LBJ School students advise Austin mayor on transportation policy

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Published:
September 2, 2020

City of Austin, Women’s Transportation Seminar create fellowship for LBJ School students

 

Story Update 9/23/2020: Public Affairs student Alyssa Hedge has been named the recipient of the 2020 Women's Transportation Seminar policy fellowship. 

 

(Texas)—The LBJ School's female graduate students are invited to apply for the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) policy fellowship in the City of Austin Office of the Mayor.

Policy fellows support the mayor's office in research and analysis of transportation options to help formulate effective policy for Austin residents. The WTS Heart of Texas Chapter partnered with the City of Austin to promote women in transportation and establish the WTS policy fellowship for a female graduate student in the LBJ School of Public Affairs. LBJ School MPAff student Juany Torres received the inaugural fellowship in 2019.

The fellow receives a $5,000 stipend per semester and appropriate course credit and will work for up to two semesters in the Office of the Mayor.

Transportation affects every person on the planet, plays a vital role in the socioeconomic development of our society, and provides important access to jobs, education, medical treatment, worship, retail and companionship. However, the transportation system in the U.S. is aging, and cities and their planning partners face critical structural and financial challenges in strengthening and improving transportation to serve all residents and system users. Congestion, mobility, land use and affordability of housing play major roles in the decision making for every resident in where to live, shop, work and play. City leadership needs sound analysis of transportation options to help them effectively address these challenges for the region.

Policy fellows further their understanding of municipal government, the role of an elected official’s office, and transportation and urban planning policy and practice.

Applications are being accepted until Sept. 4, 2020 for the Fall 2020 semester. Interested applicants can find out more.

Learn more about urban policy and student professional development at the LBJ School.

 

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