The Humphrey School of Public Affairs hosted a reception on October 2 to celebrate “25 Years and Change” of the State and Local Policy Program (SLPP). The event recognized the work of outgoing SLPP director Lee Munnich and welcomed incoming director Frank Douma.
“Since 1991, Lee has led SLPP with distinction and has played a critical role in advancing the quality of policy formulation and implementation for states and local communities,” said Humphrey School dean Eric Schwartz. “The results of Lee’s work include a greater appreciation for the ways that transportation contributes to the economic vitality of the state, new methods for measuring that contribution, and so much more. Perhaps most importantly, SLPP has become the key venue for important public discussions that lead to the implementation of policy innovations.”
Laurie McGinnis, director of CTS, noted that “many successful collaborations have come out of the strong partnership between SLPP and CTS,” including research in areas such as congestion pricing and outreach to policy leaders through forums and seminars. “Together we have established the U of M as a trusted resource for transportation policy issues,” she said. “I look forward to what the future brings.”
In his remarks, Munnich said SLPP research is having an impact now on the area’s transportation systems—MnPASS is one example—and will continue to do so over time. “Ultimately,” he added, “the real change SLPP made over the years is through the students in our program. By latest count, 192 graduates have worked as research assistants over the years. This is the change that may be most important.”
Munnich will continue his research on policy innovations through the Transportation Policy and Economic Growth program during a phased retirement.
Munnich will be succeeded by Frank Douma, currently SLPP’s associate director. An alumnus of the Humphrey School, Douma has been an “important public voice on transportation policy issues, particularly as they relate to innovations in technology,” Schwartz said. Also trained as an attorney, Douma has been engaged in the MnDOT Telework Program, is one of the leading national experts on the legal issues related to self-driving cars, and has played a key role in keeping issues related to transportation safety and equity as part of the policy dialogue. Douma will also take on the role of coordinator of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree program at the Humphrey School.
“I’m excited to build on the SLPP legacy and build new relationships,” Douma said. “I’m pleased that Lee will continue his work in economic development and transportation finance, which will continue to be the cornerstones of SLPP’s work. But I also look forward to collaborating with faculty and research staff at the Humphrey and other parts of the University to develop new research programs in transportation and planning policy.”
