The main objectives of this paper are to briefly discuss the alternative modeling frameworks and address some of the key questions in anticipation to the modeling components of the New Jersey's Links to the 21st Century project. This report reviews the spectrum of modeling options seeking to balance the needs of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the practicality of the different approaches, their conceptual validity, and the corresponding potential for research contributions. The report focuses on the following elements: a) definition of scope, b) level of specification (network and zoning), c) modeling options and computer tools, and d) data needs.