ODOT's strategic action plan maps out priorities through 2023 and includes more than just building more roads.

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When you think of a modern transportation system, what comes to mind? Roads and bridges carrying volumes of traffic smoothly through our communities and around the state? Bus lanes, train tracks and bike lanes that make car-free commuting a breeze? Electric cars, autonomous vehicles and connected roadways that help ease congestion and reduce emissions?

A modern multi-modal transportation system is all of that — and more.

Working with governments and listening to community interests, our focus is on designing, funding and delivering that system. It should be designed for all users, address climate change, invest in innovation, reduce congestion, and promote an efficient, safe, and equitable transportation system.

In order to create this system, ODOT must evolve. An organization with only the tools, ideas and perspectives of the past is unprepared to meet the needs of the future. We seek to build an organization focused on the future, responsive to the needs of diverse communities across the state, accountable to those we serve, and responsive to a constantly changing environment.

With all this in mind, last fall, the Oregon Transportation Commission approved a Strategic Action Plan designed to accelerate progress on this mission in the 2021-2023 timeframe. It anticipates the identification of subsequent actions in 2024 and beyond to achieve our vision.

Our Strategic Action Plan includes specific outcomes to measure our progress, including these:

Engaging interests around the state and ensuring those voices influence our decisions.

Diversifying our workforce by hiring more women, minorities and individuals with disabilities.

Reducing our carbon footprint by lowering harmful emissions produced by our construction projects, using lower carbon materials and fuels, and setting departmental emission reduction targets.

Tripling the number of electric vehicles on Oregon's roads and expanding the infrastructure those vehicles require to operate on our system.

Boosting the percentage of funding dedicated to projects and programs that improve walking, biking, and transit access.

Reducing congestion in the Portland metro area by investing in strategic improvements to our metro area road and bridge system.

Increasing business opportunities for Oregon BIPOC and women-owned businesses.

Leveraging innovative ideas and technologies that provide more options for moving people in, around, and through Oregon's 36 counties and more than 200 cities.

Advancing broad-scale road usage charging, where you pay for the miles you drive, not the fuel you buy.

Maintaining our existing transportation assets – the highways and bridges we all depend on.

Working with our partners to identify, gain approval for, and rely on sufficient and reliable funding sources, particularly those supported by system users.

The modern multi-modal transportation system we desire will increase mobility, be sufficiently funded, and provide the transportation services Oregonians need now and into the future. It will improve safety, increase reliability, contribute to a cleaner environment, and strengthen Oregon's economy.

As we pursue these objectives, we look forward to your involvement and ask for your support.

Learn more about how we're designing, funding and delivering a modern transportation system and follow our progress.

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Robert Van Brocklin is the Oregon Transportation Commission chair. Kris Strickler is the Oregon Department of Transportation director. Comments can be directed to 866-Ask-ODOT.