Reflections on CTS at 40: Lyssa Leitner

I was first introduced to the Center for Transportation Studies as a graduate student employee while I was a student at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. I learned about the world of transportation research through the Local Road Research Board and CTS’s Transit Impact Research Program (TIRP). At the time, I didn’t realize just how formative that experience would be.

As a student, those programs helped me connect with researchers throughout the University of Minnesota and professionals from across Minnesota. I met people who became mentors, some who I still work with today. Those early connections turned out to be incredibly valuable and deeply shaped the direction of my career.

One of those connections helped me land an internship with Washington County—and I’m still with the county today, now serving as planning director. I’ve been thankful to stay connected to CTS by serving on committees through TIRP and technical panels. I have also served on several Technical Advisory Panels (TAPs) for research projects, including After Study of The Bus Rapid Transit A Line Impacts.

Because of my involvement as both a student at the University and as a CTS committee member, I was also invited to serve on the selection panel when Laurie McGinnis was hired as CTS director. That experience showed how much CTS values student voices and perspectives. 

While working to deliver the METRO Gold Line, I heavily relied on CTS research projects and studies that evaluated property value impacts for commercial and residential properties. This research helped us clearly communicate with residents about what investment in transit could mean for their neighborhoods over the long-term.

Another study, focused on walk distance tolerance for park-and-ride access, was especially helpful in designing the Gold Line’s Helmo Station area. Typically, park-and-ride lots are placed right next to transit stations, but that often leads to large areas of underused space. Using CTS-led research, we made the case to move the lot about a block away, closer to I-94 where development was less desirable. That allowed us to preserve the land immediately around the station for housing, businesses, and a more active, vibrant environment.

Looking back, I’ve found that the connections you make throughout your career are often more valuable than the technical knowledge you gain: CTS is unique in that it supports both. CTS creates space for meaningful relationships and strong research, and that combination has had a lasting impact on my career.

May 2026

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