SecretaryFoxx

No, that was the most uninformed thing I have ever been asked.

Wow! What's your name?

Our method of funding transportation needs a fundamental redesign and that will be politically hard to do. I do not believe states are the only, most effective pathway for dollars to flow. We have put together a framework for pushing more $$ to local and regional communities. I also think the planning process is flawed when we have economic regions splintered into separate MPOs that do not work well together on planning. Planning is different than coordinating, which is what most do. The question is how do regions improve their economies through transportation. Having said that, this should never boil down to an urban versus rural thing. Our approach has to be flexible enough to help all types of communities thrive, and right now it is fairly rigid.

One of the biggest opportunities for rural America is an end to end commuter rail and intercity passenger rail system. Amtrak has some great leadership and is building capacity to take on a bolder vision. They will need help from Congress and the American public to do so.

Great question. There are multiple ways to get involved on advisory committees. The easiest and most accessible is within your local government. Often local elected officials appoint folks to boards. I know because I was once a local elected official. I would start there.