Honoring local transportation champions

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was given the Public Leadership Award. After two terms, Mayor Emanuel is leaving office having made Chicago a national leader in building better bike infrastructure. The mayor secured millions of dollars in federal funding to rebuild Chicago’s aging public transit system, he enhanced the city’s commitment to pedestrian safety and he made it a priority to create separate trails for biking and walking along the Chicago lakefront. Accepting the award on his behalf was Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld, pictured with Active Trans Executive Director Ron Burke (right) and Jerome McDonnell from WBEZ (left).

The Community Leadership Award was given to Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA). In recent years, LSNA has been one of Active Trans’ strongest community partners. In addition to working for equitable development near transit stations, the group has led organizing efforts to address gentrification and displacement related to the 606 Trail and has worked alongside Active Trans to create a community vision for safe access to the Chicago River. Accepting the award for LSNA are Juan Sebastian Avias (center, left) and Christian Diaz (center, right). They are pictured with Active Trans Executive Director Ron Burke (left) and Jerome McDonnell from WBEZ (right).

REI received the Business Leadership Award. REI has provided grant support for various Active Trans campaigns, like our Trail Connect Chicagoland campaign and our advocacy work in the Lake Calumet region. It’s also been a champion of our events over the years, serving as an event sponsor and hosting Active Trans events in REI stores. Accepting the award is Theresa Salus, REI’s outdoor programs and outreach manager. She’s pictured with Active Trans Executive Director Ron Burke (left) and Jerome McDonnell of WBEZ (right).