Peter Calthorpe has been named one of 25 "innovators on the cutting edge" by Newsweek Magazine for his work redefining the models of urban and suburban growth in America. Throughout his long and honored career in urban design, planning, and architecture, he has been a pioneer of innovative approaches to urban revitalization, suburban growth, and regional planning centered around rail projects.
In the early 90's he developed the concept of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) highlighted in The Next American Metropolis: Ecology, Community, and the American Dream, an idea that is now the foundation of many national policies and best planning practices. He is one of the founders of the Congress for the New Urbanism and was its first board president, helping launch a movement that has helped to transform planning and development in the USA. His new book Urbanism in the Age of Climate Change documents new work and analysis relating patterns of development to energy and carbon consumption, along with other environmental, social and economic impacts. Recently he led a groundbreaking state-wide urban design effort, Vision California, to inform the implementation of the state's Climate Change legislation, following the proposed state-wide high speed rail system.
Mr. Calthorpe has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. He has taught at U.C. Berkeley, the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, and the University of North Carolina. Over the years he has received numerous honors and awards, including appointment to the President's Council for Sustainable Development. During the Clinton presidency, Mr. Calthorpe provided direction for HUD's Empowerment Zone and Consolidated Planning Programs as well as the Hope VI program to rebuild some of the country's worst public housing projects. Since forming Calthorpe Associates in 1983, his work expanded to include major projects in urban, new town, and suburban settings within the USA and abroad. Internationally his work in Europe, Asia and the Middle East has demonstrated that community design with a focus on environmental sustainability and human scale can be adapted throughout the globe.
In recognition of his broad body of work, Mr. Calthorpe was awarded ULI's prestigious "J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development" in 2006.
Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, Director General - International Union of Railways (UIC)
Jean-Pierre Loubinoux is Director General of The International Union of Railways (UIC), with 200 members on 5 continents. UIC is responsible for the coordination of a large number of projects dealing with technical standards, research programs, passenger and freight business, safety and security, and sustainability of transport.
Mr. Loubinoux is an international high speed rail expert with many years experience in all phases of high speed rail system development and operations around the world.A graduate of Ecole Centrale de Paris, Mr. Loubinoux held an early position in Hong-Kong before joining SNCF in 1978. He held several positions of responsibility, such as Director of the General Representation of SNCF in North-America and Chief Executive Officer of French Railways Ltd in the UK.He then joined the SNCF Freight Direction where he successively was Director of the Coal-Steel Business Unit and Director of Human Resources, Logistics, Legal Affairs, Data Processing and Finances Department for Freight Direction.He was Director of International Development for SNCF and Chairman and CEO of SNCF International up to end of March 2009.On April 1, 2009 he became Director General of the International Union of Railways (UIC).
Officer of the ’Ordre National du Mérite’, Mr. Loubinoux has been awarded the Legion of Honour and is holder of the Silver Medal of the French Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Tourism.He has been vice-president of the French Chamber of Commerce in UK from 1990 to 1995.He is currently a French Advisor for the Foreign Trade and President of the Transport Committee, President of the France/Argentina Committee at MEDEF International, as well as Vice-President of the Ecole Centrale Association in charge of international development.He is also President of the French Rail Association of Engineers and Managers (AFFI).
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
U.S. Congressman John Mica to Speak
A long time supporter of high speed rail, Congressman John Mica (Republican, 7th District of Florida) Chairman of the largest committee in Congress - Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Currently serving his ninth term, Mica is a visionary who helps oversee federal policy issues relating to all forms of transportation. As the Transportation Committee's top Republican, Mica was responsible for legislation in 2008 authorizing for the first time, private sector participation in the development of high-speed rail. He has strongly advocated for cutting red tape to expedite the lengthy federal transportation infrastructure project approval process, and called for the development of a comprehensive and national strategic transportation plan.
Congressman John Mica
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to Speak
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is a big supporter of high speed rail, having recently visited leading high speed rail systems around the world. Convinced of the great value high speed rail will deliver for America, Secretary LaHood works tirelessly to promote and advance the new high speed rail program across the country in an effort to create American jobs, revitalize the manufacturing sector, and stimulate the overall economy of the United States.
In nominating LaHood, President-elect Obama said, "Few understand our infrastructure challenge better than the outstanding public servant that I'm asking to lead the Department of Transportation."
Secretary LaHood
Secretary LaHood's primary goals in implementing President Obama's priorities for transportation include safety across all modes, restoring economic health and creating jobs, sustainability - shaping the economy of the coming decades by building new transportation infrastructure, and assuring that transportation policies focus on people who use the transportation system and their communities.
As Secretary of Transportation, LaHood leads an agency with more than 55,000 employees and a $70 billion budget that oversees air, maritime and surface transportation missions. LaHood is one of two Republican members of the Obama Cabinet. Check out Secretary LaHood's transportation blog.
Al Engel, Amtrak HSR Director
Al Engel recently joined Amtrak to head up a new high speed rail department. In this new role Mr. Engel will be working to develop high speed rail corridors around the country, especially on the Northeast Corridor.
Mr. Engel has been a longtime proponent of high speed rail and other forms of transit. He is a professional engineer with considerable experience in rail planning and design. Prior to joining AECOM, he was chief executive officer of Systra Consulting Inc., a transit-consulting firm partly owned by SNCF, the French national railway.
Al Engel
U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar
Having served his country as a Member of Congress for 36 years - most of his career - Chairman Oberstar has had a tremendous influence on transportation policy. He served as Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 2007-2011. During his time in Congress he was involved in the following coalitions and caucuses: Bike Caucus, Caucus for Sustainable Development, Caucus on Global Road Safety, Human Rights Caucus, Steel Caucus, Travel and Tourism Caucus, Homeland Security Task Force, Great Lake Task Force, International Relations Committee, Medical Technology Caucus, Mississippi River Caucus, Native American Caucus, Renewable Energy Caucus, and the Upper Mississippi Task Force.
Congressman Jim Oberstar
An avid cyclist, Oberstar has been a champion of creating bicycle trails to promote healthy living. In 2005 he authored and helped pass the Safe Routes to Schools program, and was a co-sponsor of the SAFETEA-LU act, a $295 billion program that funds transportation infrastructure.
Chairman Oberstar holds a B.A. from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, and a Master's degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, and has further studies at Universite Laval in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada, and Georgetown University. He speaks 6 languages, and has travelled extensively around the country and the world examining the most effective ways to move people and goods while revitalizing America's infrastructure.
New speakers are being added each week
The Northeast Corridor upgrade is the hot rail project of the day! The topic of repeated Congressional hearings and numerous debates, the NEC is in play. Share in the debate and discussions, make new connections, and help make the NEC upgrade happen!
Don't miss this exciting high speed rail event of the year - High Speed Rail 2011! The Big Apple is the place to be November 6-8.
Business and political leaders will come together with the world's top experts to bring high speed rail to America.
USHSR Northeast HSR Map
High speed rail is revolutionizing the rest of the world, and now its America's turn. Be part of the excitement in New York City!
USHSR 2010 New York City Conference
The Northeast Corridor upgrade is the hot rail project of the day! The topic of repeated Congressional hearings and numerous debates, the NEC is in play. Share in the debate and discussions, make new connections, and help make the NEC upgrade happen!
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