Join Sustainable Pittsburgh for this workshop on Thursday, December 15 from 8:30 am until 11:00 am (Registration at 8:00 am) at the Southwestern PA Commission, Two Chatham Center, in downtown Pittsburgh. This workshop provides a convenient opportunity for participants to learn how they could save money, attract and retain bright talent, and foster healthier lifestyles in the workplace—by exploring transportation options and benefits.
According to Sustainable Pittsburgh’s 2016 Southwestern Pennsylvania Goals and Indicators Report, in the City of Pittsburgh 19 percent of average household income is spent on transportation. In Allegheny County the amount is 22 percent, and in Armstrong County, which is almost entirely car dependent, the amount of household income spent on transportation is 28 percent. (More compact communities, which offer greater access to jobs, services, transit and amenities, have lower household transportation costs.) One way to save money on transportation is by participating in “Commuter Tax Benefit” programs that involve public transit, carpooling, and bicycle commuting. Workshop participants will learn about the local and federal programs available and how employers and employees can both benefit from participating.
The Port Authority of Allegheny County will share information on what kind of “change is coming” to the transit system in 2017 and how this could impact employees’ commutes. The City of Pittsburgh will share information on the recently passed Complete Streets policy and what this means for your organization. Additionally, participants will learn about emerging transportation plans and projects that will shape our region’s future.
Attend this workshop to gain insights on how organizations can implement transportation policies and programs that increase a company’s attractiveness among current and potential employees, reduce costs, and encourage healthier lifestyles.
All are invited. Attendees need not be participating in the Green Workplace Challenge.
– Andrea Elcock, Community Planning Coordinator, Port Authority of Allegheny County
– Akshali Gandhi, Transportation Planner, City of Pittsburgh
– Breen Masciotra, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Project Manager, Port Authority of Allegheny County
– Erin Potts, Director of Marketing and Outreach, Pittsburgh Bike Share (HealthyRide)
– Lisa Kay Schweyer, CommuteInfo Program Manager, Soutwestern Pennsylvania Commission (Video Presentation)
– Dan Yablonsky, Business Developmennt Manager, BikePGH
8:00 – 8:30 am Registration, Networking and Breakfast
– Interactive Activity: Infrastructure & Connectivity, with Lindsay Cashman, Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project
8:30 – 8:35 am Welcome and Introduction
– Autumn Secrest, Sustainable Business Program Manager, Sustainable Pittsburgh
8:35 – 8:45 am Transportation Benefits for Employees and Tax Benefits for Employers
– Lisa Kay Schweyer, CommuteInfo Program Manager, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
8:45 – 8:50 Q&A
8:50 – 9:00 am Healthy Ride: Pittsburgh’s Bike Sharing Program
– Erin Potts, Director of Marketing and Outreach, Pittsburgh Bike Share
9:00 am – 9:05 Q&A
9:05 – 9:15 am Advocating for Biking in Pittsburgh: Progress and Challenges
– Dan Yablonsky, Business Development Manager, BikePGH
9:15 – 9:20 am Q&A
9:20 – 9:30 am Port Authority: Change is Coming
– Andrea Elcock, Community Planning Coordinator, Port Authority of Allegheny County
9:30 – 9:35 am Q&A
9:35 am – 9:45 am Update: City of Pittsburgh’s Complete Streets Legislation
– Akshali Gandhi, Transportation Planner, City of Pittsburgh
9:45 – 9:50 am Q&A
9:50 – 10:30 am Our Region’s Transportation Future: Panel Discussion
– Breen Masciotra, TOD Project Manager, Port Authority of Allegheny County
– Akshali Gandhi, Transportation Planner, City of Pittsburgh
– Dan Yablonsky, Business Development Manager, BikePGH
10:30 – 10:45 am Transportation and Social Equity
– Autumn Secrest, Sustainable Business Manager, Sustainable Pittsburgh
10:45 – 10:50 am Q&A
10:50 am – 11:00 am Closing Remarks