Innovation and the adoption of new technologies in cities are driven by new mobility, making up 20% of innovation procurement in the U.S. in 2019. Furthermore, disruptive new mobility services like scooters, dockless bicycles and ride-sourcing services are being deployed by private companies, often without municipal permission.

Mobility is, therefore, pioneering urban innovation methods that will not just lead to direct outcomes for communities, but also set the precedent for many other urban services. As pioneers, we need to hold ourselves to our own standards in delivering equity and value through our work. The ‘community first’ approach to new mobility services presented in this playbook embraces this responsibility.

This playbook explains the ‘community first’ approach to professionals working in and with governments that are dealing with integrating new mobility services into existing transportation systems. It lays out why this approach means both better business and better community value, and provides you with both the minimum standards as well as sophisticated strategies to accomplish your goals.

You will notice that this guide does not require regulatory or legal changes to the way government works. Instead, it presents a more intentional and participatory pathway that works within existing procurement and permitting procedures, while ensuring input from the community is taken into account.