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A virtual happy hour focused on community engagement for clean transportation projects and extending access to electric vehicles.

• Standard ticket: $5
• This event is complimentary for all WCS members. No promo codes needed.
• Refer to the membership options here. Become a member here.
• All registrants will receive access to a recording of the event.

Disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution, as well as climate change and the people living in these communities can also lack accessible affordable, and cleaner transportation options. In fact, research indicates that poor transportation options limits opportunities and can systematically create and perpetuate inequality. Shorter commuting time is the single strongest factor in the odds of escaping poverty.

As time passes, electric vehicles are comprising a larger percentage of vehicles sold, yet not always in the communities that need cleaner transportation options the most. Shared transportation has also expanded across the US and other countries, from bikes to scooters to electric shuttles to autonomous closed loop systems, but is it enough? How can we make sure that underserved communities aren’t overlooked?

The Infrastructure Bill will bring much needed funding for clean transportation infrastructure in the US. There are definitions of disadvantaged communities at the state level - but not at the federal level. How do we bring these communities into the discussion about where this infrastructure goes? Attendees will be able to share their experiences and hear how others have planned community engagement.

This event will be co-hosted by Circuit Transit, a recent awardee of both California and New York climate investment funding. Director of Transportation Development Alyssa Haerle will share her experience managing community engagement as part of these grants.

This event is free for members and $5 for non-members.

Event Agenda (PT)

• 5:00 - 5:05 Arrival, introductions, and housekeeping
• 5:05 - 5:20 Speaker Presentation
• 5:20 - 5:30 Breakout Session #1
• 5:30 - 5:35 Regroup and share
• 5:35 - 5:45 Breakout Session #2
• 5:45 - 5:50 Regroup and share
• 5:50 - 6:00 Thank you and wrap-up

Alyssa Haerle

Director of Transit Development at Circuit Transit

Speaker

Alyssa Haerle is a zero emissions mobility and transportation professional based in Los Angeles, CA. She works with smart cities and innovative communities to increase mobility and reduce congestion in the first / last mile space. As Director of Transit Development at Circuit, she manages government relations, grants, policy, and impact metrics for first/last mile transportation programs using all-electric vehicles. She was a Public Policy Fellow at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator prior to joining Circuit. She holds a BA from UCLA and MA from Stanford.

Caroline Trowbridge

Project Finance Analyst at Leeward Renewable Energy

Moderator

Caroline has served as Co-Chair of the Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Events Committee for over two years. In her day job, Caroline specializes in project finance at Leeward Renewable Energy, a utility-scale solar, wind, and storage developer. Previously, Caroline worked in energy efficiency project finance at Metrus Energy. She holds a BA in Mathematics from Middlebury College.

Co-Host:

Circuit provides all electric solutions that help move people in small areas and bridge gaps between riders and existing transit hubs. Circuit’s goal is to reduce congestion and its harmful effects on the environment and our quality of life. We do this by getting people out of their cars for short trips, encouraging visitors to park once, and by making connections to existing mass transit hubs. We work with innovative cities, private developers and forward-thinking advertising partners to offer electric shuttles that make mobility easier, smarter, safer, more affordable, and fun.

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