Candy Canes and E-Bike Lanes Aglow

By Nicole Davessar

Happy Holidays! As 2022 comes to a close, we at Cityfi have been making our final to-do lists, checking them twice, and making spirits bright with some team festivities.

Leadership announced an awesome new benefit for all staff that has us riding into 2023 on bikes and e-bikes, and yesterday marked our first annual Bizarre Local Gift Card White Elephant in support of our favorite small businesses in our hometowns. Our Slack channels have been lighting up with mouthwatering cookie recipes and revealing our teammates’ musical tastes as we open our Spotify Wrapped reports.

Amid the holiday cheer, we also worked with great clients advancing sustainable solutions across the country. Looking ahead to the city’s climate goals, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is creating the Climate Emergency Response Framework (CERF). Additionally, Circuit Transit is expanding their electric shuttle services as a winner of the New York Clean Transportation Prizes.

Reflecting on Cityfi’s journey and our personal highlights in 2022, we are fueled by so much challenging and fun work with our clients. We have helped align public sector outcomes with private innovation in the realms of mobility, energy, digital government, and public affairs. Collaborating with our clients and partners to pilot new transportation initiatives, develop strategic plans, establish go-to-market frameworks, and build cross-sector partnerships has led to more people-centric, safe, equitable, and resilient communities. We said goodbye–or hopefully, “until later”–to a few good friends and substantially expanded with stellar new teammates.

We are motivated by this collective progress as well as an exciting and productive year ahead with our clients, partners, and colleagues. As you chart your goals and roadmap for 2023, how can we support you? The Cityfi team will be closed the last week of December to rejuvenate and enjoy the holidays before embracing a new year of opportunities. We wish you a healthy, happy, and refreshing holiday season and new year!

‘Tis the Season for Joy(ful Mobility)

By Karina Ricks

Holiday gift giving got off to an early start at Cityfi this year. The firm was founded with a focus on the Triple Bottom Line: people, planet, and profit. We craft strategies for clients all across the globe that help businesses do well while doing good for equity, the environment, and local economies. We believe that cities and towns can be regenerative and the mobility experience not only utilitarian but restorative…joyful even. And we like to have fun.

That is why, in November, we put our money where our mouth is and announced a new benefit. All staff–existing and new (we’re hiring!)–-will now receive $1,000 toward the purchase of a bike or e-bike. We think this is a small investment with a big return. Not only will this help to reduce the everyday carbon footprint of our team members and provide a safer, more affordable transportation option than private vehicle travel, but also we know it will bring joy.

Bicycle riding is fun, and riding an e-bike can feel like you have a super power. This investment will help our team members in Miami and Los Angeles beat the heat. It will flatten the hills of Pittsburgh and Seattle, shrink distance by cutting time in Columbus and Denver, and bypass the traffic of New York City. We have gotten big smiles from staff already and cannot wait to post the pics after they take their first rides. And we are hoping our small ripple will help catalyze a tidal wave that can help us avoid the worst of climate change, reduce roadway violence and death, ensure clean air and clean water, and build stronger, cohesive communities. Happy holidays to all!

SDOT and Cityfi Generating the Climate Emergency Response Framework

By Erin Clark

On December 7, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed a new Executive Order directing City departments to work together to prioritize and expand actions that equitably reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions within the transportation sector. One directed action was to create a "Climate Emergency Response Framework" by the second quarter of 2023. Cityfi, together with Sam Schwartz Engineering, is thrilled to be supporting SDOT in their development of the Climate Emergency Response Framework (CERF). The CERF will be a decision-making tool for SDOT to accelerate climate action, highlighting the bold organizational, political, and societal changes required to make meaningful progress toward Seattle's ambitious 2030 climate goals and ensure a sustainable future for Seattle and the region. If your agency is looking to begin or accelerate climate action efforts, let's talk!

Cityfi Charged Up for January Webinar

By Nicole Davessar

Cityfi could not be more excited to continue driving full speed ahead toward electrification and sustainable transportation outcomes for communities in 2023. In January, we are excited to convene cross-sector experts for a rich discussion on uptime for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and you are invited to join us for this special webinar! Our panelists are best positioned to elucidate the importance of uptime as they possess deep subject matter knowledge from spaces across the EV ecosystem: field maintenance and operations, utilities, municipalities, and data provision. Have you ever wondered why achieving high uptime is challenging? Do you want to learn about cross-industry solutions for maximizing charging reliability? We will help you unpack these and other critical questions, so be on the lookout for more details about the webinar in the new year. If you are interested in joining as a panelist or otherwise, please reach out to info@cityfi.co.

