SPI Insights

America has water problems. Water stress can be found in almost every state. New Mexico falls into the category of extremely high ‘water stress’ for multiple reasons, including climate change, limited rainfall and reduced volume of water in both the Rio Grande and Colorado rivers, which are major water resources for the state. Arizona, California, […]

Transportation systems nationwide are undergoing significant change. Emerging technologies and innovative mobility options are changing all modes of transportation, and soon both people and freight will be transported differently. Intelligent transportation systems use sensors to monitor vehicles, control traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve safety. Some types of technology provide real-time data that is used […]

Cities and counties throughout the U.S. are benefitting from funding that is readily available for transit-oriented development (TOD). Economic development teams have seen the boost of economic vitality that this type of initiative brings to local communities, and the result is that private sector developers and public officials nationwide will be delivering housing, retail and […]

Cities and counties throughout the U.S. are expanding and modernizing public safety facilities. Many are long overdue for upgrades. The urgency to upgrade is because well-maintained and strategically placed facilities contribute to lower response times by police, fire and EMS services. The U.S. has approximately 52,290 fire stations and 19,000 police stations, and their combined […]

The U.S. Federal Transit Administration recently awarded $300 million for upcoming projects designed to expand and modernize the nation’s ferry systems. Specifically, the funding will support 18 new projects in 14 states, including replacing old vessels with electric ships, upgrading the waterfront facilities and modernizing the systems with technology. Alaska’s Department of Transportation was recently […]

Just over a decade ago, a sweeping trend was very noticeable as state agencies, cities, counties, transit authorities and higher education institutions added Innovation Officers at the executive levels of organizational charts. These individuals were hired to play a strategic role – one that would incorporate new thinking into operations. The primary objective in adding […]