Rail~Volution was held in Washington DC, October 15-19, 2011. The annual conference brings planning and design professionals involved in building livable communities with transit together with policy and decision makers to help shape the dialogue in the coming election year. Participants delve into the big questions: "What is the next American dream?" and "Whose responsibility is livability?" The conference also provides a forum for discussions regarding the latest on funding authorization and successful local and regional efforts to create livable communities.

Mandi Roberts, a principal in Otak’s Kirkland, Washington office, spoke on the subject of “Advancing Complete Streets: New Tools and Guides for Implementation.”  Her presentation, “Beat the Heat with Cooler Streets,” focused on integration of green infrastructure and ecologically friendly treatments into the design and development of complete streets. Mandi was part of an interdisciplinary panel that included Rachel Beyerle with Easter Seals Project ACTION, who spoke about accessibility; Christine G. Green with the National Complete Streets Coalition, who addressed complete streets policies; Charles Denney with Alta Planning, who discussed integration of bicycling facilities; and Gabe Klein, Commissioner with the Chicago Department of Transportation, who discussed the importance of strong leadership in implementing complete streets. Richard Weaver, Director of Planning, Policy, and Sustainability with the American Public Transportation Association served as the session moderator.

Rail~Volution first started informally as a grass roots effort in 1989. In 1995, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (District 3, Oregon) announced that it would become a national conference supported by various partners and affiliates, united by common interests and dedication. Otak has been involved in Rail~Volution since its earliest days.