How do governors communicate transportation priorities? A qualitative analysis of governors' State of the State addresses

State transportation policies can impact opportunities to engage in physical activity. To improve population-level physical activity, transportation policies should encourage integrated and multimodal transit networks. For public health professionals to advocate for more balanced transportation systems, they must understand state transportation priorities. Each year governors deliver a State of the State address to summarize their gubernatorial priorities, which consequently influence state policy. The purpose of this study was to analyze State of the State speeches for content related to transportation and to make collaborative and transdisciplinary recommendations.

We used State of the State transcripts to assess policy priorities of governors serving from 2009-2013. A total of 238 transcripts were coded using NVivo 10 to identify transportation-related themes.

The majority of governors discussed surface transportation projects as a means to create jobs and stimulate economic development. Most expressed the need to modernize outdated transportation systems to update highways and bridges for safety reasons or to alleviate traffic congestion. Several discussed the importance for sustainable transportation funding, including many mentions of increased fuel taxes. The few governors that linked transportation and health discussed prioritization of energy independence and climate change and opportunities for increased transit options, including mass transit. The mention of creating multimodal transportation systems that encourage physical activity was not common.

Findings will contribute to the understanding of state transportation priorities. This information can help tailor advocacy efforts for transportation policies supportive of physical activity and promote effective communication among those with an interest in transportation policy and planning.