Similarly, the mission statement commits the Institute to a high ideal:

The mission of the Institute is to promote the interdependence of transportation, land development, and the environment, while uniting the disciplines of planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance and research in support of sustainable development. By providing a multidisciplinary focus for professional communication, education and collaboration, the Institute will enhance the professional knowledge and skills of its members so that they may improve the quality of life. The Institute will bring together engineers, planners, industry representatives, citizen groups, developers, public officials and others dedicated to improving transportation and fostering appropriate development decisions at the local, regional, state, national and international levels.