The Nexus

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) convened the Autonomous Vehicle Inclusive Planning Cohort (AVIPC) to directly engage with the community on the integration of autonomous vehicles (AVs) into Seattle’s transportation system. This cohort, representing diverse community voices, aimed to ensure that AV deployment aligns with SDOT’s goals of equity, safety, mobility, sustainability, livability, and excellence. This report documents Seattle’s approach to AV integration under the guidance of their inclusive planning toolkit and through the engagement of the AVIPC. Developed in partnership between SDOT and the Urbanism Next Center and facilitated with Uncommon Bridges, it captures a collaborative, community-led process that ensures AV deployment is shaped by equity and transparency.

The Dedicated Parking for Micromobility report provides practical guidance for cities looking to implement, expand, or improve micromobility parking. It presents best practices grounded in city experiences, offering recommendations on how to plan, design, maintain, and implement dedicated parking for micromobility to enhance compliance, safety, and efficiency in urban environments.

As cities experiment with AV technologies, understanding public concerns, addressing equity, and aligning with local goals are essential for successful full-scale deployment. The report synthesizes insights from AV pilots in Detroit, Pittsburgh, San José, and Miami-Dade County, providing concrete lessons for cities, policymakers, and AV developers. It underscores the importance of iterative learning, inclusive engagement, and strategic planning to ensure AV technologies support—not hinder—urban mobility and equity.

UAM is promoted as a service that could address a wide-range of city goals from reducing traffic congestion and emissions to improving access to destinations. At the forecast scale, however, trips will remain both too few and too expensive to meet broad city goals. While UAM may offer an exciting and futuristic technological vision, it can also distract attention and resources from proven policies and investments that could realize concrete improvements. For cities planning to pursue scaled UAM services, they should consider scenario planning and implement flexible regulations and plans that can be adapted and updated as understanding of UAM services’ costs, risks, and benefits evolve.