Friday, December 12, 2025
8:00–8:30 a.m.: Check-in and Networking Breakfast
Check in to the symposium and enjoy breakfast and networking with other attendees.
8:30–8:45 a.m.: Welcome and Opening Remarks
Gina Baas, CTS deputy director, will provide a synopsis of CTS's 2025 "Unpacking Freight" theme and how what we’ve learned shapes today’s symposium.
8:45–9:15 a.m.: The Role of Freight Efficient Land-Use Planning in the Era of Climate Change
Speaker
Dr. José Holguín-Veras, Director, Center for Infrastructure, Transportation, and the Environment, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Description
In this presentation, Professor Holguín-Veras will provide an overview of the key elements of freight efficient land-use (FELU) planning and discuss the role of FELU planning in the midst of climate change.
9:20–9:50 a.m.: Connecting Freight Infrastructure and Economic Development
Speaker
Benjamin Hart, Executive Director, Utah Inland Port Authority
Description
As global supply chains evolve, Utah is showing how inland regions can strengthen the movement of goods nationwide. Projects like the 43-acre BNSF intermodal facility near Salt Lake City, the Tooele Valley short-line rail connecting manufacturers to national freight corridors, and the Cedar City transload hub supporting regional industries are adding critical capacity across the Intermountain West. This presentation will explore how these partnerships are improving efficiency between West Coast ports and inland markets—and offering a scalable model for resilient logistics infrastructure across the country.
9:55–10:15 a.m.: Curbside Management Policy Development Update
Speaker
Dillon Fried, Mobility and Curbside Manager, City of Minneapolis
Description
This presentation will provide an update on the City of Minneapolis's curbside management policy development and the policy implementation plan. It will also explain how a SMART grant project, Curb Data Specification, informed the policy.
10:15–10:30 a.m.: Q&A with Speakers
Participate in a Q&A with the symposium's three presentation speakers.
10:30–10:45 a.m.: Break
Network with other attendees.
10:45–11:50 a.m.: Panel Discussion on Minnesota's Freight Future—Opportunities and Challenges
Panelists
- Kevin Beardsley, Executive Director, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
- Eric Goodman, Managing Director of Business Development and Transload, CPKC Railway
- Kyle Shelton, Director, Center for Transportation Studies (moderator)
11:50 a.m.–noon: Closing Remarks
Symposium wrap-up and adjournment.