We develop leaders, organizations, and partnerships with clients who are working toward a more just world.

Happy end of summer! ☀️

The Bellwether Consulting team has been in a transition period as we’re continuing work on ongoing projects, preparing for new work starting in the fall, and enjoying the last days of summer.

Some of our highlights from the end of summer:

• We had the pleasure of working with Elise Trail-Johnson this summer as Bellwether’s fellow! Elise is a visual communications major and she is beginning her senior year at Luther College in Iowa. We’re lucky to have her staying on with us to help with social media and communications in the fall.
  

• Rebecca Lieser, Project Manager, traveled to Baltimore, Maryland in July to present at the TRB Advancing Transportation Equity Conference on two projects that are advancing equity in the transportation sector. She enjoyed hanging out with clients and partners, meeting new people, and getting inspiration and ideas from equity initiatives around the nation and world.
  

• Mike Bell, COO and Principal Consultant, is preparing for several new projects starting up this fall including facilitating two professional development trainings on leadership and equitable community engagement for government clients, and leading a new workforce development initiative at a manufacturing company.
  

• I went out to the Minnesota State Fair last weekend and dropped by the Eco Experience building. It was great to see so many State of Minnesota client agencies with exhibits there, having fun and engaging directly with the community.

As we wrap up the summer, the Bellwether team is feeling energized and ready for the exciting projects ahead. Thanks for being part of our journey, and here’s to the great work still to come!

Allison

What We’re Reading

This month, we’re reading about how transportation-related policies and decisions affect communities and how community members can influence them.

How Do Fines and Fees Affect Families’ Well-Being?

• New research from the Urban Institute examines the impact of parking and traffic tickets, and other fines and fees, on families. These penalties disproportionately affect people who are Black and Latine and can lead to severe consequences like license suspension or even jail time.

5 Tips for Providing Transportation to Family Caregivers

• The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) recently released new data and information on the challenges and needs of family caregivers who provide transportation for an older adult or person with a disability. The article also provides recommendations to transportation decision-makers and transit providers to serve family caregivers.

Transportation Decision-Making: A Guide to Getting Involved

• The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) published a how-to guide to help community members voice their ideas in transportation decision-making processes. Whether you're a community member or a transportation professional engaging community members, this guide can help you navigate the decision-making process or improve transparency and communication around how transportation decisions are made.

Opportunities to Learn + Lead

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Transportation Justice Fellowship through September 23. The Fellowship is an opportunity for early- to mid-career professionals focused on shared micromobility and transportation equity. Learn more and apply online.

The USDOT is hosting a webinar on meaningful public involvement approaches, techniques, and examples in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process on September 23, 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET. Registration is required to attend and will be limited to 300 attendees, so sign up today.

Jobs for Herocrats

The City of San Antonio in Texas is hiring an Equity Manager to design and implement strategies and plans that promote equitable outcomes for the city. Learn more and apply online.

Metro Transit in Minneapolis is hiring a Sustainability Project Coordinator in the Engineering and Facilities Department to support sustainable initiatives and environmental justice actions and outcomes. Learn more and apply online.

Give a Herocrat the Spotlight

Know a state or local government employee who’s building relationships and making an impact in their community? Nominate them to be highlighted on our website, newsletter, and social media!

Laurice Walker moved to Arizona in 2022 to become the first Chief Equity Officer for the City of Tucson. We spoke to her about building community connections as a recent transplant and ways that government can adapt to support all employees to show up authentically in the workplace. Check out her story!