The challenges and opportunities presented by crisis in the transportation sector will be the focus of an April 21 virtual conference of the Regional Mobility Dialogue Series of the William and Barbara Leonard Transportation Center at Cal State San Bernardino.

The dialogue will be from 8-10 a.m. A link to the teleconference will be provided upon registration, and attendees can register free of charge. Attendance is limited to the first 50 registrants, and pre-registration is required. Register online.

Titled “A New Vision for the Inland Empire’s Transportation Infrastructure: Responding to Change and Crisis,” attendees will hear from four recognized experts and a group of students on the challenges and opportunities presented by crisis in the transportation sector. 

  • Stephen Fox (invited) – senior regional planner, Southern California Association of Governments;
  • Alan Wapner – president, San Bernardino International Airport, San Bernardino city councilman;
  • Beth Ann Falstad, – lecturer, regenerative studies, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona;
  • Paul Granillo – president and CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership; and 
  • Cal Poly Pomona students – A group of Cal Poly Pomona students will present a study on the vision for a connected and regenerative Inland Empire.

As the industry continues to look for and develop innovations in transportation, how do crises like the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact us? Are these disruptions just a bump in the road, or will they define a “new normal”? How prepared is the Inland Empire to respond to and recover from such disruptions? Can they be turned into opportunities? 

Different segments of the community are likely to have different responses given a unique set of responsibilities and constituencies. How do long-term planning and crisis management techniques fit together? Is it possible to create plans and invest in infrastructure that looks beyond the current circumstances? Can transportation systems – including logistics, transit, TNCs, and microbility – be prepared for a “new normal” that might include more frequent and more severe disruptions? 

Following the presentations, attendees will engage in a discussion with an opportunity to share concerns and ideas with transportation professionals, policy makers, students and each other. Transportation experts from platinum sponsors will facilitate this discussion and bring experience and expertise to benefit the dialogue.

The dialogue will be held virtually and address these questions with experts from academia, government and business. Discussion will include realities and possibilities – refocusing priorities to prepare the region for the future.

Now in its third year, and following a highly successful February 2020 session on the role of drones in transportation, the Leonard Center Regional Mobility Dialogue Series continues its series on topics relevant to the future of transportation in the Inland Empire. The series is open to the public.

As part of CSUSB, the Leonard Transportation Center brings people together to provide the facts, discuss the major issues, and work to resolve them. The center is committed to the notion that finding solutions to the mobility challenges in Southern California is much more likely when people from different walks of life are engaged in the conversations.

Kimberly Collins, LTC executive director, said, “We invite anyone interested in being part of the conversation and solution to join us for this innovative and engaging series.”

For more information, contact Brian Cox, HNTB public relations, brcox@hntb.com, (816) 527-2056; and Agnes Huff, Agnes Huff Communications, ahuff@ahuffgroup.com, (310) 641-2525.

About Leonard Transportation Center

The Leonard Transportation Center (LTC) at California State University, San Bernardino opened in 2006 with a focus on regional transportation needs. The vision of Bill and Barbara Leonard was to create a center that focuses on the unique transportation opportunities and challenges the Inland Empire faces. Today, the LTC is working to expand its research and student engagement programs. Focal points include transportation management and governance issues, development of new technologies, and transnational studies. Their vision is to work collaboratively to seek solutions to assist residents, businesses, government and nonprofit agencies, and international partners to work together on improving sustainability and quality of life in the Inland Empire. For more information, visit www.csusb.edu/ltc.

2020 Platinum Sponsors:

About San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)

Conveniently located in the heart of the Inland Empire, close to major freeways and just 60 miles from Los Angeles, SBD International Airport is strategically positioned to meet growing aviation activity including: cargo, business aviation, general aviation, and commercial airlines by providing competitive rates for aviation companies and local businesses looking to stretch their wings and expand their horizons. With extensive stretches of pristine runway and acres of prime land available for aviation development, SBD International Airport is ready to help our community and region reach new destinations.

About San Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino Valley College will become the college of choice for students in the Inland Empire and will be regarded as the alma mater of successful, lifelong learners. We will build our reputation on the quality of our programs and services and on the safety, comfort, and beauty of our campus. We will hold both our students and ourselves to high standards of achievement and will expect all members of the college community to function as informed, responsible and active members of society.

About HNTB

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors. Celebrating 106 years of service in the United States and California, HNTB continues to grow in size and service offerings to clients from eight office locations in the state that employ approximately 320 full-time California professionals. HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management. For more information, visit www.hntb.com, or follow HNTB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Additional 2020 Sponsors

  • exp. Corporation
  • Foothill Transit Agency
  • Lane Construction Corporation
  • GLA Corporation

“A New Vision for the Inland Empire’s Transportation Infrastructure: Responding to Change and Crisis,” flier.