How the MassBio Community Can Accelerate Positive Transportation Solutions for MA

January 28, 2020 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

MassBio, 300 Technology Square 8th Fl, Cambridge, MA 02139

Add to Calendar 1/28/2020 8:00:00 AM 1/28/2020 10:00:00 AM How the MassBio Community Can Accelerate Positive Transportation Solutions for MA

Earlier this year, MassBio released a report on the state of transportation in Massachusetts, detailing the results of a survey of 2,133 professionals who work in or support the life sciences. The report shows how transportation in Massachusetts is impacting the industry’s ability to recruit and retain talent. The verdict? We’re at a breaking point, as 60% of respondents said they’d change jobs for a better commute and nearly a quarter said they’ve considered moving to another state. We’re all aware of the transportation crisis in Massachusetts but not everyone knows the various activities proposed or underway to fix the problem. This includes efforts by companies to alleviate the commuting burden for employees, collaborations with like-minded entities in other industries, and support of local and statewide policies and legislation.

This MassBio forum will provide members with a better, more critical understanding of the state of transit in Massachusetts. Our panel, representing local and national associations, advocacy groups, and public agencies will highlight a transportation vision for MA, the current state of transit including challenges and opportunities, and positive solutions proposed or in the works. They’ll illuminate examples of how other parts of the country have addressed similar issues and will demonstrate how to empower companies to make smart transportation decisions and investments. Finally, there will be plenty of time for Q&A.

Our goal for participants is to leave feeling more informed, less frustrated, and inspired to act, armed with the knowledge to support relevant activities in your city, where you work, or on the state level.

Sponsored by MassBio's Safety, Environment & Facilities Operations (SEF) forum working group.

 MassBio, 300 Technology Square 8th Fl, Cambridge, MA 02139
Director of Government Affairs at Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Lizzi Weyant joined MAPC in the spring of 2015 and serves as the Director of Government Affairs. She oversees MAPC’s legislative priorities both at the state and federal level, including zoning reform legislation, housing production legislation, transportation funding, and energy and environmental initiatives. Ms. Weyant works closely with several state and regional coalitions and committees, including the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance and Transportation for Massachusetts, as well as the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies, the organization of 13 regional planning agencies in the state. Prior to joining MAPC, Ms. Weyant was the Advocacy Director of Transportation for Massachusetts, a statewide transportation coalition where she successfully advocated for more statewide funding for transportation. Prior to her time at the coalition, Ms. Weyant worked as a staff attorney at the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, protecting consumers through legal, grassroots and grasstops advocacy, with a focus on transportation issues and consumer affairs. Upon her graduation from law school, Ms. Weyant clerked for the Honorable Justice Susan Calkins of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and then began practicing law in Pennsylvania. Ms. Weyant earned a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Carnegie Mellon University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. Areas of Expertise: Legislative advocacy, transportation policy and finance, policy analysis, coalition coordination.