2027 THEME • SUSTAINABILITY
Transportation professionals are increasingly being asked to address mobility needs while also advancing broader economic, social, and environmental goals. This year, the ITE Sustainability Committee is bringing that lens to the Sandbox Competition, challenging participants to explore how last-mile freight can become more sustainable.
The Sustainability Committee, under the Planning Council, advances transportation solutions that integrate economic, social, and environmental sustainability across ITE member interests. Its volunteers pursue two priorities:
“Facilitate transportation solutions that incorporate economic, social, and environmental sustainability across the range of ITE member interests.”
Sustainable transportation meets current needs without compromising future generations’ economic, social, or environmental interests.
Separate Professional and Student Categories
There will again be separate professional and student categories. Additionally, Professional teams and student teams will have different submission requirements and challenge parameters.
November 23, 2026
Expressions of Interest due. The competition remains open after this date, and expressing interest is not a firm commitment to participate.
March 1, 2027
Professional entries due and judging.
March 31, 2027
Notification to professional team finalists.
April 1, 2027
Student entries due.
May 1 – July 1, 2027
Teams prepare final presentations for the Annual Meeting.
July 25 – 28, 2027
ITE Annual Meeting.
About Expressions of Interest
Submitting an Expression of Interest allows ITE to identify participants who should receive competition updates. It is not a firm commitment, and the competition remains open after November 23, 2026. If we do not have an Expression of Interest on file, we will not know to send you updates. To be added to the list after November 23, email Kathi Driggs at kdriggs@ite.org.
Review the challenge that applies to your team. Each category has its own competition brief and study-area map. Read the competition brief before reviewing the corresponding maps and graphics.
Future-Ready Last-Mile Goods Movement Strategy
The professional challenge focuses on Calgary’s Hillhurst and Sunnyside residential communities, with particular emphasis on the Kensington Business Revitalization Zone. Teams will develop a future-ready strategy for efficient and reliable last-mile goods movement that balances the needs of businesses, residents, and visitors while maintaining mobility, accessibility, economic vitality, and quality of life.
Proposals consider planning and design strategies, delivery and curb operations, sustainability, and measurable outcomes using key performance indicators. The professional competition brief contains the complete problem statement, challenge parameters, and scoring criteria.
1. Competition Brief & Problem Statement
The complete professional challenge, sustainability objectives, KPI considerations, and scoring criteria.
2. Professional Study Area Map
The Calgary study area showing Hillhurst and Sunnyside.
Campus-Specific Zero-Emission Delivery Zone
The student challenge focuses on the University of Calgary’s main campus. Teams will develop a campus-specific zero-emission delivery zone that keeps goods moving reliably and efficiently while balancing the needs of students, residents, faculty, employees, and visitors.
Proposals address truck access restrictions, roadway and infrastructure improvements, and approaches that could be transferred to other universities or campuses. The student competition brief contains the complete problem statement, challenge parameters, and scoring criteria.
1. Competition Brief & Problem Statement
The complete student challenge, zero-emission delivery-zone objectives, and scoring criteria.
2. Student Study Area Maps
Two figures showing the University of Calgary site location and campus study area.
The professional and student challenges have different requirements. Teams should use the materials specific to their competition category. All competition PDFs open in a new tab.
Contact Kathi Driggs for additional information about the 2027 Sandbox Competition.