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3Significant research and implementation in recent years has helped to identify best practices for integrating land use and transportation in urban areas, but little has addressed how this integration could apply to rural communities. To fill this gap, the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies has funded âBest Practices to Enhance the Transportation-Land Use Connection in Rural Americaâ (NCHRP Project 08-52), a study highlighting transportation investments and programs that support successful commu- nity development and land use strategies that maximize transportation capacity and community livability. In addi- tion, the project examines how the goals of rural communi- ties and transportation agencies may conflict or support one another. The research process included the following elements: 1. A literature review to summarize rural community demo- graphics and issues along with best practices for integrating land use and transportation; 2. A series of focus groups conducted with rural community, tribal, and state DOT planners and other officials; 3. An online survey aimed at all U.S. professional and citizen planners with an interest in rural issues; 4. Paper surveys mailed to a sample of rural local planners and all 50 state DOTs; and 5. A series of case studies illustrating accomplishments and lessons learned by various rural community types. This final report 1. Provides a snapshot of social, demographic, and economic conditions in the rural United States; 2. Describes the land use and transportation challenges faced by rural communities; 3. Identifies the best practices in addressing land use and transportation challenges; and 4. Provides insights from case studies to assist rural planners and transportation agency staff as they seek to improve the accessibility and livability of the communities they serve. C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and Research Approach
