The City of South Bend will seek feedback on Bloomberg Mayors Challenge pilot programs designed to make sure residents have access to reliable transportation. The City’s Mayors Challenge team will host booths during Best. Week. Ever. 2018, first at the Best. Picnic. Ever. on May 29 and later at Best. Westside. Wednesday. on May 30. Team members will conduct Uber card raffles, a community art project, and informational golf cart rides.
In February South Bend was named a Champion City by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the city has been awarded a $100,000 grant to rapidly create and implement solutions to transportation barriers for low-wage and shift workers. The Mayors Challenge team is seeking to gain insights from community members to hone the solution before applying for an additional $1 million final or $5 million grand prize.
“We constantly hear from both employers and employees about the barrier lack of transportation presents to stable workforce participation,” said Santiago Garces, Chief Innovation Officer. “We want to hear from residents about how we can empower them to thrive. We are very thankful for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support to help our community improve economic mobility.”
“Our city is a working city and we need to ensure transportation does not prevent anyone from being able to support their family,” said Alkeyna Aldridge, Director of Engagement and Economic Empowerment. “This project is about finding sustainable solutions as quickly as possible so our residents can get back to work and enjoy their Champion City.”
The Best. Commute. Ever. celebration will feature a raffle for two $25 Uber cards. Residents can register by stopping at one of the information tables from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 at Potowatomi Park during the Best. Picnic. Ever. or from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30 at the Best. Westside. Wednesday.