A new report from the Transportation Research Board—NCHRP Synthesis 663: Transportation Planning in Non-Metropolitan/Rural Areas—offers a national look at how state DOTs and regional partners are strengthening transportation planning in rural communities.
Authored by Jeff Kramer and Taylor Dinehart of CUTR’s Transportation Planning, Policy, and Processes program, the research draws on a nationwide survey and case examples to document current practices and emerging strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Partnerships are essential. State DOTs are working closely with regional planning entities and local governments to better align statewide goals with rural needs.
- Capacity building matters. Many rural communities face limited staffing and resources, making technical assistance and training a critical role for state and regional partners.
- Multimodal planning is growing. Agencies are expanding beyond traditional highway-focused approaches to include transit, active transportation, and improved connectivity.
- Engagement must be ongoing. Effective rural planning relies on consistent, relationship-based outreach—not one-time consultation.
- Challenges remain. Funding constraints, coordination gaps, and data limitations continue to shape rural transportation planning efforts.
Want to learn more?
Explore the full report for detailed findings, case examples, and insights into improving rural transportation planning:
