NEWS RELEASE
Mayor Denise D. Grant to Join National Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety
Mayor Denise D. Grant is joining this cohort to advance Lauderhill's commitment to safer streets for all residents.
Mayor Grant of the City of Lauderhill 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.
"Being selected for this year's pedestrian safety cohort is a significant milestone for our City. It reflects our commitment to creating a safer environment for all residents and visitors. We are dedicated to prioritizing pedestrian safety, and with the support of this program, we will implement innovative strategies to enhance mobility and reduce accidents. Together, we can build a community where everyone can walk with confidence" expressed Mayor Denise D. Grant.
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.”
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 Mayor Denise D. Grant, the national cohort includes:
● Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Alameda, CA
● Mayor Maureen Copelof, Brevard, NC
● Mayor Cassie Franklin, Everett, WA
● Mayor David Goins, Alton, IL
● Mayor Heidi Lueb, Tigard, OR
● Mayor Jim Paine, Superior, WI
● Mayor Andy Schor, Lansing, MI
● Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock, AR
● Mayor Sharetta Smith, Lima, OH
● Mayor Robert Sullivan, Brockton, MA
● Mayor Derek Slaughter, Williamsport, PA
Learn more about the program, and follow along, at www.mayorsinnovation.org/our-work/mips
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. We offer 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. Our work spans housing and land use, transportation, and economic development to find solutions to communities’ most pressing needs. We work 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.
