Council member Young selected for new transportation leadership academy

Transportation For America has selected Pierce County council member Derek Young to participate in the 2016 Transportation Leadership Academy.

The yearlong training academy focuses on teaching local leaders about performance measurements to better assess the impacts and benefits of transportation spending. The system is designed to help officials deploy assets to maximize tax dollars and generate the greatest return for citizens.

“I'm pleased to have another opportunity to serve Pierce County and our region,” said Young, in a recent press release.

“With the recent passage of transportation bills at both the state and federal level, it's critical that we enhance accountability to the public,” added Young, who represents the 7th Council District. “Developing and implementing performance standards will ensure we invest wisely and make those transportation dollars go further.”

Young is a Pierce County member of the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). His experience with the council made him a prime candidate for the training. He currently represents Pierce County on the Growth Management Policy Board and participates in the decision-making for county planning and transportation. Previously, he served on the executive board and operations committee, the release said.

Young will join other participants from six different regions across the country at in-person workshops and online training sessions.

The program, created by Transportation for America in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, will educate the seven teams made up of local business, civic, elected leaders and transportation professionals at the early stages of performance measure development. It will prepare participants to act on opportunities within their communities and plug them into a national network of like-minded leaders throughout the country.

For information, visit Transportation for America at transportationforamerica.org.