The State of Transportation with Tom Everett and Jim Hullett

In this episode of AEC Perspectives, RS&H transportation leaders Tom Everett, PE, and Jim Hullett unpack the current state of the transportation industry—and what comes next. From historic funding levels and delivery challenges to innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of state DOTs, this conversation offers timely insights for transportation professionals navigating a complex and high-pressure landscape. 

With decades of experience spanning both public and private sectors, Tom and Jim share their perspectives on how agencies can move beyond funding conversations toward results-driven delivery, smarter project execution, and long-term system stewardship. 

Throughout the episode, Tom and Jim discuss: 

• The current transportation landscape: Historic investment levels, uneven market performance, and the shift from funding availability to delivery capacity. 

• Key challenges facing the industry: Workforce shortages, rising costs, permitting timelines, political uncertainty, and reauthorization risk. 

• The growing role of state DOTs: What’s driving the shift away from federal oversight and how tools like NEPA Assignment can facilitate project delivery. 

• Every Day Counts (EDC) – Round 8: How FHWA’s innovation initiative helps mainstream proven technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and project outcomes. 

• Technology and innovation in transportation: Digital delivery, AI, asset management, alternative delivery models, and data-driven decision-making. 
• Preparing the next generation of leaders: The skills and mindsets future transportation leaders need—from systems thinking and data fluency, to empathy and communication. 

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