12
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
RECOMMENDATIONS
1
AVs are on our roads today, so start
planning now.
The pace at which AV technology has
developed and deployed has surpassed
expectations and predictions. Pilot projects are
operating on roadways in certain communities
today. Cities should begin planning for this and
holding public workshops with constituents now,
with the objective of seeking stakeholder and
constituent engagement and education in what is
certain to be a complex policy process.
2
Policy development with the right people
at the table.
Cities can begin considering the ways in
which autonomous vehicles might fit into long
range plans, and initiating discussions internally
and externally about how to develop the critical
policies needed for safe operation of AVs. By
developing a framework for AV pilot projects
that addresses issues like procurement and
public safety transparently, cities can engage in
innovative partnerships to test (and ultimately
control through informed decision-making)
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the ways in which autonomous vehicles might
fit into and enhance their existing mobility
options. Considering implications and impacts
of automation on the local workforce might also
be prudent. The development of policies should
include various interests, including procurement,
IT, and law enforcement. Most importantly, all
planning efforts should be transparent, inclusive,
and collaborative.
3
Track and monitor federal and state
developments and make your voices
heard.
There are many policy interests around emerging
transportation technologies. Cities should stay
apprised of future federal and state policy and
legislative developments and make sure their
interests are voiced during any future comment
periods and hearings around this transformative
issue. State and federal entities have always
played a role in regulating transportation.
However, cities are where this new technology
will be deployed and are critical to maximizing
the benefits of this technology for citizens.
Accordingly, city policymakers and stakeholders