The West Allis Transportation Academy is underway!

The West Allis Transportation Academy met in person for the first time at City Hall last week and again virtually this past Wednesday. The cohort is made up of about 20 people from all walks of life. They all bring their lived experience and professional expertise to the group. We are just two sessions in, and we have already had rich discussions about disability access, the impact of highway building on health and housing, and street safety. 

People sit at tables in the West Allis City Hall Gallery

The first class was all about introductions! We spent some time getting to know each other and hearing about everyone’s interest in transportation. AARP Wisconsin generously provided snacks and drinks from Antigua. 

A group of people sit around tables arrange in a U shape in the West Allis City Hall Gallery

The second class featured a presentation from Dr. Kirk E. Harris, Professor of Urban Planning and the founder and director of the Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice at UW Milwaukee. Dr. Harris provided a sweeping history of citizenship, land use, segregation, federal housing and highway policy, urban renewal, and how all those factors shape the built environment we have today. 

L to R: Dr. Kirk E. Harris; redlining map of Milwaukee; image from the Center for Equity Practice

We are looking forward to learning more from guest speakers and each other every Wednesday from now through the end of May.