Smart Growth America and Transportation for Massachusetts are launching a statewide program to equip elected officials from across Massachusetts to effectively advocate for and support safer and more complete streets in their communities. Today, we are excited to announce the 15 participants of the first-ever Massachusetts Champions’ Institute.
Communities of all sizes urgently need to design and build streets so that everyone has an option to stay active and healthy while getting where they need to go safely and conveniently each day. Local elected officials play a vital role in supporting these goals, identifying local needs and advancing the work to realize the vision of healthy, prosperous, and resilient communities.
Smart Growth America’s Champions’ Institute was developed to support these local leaders and grow the network of dedicated public servants across the US. Now, in partnership with Transportation for Massachusetts and the State Smart Transportation Initiative, with support from the Barr Foundation, the program will be used for the first time to focus on state-wide issues and priorities.
Beginning later this fall, the Massachusetts Champions’ Institute will support the cohort in learning how to implement and advocate for Complete Streets, with a specific focus on issues currently facing the state. Participants will take part in web-based modules that include expert trainings and peer learning with outcomes that will build upon each other. These discussions will help establish the participating Champions as experts in safe, accessible and equitable transportation from concept to implementation.
“With more people dying on our roadways each year, we need passionate and dedicated leaders who aren’t afraid to make the hard choices to create safer streets,” said Heidi Simon, Director of Thriving Communities at Smart Growth America. “We’re excited to work with local elected officials in Massachusetts through the Champions’ Institute and support them in applying a state-focused approach for the first time.”
“Transportation for Massachusetts is excited to host the Complete Streets Champions’ Institute with our first cohort of participants,” said Reggie Ramos, Executive Director of Transportation for Massachusetts. “We have a diverse mix of local elected officials from both large and small communities from across the Commonwealth. We look forward to learning from each other and the experts to gain more knowledge and insight on how to best implement Complete Streets for every community. The support and expertise from our colleagues at Smart Growth America will hopefully benefit all of the participants for years to come.”
“Local elected leaders can have enormous impact on how we use our streets—making them safer, more accessible, and even fun, especially when moving on foot, on transit, or bike or scooter,” said Lisa Jacobson, Senior Program Officer for Mobility at the Barr Foundation. “We’re excited to support the Complete Streets Champions’ Institute for local elected leaders in Massachusetts to learn together and support one another creating real, tangible change for people in their communities.”
It is more important than ever to have leaders ready to act on the roadway safety crisis. This impressive roster of participants from across Massachusetts will play an important role in creating a brighter future for the state.
The participants are:
Alex Jarret | Ward 5 City Councilor and City Council President | Northampton, MA
Bill Courchesne | Ward 7 City Councilor | Chicopee, MA
Enrique J. Pepén | District 5 City Councilor | Boston, MA
Etel Haxhiaj | District 5 City Councilor | Worcester, MA
Israel Rivera | At-Large City Councilor; Chair of the Ordinance Committee; Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee | Holyoke, MA
Kelly Garcia | City Councilor | Chelsea, MA
Kocayne S. Givner | Ward 4 City Councilor; Chair of D&GR Committee, Vice Chair of the Finance Committee | Holyoke, MA
Lisa Santagate | City Councilor | Chelsea, MA
Mark Rambacher | Select Board Chair | Littleton, MA
Mayor Patrick M. Keefe, JR | Mayor | Revere, MA
Norieliz DeJesus | City Council President, District 3 Councilor | Chelsea, MA
Rachel Gordon | City Councilor | Greenfield, MA
Roberto Jiminez River | City Councilor | Chelsea, MA
Ryan Williams | City Councilor | Melrose, MA
Sarah L. Raposa | Director of Planning & Development | Mansfield, MA