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Q&A with Laura Demeo Chace, President & CEO of ITS America

Posted by Outreach on Aug. 5, 2026  /  Member News, Annual Meeting, Conference & Expo  /  Subscribe 0

Ahead of the ITSMW26 Conference & Expo, we asked ITSMW26 keynote speaker, Laura Demeo Chace, President and CEO of ITS America, a few questions about emerging transportation tech trends, the critical role of state chapters, and what the ITS community must advocate for as federal policies take shape.

Laura, what transportation technology trend do you think Midwest agencies should be paying the most attention to over the next 3–5 years??
As an ITS community, we need to pay attention to artificial intelligence. And not because of the hype, but because in today’s world, it is essential that agencies understand how to integrate and operationalize AI to truly maximize the benefits and modernize our transportation systems.

With that in mind, ITS America created intentional resources to aid organizations in their implementation process: A Guide to Practical Next Steps for AI Implementation, as well as separate guides tailored to roles within an organization: AI Governance Group Guides. In these guides, we gave three topline recommendations to ensure safe, efficient implementation: establishing trust and transparency in AI, encouraging a human-centric approach to AI deployment, and identifying tangible outcomes from AI applications.

The greatest opportunity lies in taking practical, deliberate steps that align with organizational goals, workforce needs, and public trust. When implemented thoughtfully, AI can help agencies make better use of data, improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and support safer transportation systems. That is why ITS America is focused on providing actionable resources that move the industry beyond discussion and toward implementation. The agencies that begin building the foundations for AI today will be best positioned to deliver the safe, smart, and connected transportation systems of tomorrow.

If you are looking for a more use case driven resource, check out our AI Applications for Transportation Operations and Asset Management: A Practical Guide for Decision-Makers. We encourage all ITS stakeholders to use these resources as they begin to integrate AI into their systems.

ITS America focuses on policies and investments that make transportation safer, more innovative, and more efficient. Where are you seeing the strongest momentum nationally?
We are seeing lots of momentum around the creation of digital and connected corridors with the ability to share real-time information to improve safety, travel reliability, goods movement and much more. The technology exists, but the coordination, alignment, and governance need to evolve in real time to bring this vision to life. ITS America is proud to lead that essential work along with our members and partners at the state and federal level.

Many regions have been deployment trailblazers. For example, Cavnue and Michigan DOT partnered to deploy a smart corridor connecting some of the most populous cities in the state. Georgia DOT is the first to deploy city-wide V2X technology throughout an entire metro region in Atlanta, and Texas is breaking ground in autonomous freight and AI-enabled data analytics. Behind all of these deployments are dynamic partnerships and a digital technology layer paving the way for a more connected future.

AI is now integrating into different form factors. From autonomous shuttles and robotaxis to smart intersections, the pace of modernization across the country is something to be optimistic about. With smart investments comes increased safety and efficiency – and that is being proven in deployments across the nation.

As the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill process advances in Washington, ITS America continues to push for digital infrastructure eligibility to open the door for significantly improved funding certainty and availability to unlock the future of transportation.

What role do state chapters like ITS Midwest play in advancing the national ITS conversation?
State Chapters drive innovation and impact at the local level across the nation. These groups are key leaders in creating a more connected future, fostering partnerships across public agencies, private industry, academia, and other stakeholders to move the needle on what matters.

ITS Midwest is a prime example of a State Chapter showing impact at the local level. Through education, networking events, committee meetings, leadership development, and outreach efforts, the organization has helped broaden public awareness, engage stakeholders across levels, build the workforce of the future, and more.

Just this past year, they demonstrated such meaningful impact they were chosen to receive the Outstanding State Chapter award at our 2026 ITS America Conference & Expo in Detroit. ITS Midwest’s recognition reflects the critical role State Chapters play in advancing innovation at the regional level.

Oftentimes, many of the best ideas that reach the federal level started as local pilot programs. These organizations serve as catalysts for progress, helping communities address their unique transportation challenges while contributing to a broader national vision for safer, smarter, and more connected mobility. As the transportation landscape continues to evolve, State Chapters like ITS Midwest will remain essential to driving adoption of emerging technologies, amplifying best practices, and ensuring that innovation delivers benefits to communities across the nation.

What is one misconception about ITS that you would like to change? 
A misconception about ITS technologies is that they are a “nice to have,” when they are actually completely essential. Many key industries are actively in the process of integrating technology system-wide, and yet investment in transportation technology is sometimes still viewed as an optional luxury.

The question is no longer whether we should invest in transportation technology, but whether we can afford not to. From reducing crashes and easing congestion to improving emergency response and strengthening infrastructure resilience, ITS technologies are delivering measurable benefits every day.

These solutions are not replacing transportation infrastructure. Rather, they’re layering onto it to maximize value and performance. If we are serious about achieving our safety, mobility, and economic goals, investment in intelligent transportation systems must be viewed not as an optional enhancement, but as a fundamental component of the transportation system itself.

As Congress and federal agencies continue shaping transportation policy and funding priorities, what should the ITS community be advocating for most clearly?
The ITS community should be advocating clearly for: funding certainty, a national policy framework, and interoperability.

Funding certainty, both in terms of clear eligibilities and dedicated formula funding streams, is essential to support interoperability, modern transportation operations, and our global competitiveness goals. Agencies need the confidence that they can not only deploy intelligent transportation technologies today, but also maintain, modernize, and expand them over time. Short-term or inconsistent funding can slow innovation and limit the long-term benefits these systems are designed to deliver.

And, without a coordinated national approach, the transportation ecosystem risks becoming increasingly fragmented, making it more difficult for agencies and companies to deploy solutions that work seamlessly across jurisdictions. Interoperability is not just a technical objective, but an essential framework. It enables data sharing, improves operational efficiency, supports traveler expectations for a consistent experience, and ensures that investments made today can scale and evolve with future needs.

As other nations continue to invest aggressively in smart infrastructure and transportation modernization, our nation must remain committed to creating the policy and funding environment needed to lead. A clear national framework, sustainable funding streams, and a commitment to interoperability will help ensure our transportation system remains safe, efficient, resilient, and globally competitive.

Our ITS community, in the Midwest and beyond, has a critical role to play in championing these priorities and demonstrating that intelligent transportation systems are no longer an emerging investment, but a foundational infrastructure for today’s world.

Laura, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. It's been a pleasure and we are looking forward hearing your Keynote speech at ITSMW26! 

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