Community and Regional Planning Program

 

Community and Regional Planning Program: Theses

First Advisor

Abigail L. Cochran

Committee Members

Jaime Lopez, Zhenghong Tang

Date of this Version

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Community and Regional Planning

Major: Community and Regional Planning

Under the supervision of Professor Abigail L. Cochran

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, Aysan Esmaely. Used by permission

Abstract

This study examines transportation planning practices and challenges in Nebraska, with particular attention to how planners and agencies address the needs of vulnerable populations. Using a qualitative approach, thirty-five transportation planners, practitioners, and service providers were interviewed. Participants were selected based on their professional in transportation planning and service delivery. The study explores what institutional and funding barriers planners and practitioners face, and what strategies they consider most effective for improving access and inclusion. Findings reveal that limited funding, fragmented authority, and the absence of a coordinated regional planning framework significantly constrain transportation development across Nebraska. While metropolitan areas such as Lincoln and Omaha demonstrate more structured engagement and inclusion efforts, rural regions often lack the institutional capacity and financial resources to sustain or expand transportation services. This research makes a unique contribution by providing an in-depth understanding of current institutional dynamics, while also identifying potential pathways for building regionally integrated systems and can serve as a foundation for future policy development, and statewide collaboration in Nebraska.

Advisor: Abigail L. Cochran

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