WMSBF March Forum: How Business Approaches to Mobility and Transportation Impact Community Sustainability
West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will meet on Monday, March 14 at The Rapid Central Station for a program that examines how business can positively impact community sustainability, public safety and employee wellness through voluntary practices and stakeholder collaboration.
This month’s program will highlight several approaches, including a WMSBF partnership with Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association and the Southwest Business Association to address the impact of heavy-truck traffic on Grandville Avenue. Until recently a truck route and the local business extension of US-196, the major Grand Rapids street that will soon be renamed Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, is the main artery for the neighborhood that a recent University of Michigan study named as the most at-risk for environmental justice in the state. Residents and businesses have identified truck traffic as their primary concern for safety and sustainability.
Industry and neighborhoods have a number of opportunities to collaborate on near and long-term opportunities to improve sustainability and equity. Business and neighborhood stakeholders are underrepresented in infrastructure decisions, and planning agencies are actively seeking their input. The Michigan Department of Transportation is now in the second phase of engagement efforts for its US-131 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study, designed as a triple-bottom line approach to the process that will redesign the US-131 between M-11 (28th Street) in Wyoming and Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids.
The Rapid and WMSBF will also introduce this year’s Active Commute Week campaign and the evolution of mobility initiatives in the context of remote work and labor shortages.
Finally, there will also be a brief discussion on pending incentives for electrical vehicle adoption. WMSBF member PADNOS will share how it is upgrading its fleet through a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
Speakers include:
- Amy Brower, Executive Director, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association
- Synia Jordan, Chair, Southwest Business Association
- Bill Kirk, Director of External Relations and Government Affairs, The Rapid
- Kari Bliss, Customer Experience & Sustainability, PADNOS
- Laurel Joseph, Director of Transportation Planning, Grand Valley Metro Council
- Daniel Schoonmaker, Executive Director, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
- Representatives of MDOT and Consumers Energy will also be on hand to answer questions
This is an indoor event. In accordance with The Rapid & Federal Mandates, masks are required. We will have masks available at check in.