Disadvantaged and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by disasters, necessitating guidance and policies that will safely evacuate communities and quickly distribute resources for an equity-centered transportation response. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern centered on equity in vulnerable populations, community resilience, and transportation resources across all phases of a disaster. Presenters focused on new project ideas and collaboration opportunities to advance community-based and equitable transportation response planning.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Disaster Response, Evacuations, and Business Continuity.

The slides and recording are available. 

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Engaging communities to plan for coastal flooding using virtual reality – John Renne, Florida Atlantic University

2. Incorporating vulnerability and equity: Wildfire evacuation perspective – Sarah Grajdura, University of Vermont

3. Equity in transportation resilience and strategic recovery for long-term success – Nicole Boothman-Shepard, AECOM

4. Question and answer session moderated by Jahedul Alam, Dalhousie University

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Identify key elements of equitable transportation planning in response to a disaster

2. Utilize research tools and techniques for practical applications and identify research needs

3. Support equity-centered public safety policy

Professional Development Hours

This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.