In the Mix :: Street Cars and Transportation

Our first In the Mix of 2015 is on the calendar and will give a sneak peak into some of the region's biggest new transportation projects.

From the streetcar project to Amtrak extensions, new bridges to protected bike lanes, transportation is becoming a major priority in the region. EDGErs are invited to talk with our region’s transportation experts about transportation projects around the Sacramento area that take us on, off and around the grid.

We’ll be in Il Fornaio’s enclosed (and heated!) patio right along the proposed streetcar route. Make sure to check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ILFornaio/app_160430850678443) for a coupon good for a $3 signature drink.

Speakers/Special Guests:

• Councilmember Chris Ledesma, City of West Sacramento – Streetcar advocate
  • Councilmember Ledesma is a member of the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar Project Policy Steering Committee and a major supporter of the streetcar project. The City of West Sacramento is currently determining the local “match” contribution to the streetcar project.

• Sparky Harris, senior planner, City of Sacramento – Streetcar project manager
  • Sparky Harris is a senior planner with the City of Sacramento and manages the City’s participation in the streetcar project. Sparky has worked as a municipal planner since 1991 and began working in the Sacramento area at SACOG in 1994. He spoke at the 2014 Emerge Summit on growth and development in downtown and is a big fan of Metro EDGE.

• Erik Johnson, policy & administration manager, SACOG
  • Erik is a young professional (and recent EDGE member) working on advocacy, legislative analysis and shared services among local governments. His 2011 master’s thesis highlights the need for local governments to increasingly plan for local funding mechanisms for transportation projects.

• David Nelson, EDGEr and City of Roseville Transportation Commission member
  • David is a member of the City of Roseville’s Transportation Commission, as well as a Regional Action Committee member. His duties on the Transportation Commission include reviewing and recommending changes or improvements to Roseville’s transportation systems. David is well-versed in regional transit, specifically Roseville’s commuter bus that carries an average of 518 riders each day.
• Susan Rohan, Roseville Vice Mayor and Sacramento Area Council of Governments
  • Susan owns a public affairs business, and is the former Vice President of Government and Environmental Affairs for the Del Webb Corporation, which she represented on the Sun City Roseville Homeowners Association Board.

• Einar Maisch, Director of Strategic Affairs at Placer County Water Agency
  • Einar has served as PCWA’s Director of Strategic Affairs since the year 2000.

• Stan Van Vleck, chairman/partner, Downey Brand – Sacramento Metro Chamber government affairs vice chair
  • Stan was recognized as the Chamber’s 2012 volunteer of the year for his efforts to support economic growth and development in Sacramento. Mayor Johnson describes him as not only someone who sees Sacramento as a world-class city, but more importantly “is willing to do something about it.”

In the Mix events occur on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at chic and exciting venues, giving EDGErs plenty of opportunities to expand their network and engage with the region’s top young professionals.