2026 COMPASS Public Events

Upcoming Public Events

2026 Education Series: Economics of Active Transportation, September 29 and 30

Presented by Chris Behr, Principal Economic Consultant, HDR

Is it possible to calculate, and compare, the benefits and costs of building a bike path or a pedestrian bridge? Yes, it is!
Join COMPASS for one (or both!) of two sessions, to explore how the benefits and costs of active transportation infrastructure can be calculated and how those results can be used to lead to more informed decision-making. Come prepared to dive into the world of economics!

September 29, 2026: Economics of Active Transportation

• 5:30 pm Meet and Greet
• 6:00 – 8:00 pm Presentation
• COMPASS, 700 NE 2nd Street, Meridian, First Floor Board Room
• Free!
• Intended Audience: All
• RSVP: [email protected] or 208/475-2226

This presentation will provide a background on economic methods for evaluating active transportation (cycling and pedestrian) projects. The talk will outline the data and methods for performing analyses and using results to choose among projects and make the case to the public. Several case studies will be presented. The aim is to stimulate discussion about how to apply these concepts to projects in the Treasure Valley.

September 30, 2026: Introduction to Benefit/Cost Analysis of Active Transportation

• 9:00 – 11:00 am
• COMPASS, 700 NE 2nd Street, Meridian, First Floor Board Room
• Free!
• Intended Audience: Economists, planners, engineers, and bicycle and pedestrian specialists, though all are welcome
• RSVP: [email protected] or 208/475-2226

This presentation will review general benefit/cost analysis concepts then focus on data needs and computation methods. Chris will introduce an existing active transportation benefit/cost analysis tool that he developed for the California Department of Transportation as a basis for participants to discuss and explore how a benefit/cost analysis model for active transportation projects could be developed or adapted for the Treasure Valley.

2 AICP Certification Maintenance credits have been requested for this presentation.

Speaker Bio