Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation hosted a Transportation and Climate Symposium, a conference where climate champions and innovative solutions were recognized. Solutions that help make transportation systems more eco-friendly and create more accessible and affordable mobility options for all Americans were highlighted. The city of Independence was one of the highlighted agencies, with Mayor McArdle venturing to Washington, D.C. to share our experience. The U.S. Department of Transportation covered all the travel and lodging expenses associated with the mayor’s participation in the symposium.
The mayor spoke during the Tribal and Rural Leadership workshop, detailing how Independence’s focus on downtown revitalization, trails, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and economic development are creating a climate-friendly community. By making our city a place where people can work, shop, and play without the need for a car, the benefits to the environment come naturally. In particular, the MI Trolley was highlighted as an example of successful rural transit that also creates climate benefits. While in D.C., McArdle also met with various agency officials about the benefits of the MI Trolley and its importance within our community.
“I was proud to share our story on the federal level with those who can help improve the connectivity in our community,” said Mayor McArdle.