ISSUES & RESEARCH

Cascadia supports revamping transportation planning to better reflect the need for regional governance. Local governments must adopt an integrated view of planning that cooperates with surrounding cities and counties to more efficiently use limited transportation funds.

The Pacific Northwest serves as a natural gateway to much of Canada, the Western United States and Asia. The region must strive to provide convenience and cost effectiveness for people and freight while ensuring port security across our borders.

America’s “car culture” has faced a harsh reality the last few years as costs and congestion have continued to rise. Cascadia supports major repairs and upgrades to our nation’s transportation grid and a stronger emphasis on rail, bus rapid transit, and water transportation as cleaner, more efficient alternatives.

The ever-increasing financial and social costs of our carbon-based economy have left Americans looking to cleaner alternatives which are less dependent on foreign oil. Alternative energies and Plug-In Electric Hybrids (PHEVs) help accomplish both of those goals while Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) focus on using technology and innovative design to better utilize the existing infrastructure.