GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING
Lifting up the transportation needs of people in Columbia's Vision Zero priority neighborhoods
Local Motion is leading a grassroots organizing campaign in partnership with key Columbia neighborhoods. The campaign is designed to identify and lift up the voices of leaders and advocates from within neighborhoods whose residents face transportation barriers.
These leaders give voice to their neighbors’ perspectives and ideas so that they can influence important, upcoming transportation infrastructure and policy decisions.
We are working alongside residents of Columbia’s five Vision Zero priority neighborhoods, which are areas with high rates of poverty, people of color, households without vehicles, crime, unemployment, stress, and poor housing.
GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING GOALS
Go to community gathering places to speak with neighbors and learn about their transportation needs and barriers.
Build trust and relationships with underrepresented populations to create momentum that will lead to more connections with these groups in the future, ensuring Local Motion’s advocacy represents the entire community.
Identify neighborhood leaders who are engaged in their neighborhoods and partner with them through training, stipends, and co-creating solutions to transportation barriers.
Strengthen our membership with lower-income people and people of color who rely on walking, biking, and transit for transportation.
GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING SUCCESSES
Inventoried walking, biking, and transit infrastructure within Vision Zero priority neighborhoods.
Created a coalition of neighborhood leaders who live and work within the Vision Zero priority neighborhoods.
Hosted walkability audits within each of the Vision Zero priority neighborhoods, bringing together residents, leaders, and city staff.
MEET THE LOCALS IN MOTION COHORT
Felecia Jackson-Qualls
“I am a person of deep belief in sharing my gifts and goals by giving back to help establish long-term goals with great rewards and a sense of accomplishment as a team player. I truly enjoy working in my community as an advocate for the needs of our community by giving back, which is high on my list as a person of this community.”
J Brenkus
“I was originally born and raised in Ohio, and moved to Columbia in 2018. I grew up in a pretty remote area and grew to adore taking walks around towns as I got older and moved away from home. I am passionate about helping to provide a better urban landscape where pedestrians can thrive, and using a car for transport does not have to be the first choice. Locals in Motion provides a great direct outlet for this passion, as I am able to get involved in direct action and advocacy around this topic. I also find the community of Locals in Motion to be incredibly welcoming and great to work with.”
Joseph Anderson
“Hi, I’m Joseph Anderson, and I love to do a ton of stuff; but my favorite things are talking with friends, watching movies, riding the metro, and more. A reason why I am a part of Locals in Motion is to help advocate for better transit in town. Another reason is that I want to make an impact in this world.”
Kathy Meagher
“I am an opera singer with low vision who relies on public transit to get around. I am a private voice teacher as well as an occasional singer at the Cathedral of St Joseph for high holy days and diocesan liturgies. I am passionate about public transit advocacy. I serve on PTAC.”
Megan Hirni
Megan Hirni moved to Columbia in 2021 and joined Locals in Motion in 2024. She loves the beautiful parks around town and walks to work any chance she gets. “I adore seeing organizations like Local Motion advocating for safe & accessible transportation every day! As someone who is primarily a pedestrian, I feel seen and heard at Locals in Motion. It's spectacular to have opportunities to advocate and learn at the same time!”
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