This conference overview presents the conference objectives and states that the primary focus of the conference was to be on the transportation issues of the 14 central cities in the 12 largest metropolitan areas in the United States: New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Philadelphia; Detroit; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Dallas; Fort Worth; Houston; Miami; and Atlanta. Following other introductory comments, the overview presents the highlights of the conference. Whereas the conference proceeded through three steps that corresponded to the conference objectives, this overview combines the sequential process into the major issues raised during the conference. For each major issue, the challenges and opportunities raised by the participants are presented. The strategies or actions developed for each issue are included. Checklists, which cities can review and accomplish either individually or in cooperation with other agencies, are identified. Finally, research needs are presented for a number of issues. At the end of the conference overview are the final session summary comments by Frank Francois, Executive Director of AASHTO; Tom Walker, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Transportation and National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Chairman; Arthur Gazzetti of the American Public Transit Association; and Gloria Jeff, Deputy Highway Administrator, FHWA.