The researchers' contributions to the center's Transportation and Regional Growth Study are nearing completion. The findings of each of the several individual reports have been integrated into a big picture "systems thinking perspective" wherein the ongoing inter-relationships of powerful factors produce important dynamics in our daily lives. What specifically, then, have we learned about the root causes for the patterns of change in the land use and transportation dynamics of the Twin Cities metropolitan area? What can we expect in the future? Are there inexorable economic and demographic forces at work? Are we comfortable with the future they will produce? Do we have another future in mind? And, importantly, are there policy leverage points in this highly complex "system" that will, when used, stimulate or amplify progress toward our desired future?

Ed Ward, the author of the integration report, will moderate two panels that include the University's principal investigators from the Study and staff from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council. Workshop activities will include the opportunity for audience members to interact with the panelist to explore alternative policy approaches.

The Transportation and Regional Growth Study Workshop will be held from 10:45 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 23. For more information about the CTS Transportation Research Conference, visit the conference web page.