State DOTs nationwide now have goals and objectives against which their performance is measured. In most states, the executive branch develops performance goals and measures DOT progress toward them, in accordance with existing law. In Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada and Washington, a legislative directive has encouraged or required a move toward DOT performance management. The legislatures in at least eight states and the District of Columbia more actively develop or approve specific DOT performance goals.

In most states, the executive branch develops performance goals and measures DOT progress toward them, in accordance with existing law.

In addition, as of 2008, 22 legislatures reported using performance information for executive agencies at some point in the budget process. In Utah, the legislature assesses first whether goals have been met before determining funding levels; in Montana, a legislative committee is developing ways to consider performance goals in the budgeting process for all agencies, including the DOT.

About half of state legislatures use performance information for executive agencies at some point in the budget process.