ‘transportation-focused’ to ‘transportation-diffuse.’ Those typologies help illuminate various challenges in cities that consolidate all transportation-related activities under one department versus those that have people working on transportation issues spread throughout multiple departments.

Brey spoke with Jenny O’Connell, a senior program manager at NACTO, who says the structure of organizations and bureaucratic workflows matters because “A lot of agencies are trying really hard to be responsive to their residents, but the systems that they have in place — challenging procurement processes, difficult contracting processes, administrative red tape — can make it really hard.”

When asked “How do you diagnose a structural problem or a process problem?,” O’Connell mentioned “challenges that come up in similar ways across agencies,” competition among agencies for funding, staffing, and resources, and redundancy across teams as red flags. O’Connell recommends a focus on having a “transportation champion at the head of an agency that deals with all of the transportation functions of a city” that can help coordinate efforts and keep transportation priorities front and center. “Generally what we see is that the agencies that are transportation-focused or transportation-inclusive tend to be able to solve some of those big structural challenges.”

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 in Governing

Black and white Rideshare Pick-Up Zone sign

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing

From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

June 1, 2023 - Human Transit

Urban sidewalk shaded by large mature trees

Cool Walkability Planning

Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.

June 1, 2023 - Todd Litman

Traffic on the 405 interstate freeway through the Sepulveda Pass at Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California

Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.

The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.

May 30, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

View of New York City alleyway with outdoor restaurant seating and people walking between brick apartment buildings with fire escapes

As Business Districts Continue to Falter, Mixed-Use Neighborhoods Flourish

While office vacancies remain high and foot traffic sparse in many U.S. downtowns, areas with housing and businesses are more vibrant and desirable than ever.

5 hours ago - The Wall Street Journal

Beachside basketball couty with ocean view and blue painted court at Angel Gate Park in Los Angeles, California on a sunny day

Los Angeles County's 30x30 Strategy Earns National Recognition

L.A. County's Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) received a 2023 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).

6 hours ago - National Association of Counties

A spraling subdivision of single-family detached housing in a desert setting.

Albuquerque Poised to Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units

Allowing ADU construction on parcels previously zoned exclusively for single-family detached housing is one component of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative, a larger effort to reform zoning practices in Albuquerque.

7 hours ago - Albuquerque Journal

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.