Wednesday, 29 September, 15:00-16:30 CEST

Language: English

Despite its importance for our regional economy and quality of life, urban freight planning is often neglected in terms of transportation planning. Hence, there’s minimal guidance for municipalities to incorporate good freight practices. Freight transport operations in urban areas are normally performed by private companies using public infrastructure and governed by regulations implemented by public authorities. The public sector cannot address freight issues without understanding the impacts on transport operations from the private sector. Often, policy decisions relating to zoning, urban design concepts, parking regulations, and restrictions on truck routes can result in unintended problems. Bringing private, public, and community stakeholders together to form partnerships is one way to connect the right stakeholders in the transportation planning processes.

But how to engage stakeholders? As freight involves multiple stakeholders from formal and informal sectors, finding a suitable way to engage and communicate with these stakeholders is often the key to success. How can cities develop freight sustainably while not compromising economic development and the livelihood of many informal sectors? How can cities address equity and social justice in stakeholder engagement and the freight planning process? For cities new to freight planning, how can they build momentum and get city residents interested in sustainable urban freight and participate in the planning process? What are the key strategies cities can take to start this dialogue?

This exchange will include expert guidance as well as sharing of global best practices and case studies.

*** This event is exclusively for government staff working in cities, towns, counties and other local agencies.

Please register if you’d like to get involved.