Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft was among just 12 mayors selected through a national competitive application process for the third cohort of the Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety (MIPS), according to a Mayors Innovation Project announcement on Wednesday, April 9. The selection process was supported by AARP and Smart Growth America.
“I am honored to join mayors from across the country who are focused on improving pedestrian safety in our cities. Our residents face daily risks simply trying to walk safely to school, work, shopping, or for recreation. This initiative is about collaborative, data-driven solutions, and rethinking how we design our streets—putting people at the center,” stated Mayor Ashcraft.
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, according to the announcement. The project aims to use expert-led workshops, peer exchanges, and one-on-one coaching, to help mayors support safer, more livable communities.
“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.”
This year’s cohort includes:
- Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Alameda, California.
- Mayor Maureen Copelof, Brevard, North Carolina.
- Mayor Cassie Franklin, Everett, Washington.
- Mayor David Goins, Alton, Illinois.
- Mayor Denise D. Grant, Lauderhill, Florida.
- Mayor Heidi Lueb, Tigard, Oregon.
- Mayor Jim Paine, Superior, Wisconsin.
- Mayor Andy Schor, Lansing, Michigan.
- Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock, Arkansas.
- Mayor Sharetta Smith, Lima, Ohio.
- Mayor Robert Sullivan, Brockton, Massachusetts.
- Mayor Derek Slaughter, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Over the next six months, the 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,” the organization stated in its news release. 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.”
