From the many different corners of Active Transportation, we welcome these brilliant speakers to our Conference!
Marisa Jones, Policy and Partnerships Director
Safe Routes Partnership
Marisa is a public policy professional dedicated to creating more just and healthy places where everyone can thrive. As the Policy and Partnerships Director at Safe Routes Partnership (SRP),she works with national organizations, coalitions, partners, and advocates to advance Safe Routes to School and improve walkable, bikeable access to parks, grocery stores, and other important community destinations.
Marisa provides strategic guidance to Safe Routes to School programs around the nation, including Idaho. She leads the Safe Routes Partnership’s legislative strategy on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies. Marisa also leads the organization’s Safe Routes to Parks and active transportation funding program areas.
Previously, Marisa worked at the Institute for Public Health Innovation, leading the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Cities and Towns Campaign for the Mid-Atlantic, helping local
governments adopt policies to improve healthy food access and opportunities for physical activity. Before that, Marisa worked at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
conducting research on racial disparities in breast cancer prediction models and interned at The White House during the Obama Administration, where she specialized in a portfolio of casework related to immigration, housing, personal finance, and education.
Chris Danley, Founder of Vitruvian Planning
Chris Danley is the founder of Vitruvian Planning and has been an urban planner since 2005. Chris grew up in Southern California, spent five years in Naval Aviation traveling the world experiencing numerous cultures and environments before earning his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He then entered the planning profession working in the public sector in the transportation field then transitioned into consulting before starting his own company, Vitruvian Planning, in 2011.
Over the last 12 years, Chris has been a national leader in uniting public health and urban planning through a myriad of ways and projects. His journey has included creating a highly successful walkability course and two unique planning processes, conducting numerous Health Impact Assessments, working on behalf of the world-renowned Blue Zones, starting a planning based podcast, and serving as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner in Boise. While not planning, Chris is the father of two daughters, an avid gym enthusiast, and loves to travel America seeing the smallest and largest of cities.
Chris brings a comprehensive background of experience and certifications, including:
- City of Boise Planning and Zoning Commission Member
- American Planning Association
- Recent President of the National Physical Activity Society
- Recipient of the 2012 and 2015 NC APA Plan of the Year Award
- League Certified Instructor with League of American Bicyclists
- National Safe Routes to School Certified Instructor
Chris Bosley, P.E. – City Engineer, City of Coeur d’Alene
With the recent updates to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the finalization of the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), the field of non-motorized transportation is seeing significant advancements. Among the key figures navigating these changes is Chris Bosley, a distinguished civil engineer with a rich career spanning over 25 years. A proud alumnus of Michigan Technological University, Chris has anchored his civil engineering degree with practical expertise, making impactful contributions to a multitude of transportation projects. His specialization doesn’t just end with transportation; he is profoundly respected in the industry for his adept knowledge in the domains of Complete Streets, Placemaking, bicycle facility design, and the intricacies of stormwater management. Beyond his technical proficiency, what sets Chris apart is his unwavering commitment to equity in infrastructure. He believes in a holistic approach where developments are not only functional but also inclusive, ensuring that all community members can benefit and thrive.
Kurt Holzer, Attorney – Hepworth Holzer, LLP and BikeLaw Network
On his favorite day of the year, Kurt Holzer plays professional bicycle race announcer at the
nationally renowned Boise Twilight Criterium. In his professional life he is a plaintiff’s trial
attorney with Hepworth Holzer, LLP. His also a past-President of both the Board of
Commissioners of the Idaho State Bar and the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association.
He is a member of the Bike Law network of cycling attorneys. Bike Law is a national network of
independent bicycle crash lawyers who share a common approach to the law and helping
cyclists. Their commitment is to be bicycle advocates as well as legal advocates, and to pursue
cycling justice.
He has been recognized as the Idaho Trial Lawyer of the year by the Idaho Trial Lawyers
Association and the Idaho plaintiff’s Lawyer of the Year three times by the Best Lawyers rating
organization. While he is happy to be with you today, he’d rather be out for a ride.
Local and State Officials Panel Discussion
Engage in a dynamic conversation with a panel of distinguished local and state officials who are at the forefront of Idaho’s transportation policymaking. This session promises to provide profound insights into transportation policies, the challenges faced, and the innovations driving change in our communities.
Elaine Clegg, Valley Regional Transit CEO (Moderator)
Elaine Clegg, steering the panel as the moderator, brings in-depth knowledge from her role as the CEO of Valley Regional Transit. Her experience will set the tone for a comprehensive discussion, diving deep into the intricacies of transportation.
Senator Rick Just (District 15)
A prominent member of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Rick Just brings legislative insights and a commitment to evolving Idaho’s transportation landscape for the betterment of all.
Representative Julie Yamamoto (District 11)
Representing District 11 and an integral member of the House Transportation and Defense Committee, Representative Yamamoto offers a fresh perspective on the synergy between defense and transportation, ensuring Idaho remains a pioneer in both sectors.
Mayor Jarom Wagoner (Mayor of Caldwell)
Mayor Jarom Wagoner’s leadership in Caldwell has been a testament to progressive urban development. His views on transportation, drawn from his hands-on experience, will be a valuable addition to the discussion.
Council Member Linda Leeuwrik (Pocatello City Council)
Council Member Linda Leeuwrik’s involvement with the Pocatello City Council has given her a deep understanding of urban challenges and opportunities. Her contributions will shed light on the balance between infrastructure development and community needs.
“How to Advocate for Safe Streets for All Users” Advocacy Panel Discussion
Step into an enlightening session where advocacy for safe streets takes center stage. This panel congregates leading figures who champion the cause of secure, inclusive, and user-friendly roads, trails, and pathways in Idaho.
Hailee Lenhart-Wees, City Go Program Manager/Valley Regional Transit (Moderator)
Guiding the advocacy panel as the moderator, Hailee Lenhart-Wees brings her expertise from her role as City Go Program Manager at Valley Regional Transit. Her dedication to active and public transportation will pave the way for an inspiring dialogue.
Tim Adams – Principal Tim Adams Consulting
A founding board member of the IWBA and former Executive Director of Teton Valley Trails and Pathways, Tim Adams’ experience spans both public and private sectors. His insights will anchor the discussion in practical solutions and advocacy strategies.
Jeremy Maxand – LINC Executive Director
As the Executive Director of LINC and co-founder and board member of the Idaho Access Project, Jeremy Maxand provides a unique lens on transportation advocacy, emphasizing accessibility for all.
Nina Pienaar – Director of Bicycle Advocacy at the Boise Bicycle Project
Leading the bicycle advocacy at the Boise Bicycle Project, Nina Pienaar brings passion and commitment to promoting cycling. Her insights will underscore the importance of fostering a bicycle-friendly environment in Idaho.
Each panelist, with their diverse backgrounds and expertise, promises to contribute to a rich dialogue that will drive Idaho’s transportation advocacy forward. Join us for these pivotal discussions!