Positive energy filled the room at our recent Movers and Shakers Ball, where we honored several lawmakers who have made safer, more affordable transportation a top priority.
Each award recipient was draped in a green, shimmering superhero cape before addressing the roughly 200 attendees—an apt tribute to their leadership and impact.
STATE SENATOR RAM VILLIVALAM
The first award recognized State Senator Ram Villivalam (8th District; pictured below, left) for his tireless partnership in passing the landmark NITA legislation last fall.
“This has been the hardest and most remarkable adventure that we’ve been on,” Villivalam said during his acceptance remarks. “I am so proud of the of the bold, progressive nature in which we approached this, and we stuck to our principles, we stuck to our morals, and we stuck to what was right. We’re really damn proud of it.”
Villivalam noted that passing the legislation was a three-year process, sparked by a looming fiscal cliff for the region’s transit system and intensified by the COVID pandemic and its sharp decline in ridership.
“The Active Transportation Alliance and the Clean Jobs Coalition were the wind at our backs to get this across the finish line,” said Villivalam, whose district includes Forest Glen, North Park, and West Ridge in Chicago, as well as Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Niles, Lincolnwood, and Skokie.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE EVA-DINA DELGADO
A second award honored State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado (3rd District; pictured at top of page, middle).
Active Transportation Alliance Executive Director Amy Rynell described Delgado as “a creative problem solver, tough as nails, and as hard working as they come.”
Rynell credited Delgado with skillfully persuading colleagues in the Illinois House to join the coalition supporting the legislation.
“It is probably one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in the country when we talk about investments,” said Delgado, whose district includes parts of Elmwood Park and the Chicago neighborhoods of Austin, Belmont Cragin, Dunning, Hermosa, Logan Square, Montclare, and Portage Park. “And the only way we could do it was with the support of those of you who are in this room.”
ALDERWOMAN JULIA RAMIREZ
The final award went to Julia Ramirez (pictured above, left), alderwoman of the 12th Ward on the Southwest Side—home to two of Chicago’s most dangerous transportation corridors along Archer and Kedzie Avenues in Brighton Park.
“For years, families have complained about dangerous driving, unsafe crossings, and heavy truck traffic,” said Rynell. “Now, thanks to Alder Ramirez’s leadership, these challenges are being addressed through the dramatic transformation of these busy streets. The 12th ward will be a safer place for families because of her courage and vision.”
Those changes include right-sizing roadways to slow traffic, adding safer pedestrian crossings and protected bike lanes, and creating streets that are more welcoming for all. Rynell noted that Ramirez has shown genuine leadership even in the face of ongoing resistance.
“We started small initiatives through our office by asking people to report speed bump repairs and to repaint crosswalks,” said Ramirez. “And now we have said yes to a multi-million-dollar safe street projects on Archer and Kedzie.”
HONORING RICHARD KOSMACHER
The evening also included a heartfelt tribute to the late Richard Kosmacher, a devoted cyclist and environmentalist for more than 50 years.
The newly established Richard Kosmacher Fund, created by Sharon Feigon and Steven Bialer, will support a new staff position at Active Transportation Alliance focused on strategic advocacy and policy change campaigns.
We extend our deep thanks to Melissa Sterne, Richard’s wife, and their sons, Evan and Gabe Kosmacher, for sharing his legacy with us. We are also grateful to the many friends and family members who joined us in his honor.
LOOKING AHEAD
During her remarks, Rynell reflected on the hard-fought passage of NITA and the lessons learned—especially the importance of standing firm in the face of opposition.
“If we aren’t running up against resistance in this work, it may be a sign that we’re not asking for enough,” she said. “The resistance and push back are only making us stronger and adding fuel to our fire. It’s creating a larger unifying purpose and group of folks fighting for what we believe in.”
She emphasized that winning these battles often depends on reaching persuadable “fence sitters,” noting that this approach can counteract “those who are loud and resistant to change, and who may have resources and access we may not.”
She said the work of influencing our leaders doesn’t pause for a moment: “We have some amazing elected leaders in this work. But they will be the first to tell you that they are just one vote. We need to help build broader coalitions of the willing.”
Special thanks to Funny You Should Care, which provided entertainment for the evening. Funny You Should Care is a comedy troupe that cleverly uses humor to highlight the absurdities in our current transportation priorities.