Cooperation and Climate Governance: Transportation Policy in the Central Valley of California

Transportation planning is one of the key services provided by counties and cities. However, it has suffered with problems such as disinvestment and the prioritization of cars in the United States, which have led to challenges for communities and the natural environment, particularly with climate-related natural disasters on the rise. The Central Valley of California represents distinct transportation challenges, like other rural and sprawling metropolitan areas, such as long travel distances, infrequent transit services, and the cost of car ownership and fuel for a mostly working-class population. Given these challenges of climate change and transportation planning, this research examines the ways in which government administrators work to address these challenges and how the public is included in their initiatives. The study uses qualitative data analysis to explore the connections between climate change, transportation, and citizen involvement. Findings suggest implications for transportation planning in the face of a changing climate.