Minority Representation in State Departments of Transportation: A Descriptive Analysis

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

6-5-2025

Department

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Abstract

The transportation industry, a cornerstone of the US economy, faces a growing need to enhance diversity and inclusion to address persistent representation gaps across gender, race, and other dimensions. With many state Department of Transportation (DOT) employees nearing retirement, this challenge becomes even more pressing. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of 208,552 state DOT employee profiles, comparing workforce representation to American Community Survey data to quantify diversity gaps and highlight regional patterns. Results show that women account for only 22.51% of the workforce, while non-white groups represent 16.65%, with significant disparities across states. Notably, some states stand out by adopting innovative approaches like outreach programs, mentorship initiatives, and inclusive hiring practices that have effectively improved representation. By uncovering these gaps and successes, this research offers valuable insights to guide policymakers and DOT leaders in creating a more equitable and forward-thinking workforce.

Publication Title

International Conference on Transportation and Development 2025 Transportation Planning and Operations Selected Papers from the International Conference on Transportation and Development 2025

ISBN

9780784486207

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS