U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a Request for Comments (RFC) to help shape its strategic goals for 2022-26; the deadline is Dec. 17.

USDOT reported on Dec. 6 that it is updating a “Strategic Framework” that will guide its work, including implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, over the next five years.

The RFC calls on stakeholders as well as the public to review USDOT’s draft Strategic Framework (download below), which reflects Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s “priorities for achieving DOT’s mission through six strategic goals”:

1. “Safety: Make our transportation system safer for all people. Work toward a future where transportation-related serious injuries and fatalities are eliminated.

2. “Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness: Grow an inclusive and sustainable economy. Invest in our transportation system to provide American workers and businesses reliable and efficient access to good-paying jobs, resources, and markets.

3. “Equity: Reduce inequities. Support and engage people and communities to promote safe, affordable, accessible and multimodal access to opportunities and services, while reducing transportation-related disparities, adverse community impacts and health effects.

4. “Climate and Sustainability: Tackle the climate crisis by ensuring that transportation plays a central role in the solution. Substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transportation-related pollution, and build more resilient and sustainable transportation systems to benefit and protect communities. ​

5. “Transformation: Design for the future. Invest in purpose-driven research and innovation to meet the challenge of the present and modernize a transportation system of the future that serves everyone today and in the decades to come.

6. “Organizational Excellence: Strengthen our world-class organization. Advance the Department’s mission by establishing policies, processes, and an inclusive and innovative culture to effectively serve communities and responsibly steward the public’s resources.”

Stakeholders and the public are also asked to respond to the following questions:

• “What strategies or priorities should DOT adopt to achieve the Department’s strategic goals and objectives?

• “How should DOT measure progress towards those priorities?

• “What emerging challenges or opportunities in transportation warrant additional DOT activities or investments?

• “How can DOT best coordinate its activities with federal, state, local, tribal, labor, private sector, academic, non-profit, international and other partners?

• “How can DOT best utilize additional programs and authorities in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accomplish the goals laid out in the strategic plan?”

USDOT will consider input on the framework and revise its Strategic Plan for FY 2022-26 as appropriate, the agency said. It anticipates posting online the final Strategic Plan in February 2022.

Download the RFC notice from the Dec. 3 Federal Register: