Alton’s Goins joins National Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety

Mayor David Goins is joining this cohort to advance Alton’s commitment to safer streets for all residents

Alton Mayor David Goins has been selected to participate in the 2025 Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety.

The Mayors Innovation Project, supported by AARP and Smart Growth America, selected 12 mayors to join this year’s cohort based on their demonstrated leadership and commitment to pedestrian safety.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s cohort and to bring new ideas back to Alton. Safe streets are the foundation of a strong, thriving community. I’m grateful for this opportunity and the support our efforts have had from the local community. I’m excited to keep pushing Alton forward together,” said Goins.

The Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety equips local leaders with the tools, expertise, and peer support to make meaningful safety improvements on dangerous roadways and create long-term, systemic change. Over the next six months, participating mayors will engage in a mix of virtual and in-person programming, working alongside national experts and fellow mayors to address critical safety challenges.

“Whether you’re a business owner or the parent of a young child, safety is absolutely fundamental to thriving communities,” said Beth Osborne, director of Transportation for America, Smart Growth America’s transportation arm. “Mayors are essential to this work, and we are eager to work with this year’s cohort to share and implement more of what we know creates safer, more vibrant communities for all.”

The City of Alton was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant in 2024 for a pilot project to explore traffic calming measures and pedestrian enhancements along the Piasa corridor. The city’s participation in the MIPS program reflects its ongoing efforts to prioritize the safety of all roadway users.

Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing issue across the U.S., with an average of 20 people killed each day by drivers. Safety is the first and most important responsibility of government, and local leaders are uniquely positioned to act. Improving roadway safety has many benefits beyond safety, from supporting tourism and economic development, to creating communities where everyone – families, seniors, and working adults – can thrive.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s mayors to the MIPS program,” said Katya Spear, managing director of the Mayors Innovation Project. “Each brings a unique perspective and deep commitment to public safety, while representing a broad range of city size, geographic regions, and forms of government. Together, we’ll support their work to make streets safer for everyone in their communities.”

In addition to Alton Mayor David Goins, the national cohort includes:

• Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Alameda, Calif.
• Mayor Maureen Copelof, Brevard, N.C.
• Mayor Cassie Franklin, Everett, Wash.
• Mayor Denise D. Grant, Lauderhill, Fla.
• Mayor Heidi Lueb, Tigard, Ore.
• Mayor Jim Paine, Superior, Wis.
• Mayor Andy Schor, Lansing, Mich.
• Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock, Ark.
• Mayor Sharetta Smith, Lima, Ohio
• Mayor Robert Sullivan, Brockton, Mass.
• Mayor Derek Slaughter, Williamsport, Pa.

Learn more about the program and follow along at www.mayorsinnovation.org/our-work/mips.

Photo courtesy City of Alton.

 

 

About the Mayors Innovation Project

The Mayors Innovation Project is a national learning network for mayors committed to shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, and efficient democratic government. It offers high-quality content that emphasizes innovative, actionable solutions and prioritizes peer exchange.

About Smart Growth America

Smart Growth America helps create healthy, prosperous, and resilient places to live for all people through research, advocacy, and direct community support. Its work spans housing and land use, transportation, and economic development to find solutions to communities’ most pressing needs. It works with elected officials at all levels, real estate developers, chambers of commerce, transportation, urban planning professionals, and residents to improve everyday life for people across the country through better development.