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| Katya Spear Managing Director knspear@mayorsinnovation.org 608.262.5831 |
Erica Cova Director of Communications ecova@smartgrowthamerica.org 202.516.5353 |
Today, the Mayors Innovation Project is pleased to announce the third cohort of the Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety (MIPS). This year, supported by AARP and Smart Growth America, 12 mayors were selected through a national competitive application process to join this year’s program. “Whether you’re a business owner or the parent of a young child, safety is absolutely fundamental to thriving communities,” said Beth Osborne, Director of Transportation for America, Smart Growth America’s transportation arm. “Mayors are essential to this work, and we are eager to work with this year’s cohort to share and implement more of what we know creates safer, more vibrant communities for all.”
MIPS is designed to equip local leaders with the tools and best practices to make meaningful safety improvements on dangerous roadways and create long-term, systemic change. Through expert-led workshops, peer exchanges, and one-on-one coaching, MIPS helps mayors champion safer, more livable communities.
This year’s cohort includes:
- Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Alameda, CA
- Mayor Maureen Copelof, Brevard, NC
- Mayor Cassie Franklin, Everett, WA
- Mayor David Goins, Alton, IL
- Mayor Denise D. Grant, Lauderhill, FL
- Mayor Heidi Lueb, Tigard, OR
- Mayor Jim Paine, Superior, WI
- Mayor Andy Schor, Lansing, MI
- Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock, AR
- Mayor Sharetta Smith, Lima, OH
- Mayor Robert Sullivan, Brockton, MA
- Mayor Derek Slaughter, Williamsport, PA
Over the next six months, these mayors will engage in a blend of virtual and in-person programming, working with national experts and fellow mayors to address the urgent pedestrian safety challenges in their communities.
Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise at alarming rates across the U.S., with an average of 20 people killed each day by drivers. Safety is the first and most important responsibility of government, and local leaders are uniquely positioned to act. Improving roadway safety has many benefits beyond safety, from supporting tourism and economic development, to creating communities where everyone – families, seniors, and working adults – can thrive.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s mayors to the MIPS program,” said Katya Spear, Managing Director of the Mayors Innovation Project. “Each brings a unique perspective and deep commitment to public safety, while representing a broad range of city size, geographic regions, and forms of government. Together, we’ll support their work to make streets safer for everyone in their communities.”
We are grateful to AARP Livable Communities for their continued support, which has enabled the growth and success of this initiative. Learn more about MIPS and previous cohorts at: https://mayorsinnovation.org/mips.
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ABOUT THE MAYORS INNOVATION PROJECT
The Mayors Innovation Project is a national learning network for mayors committed to shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, and efficient democratic government. We offer high-quality content that emphasizes innovative, actionable solutions and prioritizes peer exchange.
ABOUT SMART GROWTH AMERICA
Smart Growth America helps create healthy, prosperous, and resilient places to live for all people through research, advocacy, and direct community support. Our work spans housing and land use, transportation, and economic development to find solutions to communities’ most pressing needs. We work with elected officials at all levels, real estate developers, chambers of commerce, transportation, urban planning professionals, and residents to improve everyday life for people across the country through better development.