Kittelson & Associates, Inc.

Transportation is always evolving, and so are the ways we talk about it. That’s why we’ve launched a Streetwise YouTube channel (@GetStreetwise) dedicated to making transportation concepts more accessible and engaging. Our goal is to break down complex topics, explore emerging trends, and share insights that shape how people move through the world. 🌎 Our first video takes a look at the benefits of commercial EV chargers and how they can potentially help the businesses around them. You can watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gjQ3VUsa ⚡️ We see this channel as a space for learning and conversation. What transportation topics are on your mind? Let us know in the comments. 👇

Context classification is a tool to help communities design streets that reflect their unique needs. It's a framework, not a formula. While AASHTO’s five context classifications (rural, rural town, suburban, urban, and urban core) provide a starting point, some cities and states are taking those classifications and modifying them to better align with their priorities and needs. 💭 For example, Florida landed on eight classifications (natural, rural, rural town, suburban residential, suburban commercial, urban general, urban center, and urban core), documented in their widely-used context classification graphic. Tennessee adopted AASHTO’s five classifications as-is, whereas Oregon adjusted the list by removing “rural” and subdividing “suburban” to better fit their state. Cities are adapting the framework too. The City of Sarasota, Florida opted to use a variation of FDOT’s eight categories, determining “urban core” was not relevant in their case but that “urban center” and “urban general” could use further delineation. 👍 Context classification works best when it’s practical and actionable. Expanding or refining categories should lead to meaningful differences in planning and design. When done right, it helps planners, engineers, and communities work together to create transportation networks that truly fit their surroundings. 🌳

Last week we welcomed students from ITE at UC Irvine and Cal Poly Pomona ITE to our Orange office for a behind-the-scenes look at what transportation professionals do every day. 🎬 Our team shared their thoughts on things like transportation engineering, design, research, planning, and project pursuits, to give students a glimpse into the career paths in our field. 💼 A big thank you to our team members: Fernando Sotelo, Tim Erney, Samantha Liu, Karen Phan, Mingmin Liu, and Bita Etaati for taking the time to share their knowledge and experiences. And to the students who joined us, we hope this visit sparked new ideas about where a career in transportation can take you! 💡

🚸 Happy National Walking Day! 🚸 Did you know? Most city planners measure pedestrian spatial access using time or distance. For example: How far can you walk in 15 minutes? But this approach misses a key factor: how stress impacts accessibility. ⚡ Imagine two routes to the same destination: one is through a calm, scenic area with a sidewalk, trees, and kids riding their bikes, while the other is through a polluted, poorly lit area with no sidewalks, hot asphalt, and cars speeding by. Which would you choose? While both routes might be the same distance, they are not the same from an accessibility perspective! By mapping stress factors like traffic noise, pedestrian visibility, and street aesthetics, planners can identify areas where walking feels uncomfortable and create solutions to improve connectivity and access. 🗺️

💡 Do EV charging stations benefit developers? 💡 Cost is a major consideration for any development project, and when budgets are already stretched, adding EV charging infrastructure might seem like an unnecessary expense, especially if it’s only being installed to meet local requirements. But when strategically implemented, EV charging can benefit both developers and the people who use their properties. 🔋 For developers who build to sell, EV charging can increase property value. And for those who build to operate, charging stations offer a small but steady source of income over time. While fees for charging may not generate immediate profit, they contribute to long-term revenue. 📈 EV chargers can also influence consumer behavior. Many EV owners lack access to home charging, making public chargers essential for their daily travel. A well-placed charging station serves drivers and brings them to businesses, increasing foot traffic and potential sales. 💰 As more cities require developments to be "EV ready," it’s worth considering not just compliance, but the added value these stations can bring. The shift toward electric mobility is happening, and developers who proactively support it can position themselves for long-term returns on investment. ⚡

Hey that's outside our office! And that's not a coincidence... we like to position ourselves in places that reflect our passion. I love the daily reminder of the need to serve all modes, safely and efficiently. Plus one of our staff was a key player in design and construction of this bike lane - Chris Romano, AICP, LEED AP ND !

For a long time, transportation design followed a simple (but limiting) framework: urban or rural. But the way people move through a place, and what they need from its streets, is much more nuanced. 🏙️🛣️ Today, our profession is shifting toward context-based design, which tailors transportation infrastructure to the surrounding environment. The 2018 AASHTO Green Book recognized five land use context classifications: rural, rural town, suburban, urban, and urban core, based on NCHRP Research Report 855. This provided a more flexible approach that considers both current and future community needs. 🤔 By designing with context in mind, we create streets that reflect the people who use them, whether that means safe walking and biking facilities, appropriate vehicle speeds, or a balanced mix of transportation options. The goal? Streets that work for everyone. ✅

We’re celebrating 40 years of Kittelson this year, but we’re even more excited about the future! In this video, hear from five people who are the future of transportation—2024 interns Sam Gregory, Annie Oommen, Emilio Calderon, Rosalie Zuckermann, and Brandon Tucker. 🚀 💬 “I think our approach to safety, to efficiency, and to accessibility has improved so much and I’m really excited to see where it goes in the future.” —Sam Gregory, intern class of 2024 A lot has changed in the past 40 years of our firm, and there will be many more changes going forward. We’re excited to continue working toward better, safer, more equitable transportation in our communities, and to help grow the next generation of transportation professionals who will make those changes a reality. 🤝 #40YearsofForwardThinking #40Forward

Over the past several months, our team has joined San Luis Obispo Council of Governments on safety field walks at 10 locations across the San Luis Obispo region. These walks are an important opportunity to see conditions from the perspective of the people who walk, bike, and drive these streets every day, and to understand where safety improvements can have the greatest impact. 🦺 This project includes training Cal Poly traffic engineering and planning students on how to conduct field walk and engage with community members to identify safety concerns. ✅ Thank you to the community members, students, and agency staff who are lending their time and insights to this process. We’re grateful to support this important work alongside you. Check out the group photos from these walks below! 📸

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption has grown rapidly over the last several years, globally, one in five new vehicles sold in 2023 were electric. And while recent federal policy decisions in the U.S. have raised questions about the pace of growth, EVs remain an integral part of our transportation future. ⚡ With more EVs on the road, one of the main challenges we face is expanding a reliable charging network that meets the needs of drivers. Much of today’s non-residential charging happens in parking lots serving commercial and retail spaces, but for developers, the up-front and maintenance costs of installing chargers remain a hurdle. 💰 This raises an important question: can EV chargers alter travel behavior and trip generation in ways that ultimately benefit businesses? It’s a conversation many communities and developers are having as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of EV adoption and infrastructure. 💬 https://lnkd.in/dDpKyKYH