2026 marks the 35^th anniversary of the official recognition of ITS technologies, and with it, the founding of ITS America. 

Established in 1990 with the original name of “Intelligent Vehicle Highway Society of America,” our organization emerged as technology innovations were just beginning to reshape the way people and goods moved across the nation. From the outset, our mission was clear: be a trusted voice for decision makers, a convener of the public, academic and private sectors, and to guide and accelerate the adoption of transformative transportation technologies to improve safety at scale.

As an industry, we have come incredibly far in 35 years. From electronic tolling, roadway sensors and dynamic messaging to autonomous vehicles, ubiquitous connectivity and smart corridors – we’re far from the early days of ITS.

Today, technology impacts everything we do, including how people move through our communities, how we access and pay for services, and how goods are transported across the nation to power our economy. The rapid pace of technological growth has made innovations we once only dreamed of real and scalable – but putting these innovations into practice across the nation remains a challenge.

America’s transportation system is now at an inflection point. Never before have we had more technological capacity to tackle our greatest challenges. Still, we have more than 40,000 lives lost annually, billions in productivity wasted, and infrastructure strained beyond its limits. The country cannot afford to rely on outdated systems or piecemeal solutions.  

With the right policies and investments, we can secure a once-in-a-generation transformation. 

Intelligent transportation technologies that address our greatest friction points are no longer experimental or far-reaching – they are here. Across the country we see them delivering measurable safety, mobility, and economic benefits in communities today.  

It is time to acknowledge how fundamental technology is to transportation. It is time to treat digital infrastructure as essential infrastructure. In 2026, ITS America, with our members and industry partners across the globe, is leading this call.

We need to move from isolated pilot projects to sustained investments that scale what works. We need smarter, more connected infrastructure that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible—and ensures every community can integrate intelligent transportation with physical street improvements to create a truly modern, smart and connected system.

Already, we have technology predicting where drivers are more prone to crash, real time data reducing congestion and strengthening our supply chains, and signal technology that lets first responders get to emergencies quicker.  

It is time we take this to scale across the nation to fully address some of our most persistent transportation challenges at the pace that would truly maximize benefits.  

 A better tomorrow is possible if we invest in the digital infrastructure today to realize it. And we have a plan to achieve it through our Surface Transportation Reauthorization policy that has three core elements:

• Authorizing Digital Infrastructure Policy & Programs
• Creation of a DIGITAL Formula Program for Technology
• Modernizing Technology Procurement

This policy is engineered for the next 35 years, to fully leverage the technology solutions that come to market at a faster pace than ever before. 

ITS America is doubling down on our three core pillars of Policy, People, and Partnerships to make our vision a reality. Our work is focused on driving towards a future with zero deaths on our roadways, fully accessible networks, seamless goods movement and uninterrupted services that simplify daily life and fuel economic growth. 

As policies shape the future of transportation, we must ensure our workforce is well equipped for the challenges of tomorrow. We are dedicated to bringing people together to create the resources, trainings, and capacity to support the ITS workforce of today and tomorrow.

Our superpower is fostering relationships. Convening thought leaders and industry peers across sectors is a proven method for forming productive and long-term partnerships that open up opportunity.

Whether it’s bringing a specific expertise, assuming risk, opening new doors or multiplying impact, partners are lifeblood of a thriving innovation ecosystem.

We have been working tirelessly to grow the value of membership and expand opportunities for our members to be a part of this critical moment. This includes identifying new ways for members to have a seat at the table – whether in conversations with policymakers, across digital platforms, at global events, in committee meetings, and more.   

As an ITS America member, we call on you to join us in our efforts to shape the future for the next 35 years and beyond.

Safe. Smart. Connected.

— ITS America President and CEO, Laura Chace

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Learn More About 2026 ITS America Member Opportunities  

MyITSA Portal: https://itsa.my.site.com/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F  

ITS America Benefits: https://itsa.org/membership/become-a-member/  

2026 ITS America Conference & Expo: https://www.itsamericaevents.com/  

Check out our Committee work: https://itsa.org/advocacy-materials/

Join a Committee, Community of Practice, or Working Group: https://itsa.org/about/standing-committees/  

ITS Technology Use Case Library: https://itsa.org/technology-use-case-library/ 

The Transportation Channel Podcasts: https://itsa.org/the-transportation-channel-podcasts/  

Contact membership@itsa.org to learn more about your membership opportunities.  

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