NYSERDA Awards Funding to Circuit Transit’s Electric Shuttle Service

By Kyle Ragan

It was an exciting November for Cityfi when Governor Kathy Hochul announced the grand prize winners of the New York Clean Transportation Prizes, a program administered by the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with the New York State Department of Public Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The program helps to fund clean technology solutions that have a focus on supporting marginalized communities. Cityfi is thrilled that one of our clients, Circuit Transit, was awarded a $7 million grant over the next three years to provide first/last mile service via electric shuttles in the Rockaways and Suffolk County. Circuit's cost-effective, convenient, and all-electric shuttle service is a great complement to existing transit networks by providing short trips that connect riders to essential daily needs and the broader regional transit network. This service will enhance transit options available to residents while reducing congestion and improving air quality. We look forward to continuing to work with Circuit to prove how on-demand, electric micro-shuttles can be an essential tool to improving mobility for all residents, while also driving economic development and lowering climate impacts.

White House Hosts Electrification Summit

By Brandon Pollak

This week the White House hosted an Electrification Summit, and announced a new innovation agenda with the goal of providing equitable and efficient electric options for all Americans. The agenda includes establishing new regional networks for clean energy, a Home Electrification Prize to make it easier to efficiently retrofit our homes, sharing of real time power outage data across 35 utilities, collaborations on research and development to leverage artificial intelligence for electric grid optimization, and many more programs for better buildings and infrastructure. This agenda will bolster growth for the electrification economy.

Also, the White House released its Guidebook for the Inflation Reduction Act’s investments in clean energy and climate action.

Cityfi and our partners at the University of Oregon’s Urbanism Next participated in the CAV and AV Forum convened in DC by the Transportation Research Board and ITS America. We elevated the imperative to engage cities in the continued development and eventual deployment of advanced driving systems and highlighted the ongoing development of an Emerging Technology “Playbook” for cities, thanks to an investment from the Knight Foundation. Speaking of TRB - we hope to see many of you there in January 2023!

A big Cityfi congrats to Shailen Bhatt on his confirmation to lead the Federal Highway Administration! Shailen led state DOT’s in Colorado and Delaware, and served as CEO of ITS America. A great leader and innovator on mobility.

Cityfi Reflects on 2022

Alexander Kapur

On the personal front, 2022 was about love and commitment. My partner and I exchanged our vows and celebrated with our family and friends. After two years of a chaotic, trying pandemic and related fallout, we felt incredibly lucky to tap that euphoria. With our joy also came a reminder that not only those of us with means to do so, but ALL of us, should be able to indulge in the deepest levels of happiness and contentment. Our work at Cityfi is both a rewarding challenge and a duty to help our communities and the individuals within live productive, sustainable, safe, just lives that allow them the moments that make life electric (no pun intended 😀).

Brandon Pollak

The past year has been exciting, and I could not be more thankful for my family, friends, and our amazing Cityfi team. I joined the firm back in February after leading government and public affairs at multiple fast growing startups because Cityfi had an incredible vision for the future where I could be entrepreneurial in a new way. I had the privilege to help spearhead the launch of DC’s Mobility Innovation District, which aspires to be the premier global innovation hub for mobility. Next year will be a big year, and I cannot wait to get moving with this team!

Camron Bridgford

In 2022, I continue to be extremely grateful for my Cityfi colleagues, who make me laugh, challenge me, and support me in the work we do to meet the needs of our clients and cities. This year, I also got to work with many amazing clients in the spaces of transportation and mobility, data, and civic innovation, including Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, the cities of the Southern California Association of Governments, New York City Department of Transportation, and the Open Mobility Foundation (among many others!). Personally, I got to take my parents on their first trip to Europe, which brought me great joy to see the joy it brought them. I am excited to purchase an e-bike in early 2023 (Cityfi offered a stipend to all employees as a holiday gift to purchase one) and so look forward to going into 2023 with a little e-ssistance!

