Madison: Meet 2026 Women in Construction Week Profile: Liz Callin
Wisconsin Eagle/10331983

~ As the City of Madison continues to grow and develop, one person is making sure that the human element is not forgotten in the midst of all the construction. Liz Callin, the Principal Transportation Planner for the city, believes that people should be at the forefront of any planning and construction process.

Callin's role as Principal Transportation Planner involves managing and overseeing a variety of transportation and planning projects for the city. This includes bus rapid transit planning, station planning for a future Amtrak station, curb management, and engaging in bicycle and pedestrian planning efforts. But for Callin, the most important aspect of her job is connecting these systems to benefit everyone in the community.

Before any construction begins, Callin and her team prioritize engaging with the public to gather their feedback and input on how these projects will impact their daily lives. This ensures that community needs and concerns are taken into consideration from the very beginning.

Growing up in Portage, Wisconsin, Callin was not familiar with big city transportation systems or what transportation planners did. It wasn't until she studied architecture at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee that she became interested in urban planning. She then went on to earn her Master of Urban Planning from the University of Michigan where she was introduced to transportation planning.

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Callin's passion for transportation planning stems from its impact on people's lives. She believes that access to transportation is crucial for accessing opportunities such as jobs and education. As a mother herself, Callin understands firsthand how different needs require different types of transportation.

After working in various levels of transportation planning for over a decade, Callin finds her work even more meaningful now that she has become a mother. She has also become more aware of how women and men experience transportation differently and believes it is important to continue pushing for a better transportation system for everyone.

Looking towards the future, Callin and her team are already planning for changes in the next 10 years. But she also believes that it is important to start educating young people about the importance of transportation now. By breaking down traditional barriers and promoting diversity in the field, Callin hopes to inspire more women to pursue careers in transportation planning.

For Callin, the most important part of her job is not listed on any to-do list or punch list. It's the people who inspire her and drive her to make the transportation system and world a better place for everyone. To learn more about Callin's work and her passion for transportation planning, check out the video highlight on the City of Madison's social media platforms.

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