Technology Policy

The question over who or what governs the Internet is a hotly debated topic in the U.S. and internationally. Many are under the impression that the Internet is not governed or regulated. This is not the case, though, since organization and administration is necessary to ensure smooth functioning of the Internet.¹ This includes oversight of domain names, root servers, and the accompanying name registration services, among other important maintenance functions. For most people, these functions seem technical and non-political—mere formalities in a system that allows for universal participation in global financial markets, online educational tools, increased communication, and many other helpful and empowering functions. However, since the United States’ decision in 1998 to incorporate Internet governance into the responsibilities of the Department of Commerce,² many people have questioned the legitimacy, accountability, and transparency of such an entity with direct control over a global information and communications network. Critics argue that technical decisions are indeed political and embedded in U.S. politics and history.

A nationwide movement has been taking shape in the last decade to re-emphasize passenger rail as a transportation mode. A key to this movement is the concept of transit-oriented development (TOD), the idea that the land near a transit stop should be developed in a dense, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly, transit-supportive manner. Planning TODs to increase ridership, succeed economically and “create good places” is vital to the success and expansion of current and future passenger rail systems. A proven way to achieve these goals is to provide the proper mix and location of land uses and levels of density for each specific TOD. What are the factors affecting land use composition and development intensity? That is the topic of this discussion.