Chelsea Lawson

Taking and coming back from maternity leave in 2022 left me extremely thankful for the work we get to do. The delivery drone corridor study for the Michigan Department of Transportation in partnership with Airspace Link was a particular highlight. Although it is wrapping up (look out for a Cityfi newsletter coming soon!), it feels like that work is just getting started and has so much potential to impact communities. I can’t wait to take Duncan on the bike in 2023!

Erin Clark

As I round out 2022 and my first full year with #TeamCityfi, I am grateful for my dedicated, supportive colleagues and our clients that inspire me and keep me on my toes. Looking ahead to 2023, I hope we all continue to take conscious steps to connect with our communities and reduce our carbon footprints. In 2023 you can catch me eating my way around Pittsburgh on my new e-bike (and hopefully visiting your cities, too)!

Evan Costagliola

2022 was an incredible year of growth for me, personally and professionally. I joined Cityfi five months ago and hit the ground running. I have had the great pleasure to take on new project and advisory challenges, but more importantly, I have had the opportunity to build relationships with the thirteen other brilliant Cityfiers. As 2023 gets closer, I think it is clear that we have not hit the ceiling…we are about to break through it!

Karina Ricks

2022 was a year of change, more change, and change again - good thing I joined a change management firm! I am so grateful to have found a welcoming family here at Cityfi and among the many great clients - both cities and entrepreneurs - we get to work with. After years as a public servant, I know the government cannot solve our biggest challenges by itself. I am thrilled to be able to work with really committed, values-driven entrepreneurs and collaborate with other public leaders to leverage the best that both government and innovators can offer to make the world a little better, healthier, and more just. I am grateful to be able to do this and still make my kids’ swim meets and fencing matches and occasionally even walk the dog!

Karla Peralta

2022 has been an extraordinary year and full of changes! I joined Cityfi at the beginning of the year and I am thankful for all the great experiences I had working with incredible clients and colleagues. I am thrilled to see what is in store for 2023 and to keep growing in such an exciting company. On the personal side, I am writing this from my hometown, Orizaba (in Mexico), on my wedding eve full of excitement and surrounded by friends and family. I cannot be thankful enough!

Kyle Ragan

One of my highlights of 2022 was the opportunity to travel again. Whether it was in Anchorage or Albany, it was great to reconnect with old colleagues, work with our great clients, and build new relationships for Cityfi. It is amazing to look at how our team has evolved over the last year. We have been able to bring on amazing new team members at every level of the organization, and I am excited for what lies ahead in 2023.

Mahreen Alam

As 2022 comes to a close, I am grateful for the moments of growth and milestones I’ve been able to achieve alongside my wonderful Cityfi team. I joined Cityfi as I was wrapping up my Masters program and moving to a new city. I have learned so much in the past few months about managing change - both on a personal and professional level. Looking ahead to 2023, I am thrilled to work in an organization that values emerging points of view and innovation. I continue to be inspired by our clients who push for better governance and policies every day in their organizations and look forward to continuing this work in the new year!

Nicole Davessar

Joining Cityfi was a defining part of my year. Every day, I am energized to work alongside wonderful teammates and clients who are driven to affect positive outcomes in communities. My move from Cleveland to Columbus has been an opportunity to explore a vibrant and dynamic city. I cannot wait to meet more of my colleagues and clients in person and for our team to continue advancing meaningful and impactful work in 2023.

Sarah Saltz

I joined the team midway through the year after a Masters program where I solidified my passion for the intersection of mobility, social justice, and the built environment. I am inspired by the impactful projects we work on and our clients’ - both cities and companies - efforts to innovate to solve hard problems. I feel lucky to have met so many of my fantastic colleagues and members of the broader Cityfi client, partner, and alumni community in person this past year. Looking to 2023, I am excited to continue convening the public and private sectors to facilitate dialogue and shared goals and help cities navigate opportunities and challenges as they plan for the future.

Story Bellows

We focus on managing change at Cityfi, and this was a year where change was welcome and hard and fun and necessary - and we have grown so much from it and are a much bigger and better and smarter team because of it. I am grateful to work with the awesome team we continue to build, I’m excited to to support the Cityfi alums in their incredible endeavors and am - personally - thrilled to be thrilled about showing up focused and excited to work every day ( thanks to reliable full-day childcare and my supportive work and home families). Here is to diving more deeply into addressing the challenges our communities face and driving impactful solutions next year and beyond. Oh and to raising the next generation of badass cyclists.