Implementing the Agency Capability Building Framework to Activate Organizational Change (2025)
Chapter: Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations
Chapter 5 Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1 Conclusions
This research draws several key conclusions, based on the research:
- Consistently throughout the individual interviews, COP and panel meetings, interactions with AASHTO and TRB groups, virtual peer exchanges, and the final workshop, the research team validated that, overall, the ACB framework remains relevant. More than ever, transportation agencies need to improve their adaptability to respond to internal and external factors, including technological advancements, an evolving workforce, shifting expectations, and legislative and political changes.
- Agencies have more resources than they may realize to face these challenges. The ACB Portal and Guidance offer a curated set of structured, shared approaches and practical strategies to address the changing transportation landscape and strengthen their ability to adapt.
- The continued long-term relevance of the ACB resource base depends upon ongoing support and resource development. Documented success stories via practitioner videos, job aids, and other shared practices can serve as an inspiration and offer practical guidance for others looking to improve their organizational adaptability by building and enhance capabilities.
- The focus on shared experiences throughout the project emphasizes the value of peer learning through COPs, and virtual and in-person events among transportation professionals.
Overall, this document outlines the critical need for transportation agencies to adapt and adjust to internal and external challenges by using a structured framework and shared practices to build resilience and adaptability.
5.2 Recommendations
The conclusions above underscore the ongoing need for stewardship to ensure persistence of the ACB framework and guidance. While there were no major updates to the ACB framework, the transportation context will continue to evolve over time, and new resources and tools will become available that could and should be broadly shared. The AASHTO Committee on Performance-Based Management (CPBM) Subcommittee on Organizational Excellence (OE) has committed to ongoing support of the ACB Portal via its Transportation Performance Management Technical Service Program (TPM TSP) after the project has closed.
The research team presented on the project at the TRB National Summit on the Future of the Transportation Workforce in Westminster, Colorado, during the breakout session Fostering a Resilient and Adaptable Transportation Workforce: Using the Agency Capabilities Framework to Drive Organizational Change, held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
In addition, the project delivered the TRB Webinar: Activating Organizational Change to Build Agency Capabilities on July 17, 2025.
