Mayor Ashcraft to Join National Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety
Published on April 09, 2025
City of Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft has been selected to participate in the 2025 Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety. The Mayors Innovation Project, supported by AARP and Smart Growth America, selected 12 mayors to join this year's cohort based on their demonstrated leadership and commitment to pedestrian safety.
"I am honored to join mayors from across the country who are focused on improving pedestrian safety in our cities. Our residents face daily risks simply trying to walk safely to school, work, shopping, or for recreation. This initiative is about collaborative, data-driven solutions, and rethinking how we design our streets—putting people at the center," stated Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft.
The Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety equips local leaders with the tools, expertise, and peer support to make meaningful safety improvements on dangerous roadways and create long-term, systemic change. Over the next six months, participating mayors will engage in a mix of virtual and in-person programming, working alongside national experts and fellow mayors to address critical safety challenges.
Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing issue across the U.S., with an average of 20 people killed each day by drivers. Safety is the first and most important responsibility of government, and local leaders are uniquely positioned to act. Improving roadway safety has many benefits beyond safety, from supporting tourism and economic development, to creating communities where everyone - families, seniors, and working adults - can thrive.
In addition to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft, the national cohort includes:
- Mayor Maureen Copelof, Brevard, NC
- Mayor Cassie Franklin, Everett, WA
- Mayor David Goins, Alton, IL
- Mayor Denise D. Grant, Lauderhill, FL
- Mayor Heidi Lueb, Tigard, OR
- Mayor Jim Paine, Superior, WI
- Mayor Andy Schor, Lansing, MI
- Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock, AR
- Mayor Sharetta Smith, Lima, OH
- Mayor Robert Sullivan, Brockton, MA
- Mayor Derek Slaughter, Williamsport, PA
Learn more about the program, and follow along, at www.mayorsinnovation.org/our-work/mips
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ABOUT THE MAYORS INNOVATION PROJECT
The Mayors Innovation Project is a national learning network for mayors committed to shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, and efficient democratic government. We offer high-quality content that emphasizes innovative, actionable solutions and prioritizes peer exchange.
ABOUT SMART GROWTH AMERICA
Smart Growth America helps create healthy, prosperous, and resilient places to live for all people through research, advocacy, and direct community support. Our work spans housing and land use, transportation, and economic development to find solutions to communities’ most pressing needs. We work with elected officials at all levels, real estate developers, chambers of commerce, transportation, urban planning professionals, and residents to improve everyday life for people across the country through better development.