Great Streets are Safe Streets, Presentation by Charles Marohn

12 West Main Street,Mesa AZ 85201

17 November, 2021

Description

What does quality of life mean for transportation? Our communities deserve streets and choices that harm less and help people achieve more. Charles Marohn, professional engineer and founder of the Strong Towns movement, lifts the curtain on America’s transportation system in his newest book, Confessions of a Recovering Engineer. In this book tour presentation, Marohn demonstrates how the values of engineers and other transportation professionals are applied in the design process, and how those priorities differ from the values of the general public. By showing how transportation investments are a means to an end and not an end unto themselves, Marohn reveals how the standard approach to issues like fighting congestion, addressing speeding, and designing intersections only makes transportation problems worse, at great cost in terms of both safety and resources. By contrast, the Strong Towns approach to transportation focuses on bottom-up techniques for spending less and getting higher returns, all while improving quality of life for residents of a community. Join local champions who are committed to the causes captured in this first-class presentation by Charles Marohn. We will delve into the question of values embedded in the priorities, realized or not, by our transportation options and street designs. The values reflected in the transportation industry (such as Marohn’s experience as an engineer) are not aligned with community-based priorities or values. Be part of the aspirations for safe, productive, healthy, and equitable development and join coalitions who understand the levers of change. Change is possible, but we need to align our choices with our values. None of this would be possible without our sponsors: City of Mesa's Vice Mayor Jenn Duff and Councilmember Francisco HerediaVitalyst Health FoundationLocal First ArizonaUrban Phoenix ProjectOur generous hosts: The new Downtown Underground Mesa space with talented comedy, fun music, and private events coming soon. Find Downtown Underground Mesa below 12 West Brewing - Downtown Mesa. Please support 12 West Brewing with a delicious selection of craft food and beverage that will WOW any guest. Recognized donors and collaborators: Downtown Voices Coalition, RAIL CDC, Arizona Chapter of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, and Chispa Arizona. This is an educational event offering ideas to local advocates. This event is not to lobby for any one position on any items on future ballots. Ryan Wozniak and David Crummey produce or aggregate the content for Main Street Mesa. To collaborate, contact us at [email protected]