Travis Dunn, PhD

Travis Dunn joins the CDM Smith team from Milestone Solutions--the premier orga­ni­za­tion for development of new, sustainable trans­porta­tion revenue policy and systems. An expert in revenue alter­na­tives, Travis has dedicated the past decade to helping public agencies craft and implement innovative trans­porta­tion funding policies, with a focus on per-mile road usage charging (RUC). He has contributed to per-mile charge policy and system design and development for eight states, including the nation’s two operational programs in Oregon and Utah, and for the 17-member RUC West consortium of states. He has also conducted research on road funding, governance, and public policy in Portugal and Mexico, while supporting innovative road pricing programs in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Based in Austin, TX, and working alongside a global team of experts, Travis specializes in financial analysis, policy design, system design, and strategic commu­ni­ca­tion.

Traditional revenue streams to support roadway maintenance are evaporating due to the rise of electric vehicles and the demise of the gas tax. How do we find the revenue to keep our roads from crumbling? Travis explains the shift to road usage charging (RUC) and what both drivers and policy makers can expect.

What drives you to do great work? I'm passionate about changing how we pay for transportation, specifically roads. Today, there's no visible connection between what we use and what we pay. Making that connection has the power to address a lot of the mobility challenges we face, starting with sustainable funding. But change is hard. It requires persuasion, innovation, compromise, and persistence. Being part of meaningful change is both challenging and rewarding, and that's what drives me.

What is your favorite part of your job? I love forming raw ideas into new concepts and making them real with my amazing colleagues.

How might clients describe you? Honest.

Outside of work, what do you invest your time/energy into? My dad, brother, and I are sailing enthusiasts. With my nephew now aboard, we have three generations crewing together. It's a great way to unplug and spend quality time, and there's no cleaner mode of transportation.

What’s something that people might be surprised to know about you? I've visited nearly every state in Mexico.