Lessons Learned: WTS at Mpact Transit + Mobility 2023

by Ebony Venson, WTS International

The Mpact Transit + Mobility 2023 Conference, held earlier this month in Phoenix, Arizona, was filled with unique insight, critical guidance, and engaging conversations on building transit-oriented and resilient communities. We were inspired by several gems dropped throughout the week. A few key takeaways:

?? During the Masterclass Academy, Catherine Alonzo, CEO of Javelina, discussed the power of harnessing storytelling in our work and emphasized how “stories help us relate to the data.” Too often, dense charts and graphs make data difficult to understand, may weaken the message, and could cause the audience to lose interest. Stories make us feel. They invoke emotions that can help us better understand human feelings and needs, providing an opportunity to improve how we convey data on transportation issues and change.

?? Mimi Majumdar Narayan, from Pew Charitable Trusts, stressed the importance of including health considerations in planning and policymaking, especially for transportation and housing projects. Health Impact Assessments (HIA) help make policy and investment recommendations for reducing risks and capitalizing on opportunities that improve health. The Institute for People, Place, and Possibility’s (IP3) HIA library houses health data from communities nationwide and offers resources to help agencies and communities improve health, well-being, and equity.

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??The Taylor Paseo Walking Tour, sponsored by WTS Metropolitan Phoenix and led by Jamie Trufin from Downtown Phoenix Inc., provided a firsthand look at placemaking transformations happening in downtown Phoenix. Connectivity and accessibility improvements to parks, walkways, and bike lanes, combined with heat relief efforts, daycare, and transitional housing at the neighboring YMCA, have created a one-of-a-kind public oasis that promotes walkability and fosters community connection.

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?? Growing ridership post-pandemic requires us to think beyond the traditional 9-5 commuter as our key indicator for understanding rider needs and travel patterns. To build ridership, we must adapt to pandemic realities, and rather than focusing on encouraging remote workers to return to taking the bus or train to downtown workplaces, we must instead focus on creating convenient and reliable networks that serve all riders and trips, not just commuters.

Thank you, MPact, for an informative and inspiring conference! #mpactphx

Ebony Venson is Manager of Communications and Programs at WTS International