Communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly and that are focused on improving transportation may be interested in the Champions Institute hosted by Smart Growth America (SGA) and Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA).

The organizations are re- launching the statewide program to foster closer partnership and collaboration between committed community advocates and dedicated local public officials to identify and implement strategies for safer and more complete streets in their communities.

The program is seeking 10 pairs of community advocates and a local official. The local official may be elected or their staff, appointed, the town/city manager or equivalent, or a member of the town/city planning office both representing communities across Massachusetts.

The Institute will help its Champions learn how Complete Streets can help create healthy, prosperous, and resilient communities, with a specific focus on issues currently facing the state. Participants will meet from April through July, to participate in six web-based learning sessions and two in-person convenings. These modules will include training from national experts and local practitioners, discussions, and peer learning sessions with outcomes that will build upon each other to establish the Champions as experts in implementing equitable transportation from concept to implementation.

At the end of the program, our Champions will have the opportunity to apply for a grant up to $10,000 for their organizations’ programs/projects that advance Complete Streets or transportation justice and equity in general.

Learn more about this opportunity here, and apply here.