Member Spotlight: Briana Perez
Meet Briana Perez, a Red River Chapter member and Associate Project Manager with the City of Austin Transportation Public Works Transportation Demand Management team.
Check out the April spotlight below to learn about her time in the association, favorite memories as a member, and more in her own words!
Please introduce yourself and your organization.
I am an Associate Project Manager on the City of Austin’s Transportation Demand Management team, where I’ve served for over four years. I work closely with community partners to elevate TDM strategies citywide. Our program focuses on reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable travel by shifting trips away from single occupancy vehicles. Our work supports the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan and its goal of reaching a 50/50 mode share by 2039 by helping residents choose alternatives to driving alone.
I enjoy staying active—whether I’m reading, working out, or taking Oliver for long walks. Family time means a lot to me, and I love cheering on my son, Nick, as he makes his mark on the world. I’m also known for being very competitive, which keeps me motivated and pushes me to give my best in everything I do. Those routines and relationships keep me grounded and inspired.
What brought you to TDM and how did you get involved in the field?
My path to TDM grew from my background in behavior change. Before joining the City of Austin, I worked as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, supporting diverse populations and helping individuals make practical, sustainable shifts in their daily habits. That experience laid the foundation for my transition into TDM, where similar behavior change principles apply on a broader, community scale. Once I began working on mobility projects, I saw how TDM blends behavior change, community engagement, and long term planning to reduce congestion and expand travel choices. It felt like a natural fit, and I’ve continued to build on that foundation daily.
Why did you get involved in ACT?
I got involved in ACT because I value being part of a community that’s committed to advancing practical, people-centered mobility solutions. With a background in behavior change and a passion for helping individuals make sustainable shifts in their daily habits, ACT felt like a natural fit. It brings together professionals who share a commitment to reducing congestion, expanding travel choices, and improving quality of life. Being part of ACT allows me to learn from others, share best practices, and bring new ideas back to Austin as we work toward our long term mode shift and mobility goals.
What has been the most memorable moment of your experience in ACT?
My most memorable ACT experiences have been organizing the various Red River Chapter events and bringing like minded professionals together within our region to highlight TDM. Seeing people connecting over shared goals and exchanging practical ideas has been incredibly rewarding. Those connections and conversations showcase the collaborative spirit of the TDM community and reinforce the value of ACT as a space for learning, networking, and inspiring new approaches.
What would you tell someone thinking about becoming a member of ACT?
What do you see as future opportunities and/or challenges for TDM?
TDM has major opportunities ahead as more cities recognize the need for behavior-based strategies to manage growth, reduce congestion, and meet climate goals. There’s growing momentum for programs that make sustainable travel choices easier and better integrated with transit and land use planning. At the same time, rapid population growth, limited funding, and the need for more reliable transportation options remain real challenges. Communicating the value of TDM in a way that resonates with the public and decision makers is also critical. Still, these challenges create space for innovation, collaboration, and stronger regional partnerships.