What is at Stake?

This study investigated ways to improve the effectiveness of the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT's) participation in the land development process. The implications of land development for transportation cannot be overstated, because all transportation demand is based on land use. Understanding how VDOT participates in this process and any current inefficiencies in the process is critical for improving decision making related to land use, which affects the amount of transportation improvements provided by developers in the commonwealth. Increased contributions by developers can substantially increase mobility in the commonwealth. Transportation improvements related to land use are committed and completed development by development. Their combined value, in the range of billions of dollars per year in the commonwealth, is not immediately obvious. VDOT has the opportunity to affect this multibillion-dollar business to maximize the outcome for Virginia. Although localities have all rezoning and site plan approval authority, and accepting VDOT's recommendations is optional, VDOT can maximize its positive impact when supporting localities in their land development processes. This requires acquiring state-of-the-art knowledge about land use issues, building highly collaborative relationships with localities, applying solid technical analysis, and using effective negotiation skills. This study recommends that VDOT improve its effectiveness in the land development review processes in three areas: (a) implement organizational changes to enhance support for land development activities, (b) improve business practices regarding land development, and (c) improve VDOT's ability to participate more effectively in the land development process to maximize the outcome for the commonwealth.