DC MOBILITY INNOVATION DISTRICT

In collaboration with the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) and Capitol Riverfront BID, the DC MID recently hosted National Science Foundation CIVIC Innovation Challenge Grant awardees. The CIVIC Grant participants explored public-private partnerships that drive innovation at the intersection of mobility, placemaking, and public space management in our growing neighborhoods. Mitch LaRosa (Director of the DC MID), Lexie Albe (Managing Director of SWBID), Yi Berinato (Planning Manager at CRBID), and Rick Birt (Director of DC's Highway Safety Office) also led a panel discussion on scaling up pilot projects to align with community needs.

UBM Pilot Launch Announcement: We are excited to announce our new partnership with the DC MOBILITY INNOVATION DISTRICT, Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) and Zipcar to launch the first-ever Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) Micro-Pilot in Washington, D.C. Convened and sponsored by Spin, this initiative provides fully subsidized public transportation options ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? to participants with the goal of better understanding cost barriers and travel choices for DC residents. Survey and interview data will be collected throughout the pilot period. This initial pilot will run through the end of the year and includes 15-20 participants from the Spin Access program and the DC MID network who are provided subsidized access to: - WMATA MetroRail and MetroBus ?? ?? - Spin bikes and scooters ?? ?? - Zipcar carsharing ?? - E-cargo bike rentals through the DC MID’s E-bike Library ?? ?? We strongly believe access to transportation should be a right, not a privilege. This micro-pilot represents a critical step in Spin’s mission to make mobility more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, has the freedom to safely move around their city. For more details, please see: https://lnkd.in/g59kZrFN

Since October 2023, the MID has been running DC's first e-bike lending library pilot, funded by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). Georgetown University conducted a study on the impact and feasibility of the program, analyzing ridership data and interviewing participants. The findings showed that participants engaged with the e-bike library enthusiastically, with many expressing a strong desire for the program to continue. However, the study also highlighted that improvements are needed for the program to scale or transition into a long-term initiative. As the MID continues to launch programs that complement the city's existing transit services and lead in innovation, Georgetown's program evaluation helps identify how pilot projects can be assessed and refined for potential scaling and citywide implementation beyond the Southwest neighborhood. Read the research for more in-depth insights. ?? https://lnkd.in/e2rnZ4FD

?? Biking is for everyone! The MID partnered with Waterfront Village to showcase our cargo e-bikes to senior citizens in Southwest. Today we helped seniors get comfortable with different types of bikes and learn about their transportation challenges in the neighborhood and around town. It was an informative, fun day!

?? Exciting News from the Mobility Innovation District! ?? We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mitch LaRosa as our new Director at the Mobility Innovation District (MID). Mitch, a seasoned transportation planner, and climate advocate brings extensive experience in sustainable and equitable mobility solutions. ?? About Mitch LaRosa: -Previous Role: Chief Development Officer at Shared Mobility Inc., a national nonprofit focused on community-first shared-use transportation programs. Key Projects: -Project MOVER: Established a multi-community testbed for emerging mobility programs and technologies in Westchester County, NY. -Clean Mobility Buffalo: Advanced transportation access for BIPOC communities on Buffalo’s East Side. ??♂? Operational Expertise: -Reddy Bikeshare Program: Expanded system footprint and usage by 250%. -E-bike Library Programs: Developed with grassroots nonprofits, promoting sustainable mobility for underserved communities. ?? Policy Advocacy: -National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Advocated for new shared-use program models. -Micromobility Policy: Guided policy creation across New York State. ?? Vision and Leadership: Mitch’s strategic vision and commitment to equitable transportation align perfectly with MID’s mission to advance cutting-edge mobility solutions for all. Steve Moore, SWBID Executive Director, shared: "We are thrilled to welcome Mitch LaRosa. His hands-on experience and proven track record in purpose-driven mobility solutions will be invaluable as we expand our initiatives." For more information about the Mobility Innovation District and our initiatives, visit dcmid.io or contact Mitch LaRosa at [email protected]. Join us in welcoming Mitch LaRosa to the team!

Our E-bike Library pilot program, funded by the DC Department of Energy and Environment, has partnered with Georgetown University for impact assessment and scalability studies on how we can better the program. Yesterday, students from Georgetown University's Master's in Urban and Regional Planning Program and McDonough School of Business kicked off the research project with a tour of Southwest. The MID's E-bike Library is not just a futuristic micromobility initiative but a commitment to providing equitable access to electric bikes, especially for low-income workers. Since last fall, we've been working closely with workforce development and community organizations to ensure their employees and students have reliable access to electric bicycles, thereby promoting a more inclusive and sustainable transportation system. Read more about the MID E-bike Library Program here:?https://lnkd.in/eNVYcZZh Pic: the tour took place around Southwest in style with our neighborhood EV Circuit

SWBID Executive Director Steve Moore recently joined Uwe S. Brandes, Faculty Director of Georgetown University's Master's in Urban and Regional Planning Program and Georgetown Global Cities Initiative, in an insightful discussion hosted by Jim Landau. Landau is the Head of Environmental, Social & Governance for MetLife Investment Management, as part of the NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association) DC/MD Chapter’s 'Seat at the Table' event. As critical members of the DC Commission on Climate and Resiliency, they delved into sustainability initiatives across the District, from the SWBID's DC MOBILITY INNOVATION DISTRICT to other public-private partnerships in the real estate space. "Responding to climate change is unprecedented, and our city has already become a global innovation model, so we need to get this right,” Commission chair Brandes said, emphasizing the innovative role of an independent governmental body as a source of feedback to the many stakeholders in DC trying to respond to climate change responsibly.

#DYK Since Circuit came to town last June, DC has saved 34 metric tons of CO2. This reduction contributes to mitigating climate change and lessening the carbon footprint associated with various activities such as transportation, energy production, and industrial processes.

Call all sustainable mobility innovators who want to make a difference! Take a look or share our latest job posting for a director to help with partnerships, grants, research, and other mobility matters. ?? ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/eTq4gNHV

Calling all Transformation Transportation participants! The MID will have a walking tour navigating the streets of Southwest DC and explore a variety of technology use cases found here. Southwest is one of the most diverse areas of the city, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with establishing a?responsive and future-forward transportation network. We hope to see you there! https://lnkd.in/er4SFksw