Office of Policy & Governmental Affairs

A Message from our Director, Leslie J. Wright

The Office of International Programs works to access, promote, and disseminate global best practices and technical innovations to ensure a safe and efficient U.S. highway transportation infrastructure. The three main elements of the office include: Multilateral Relations Programs, Bilateral Relations Programs, and the International Visitors Program. Through collaboration with international and domestic partners, the Office of International Programs works to address the Secretary's and FHWA's priorities, including innovation, infrastructure, and safety. The three program elements also work together and cross-pollinate, with developments in one area sometimes leading to opportunities in others. For example, a one-time visit to a particular country for Global Benchmarking may lead to a long-term exchange as part of a Bilateral relationship. A successful Bilateral exchange may lead to a Multilateral research project. Information or developments gleaned during a Multilateral meeting may attract the interest of FHWA subject matter experts and lead to a Global Benchmarking study. In this way, the programs work in complementary ways to address different aspects of FHWA's international efforts, all while focusing on U.S. priorities and the objectives of the Agency.