What If We Get It Right? A Reimagined Transit System
Join San Diego Green Drinks for a continuation to the bestselling book What If We Got It Right? speaker series. This book challenges us all to imagine how the world can be enriched and improved by meaningful climate change mitigation and adaptation work. Last December we talked about how climate change policy can improve all parts of our community in San Diego.
What would your commute be like with a reimagined transit system? What song birds would you hear on the way? How would your community engagement change?
For this month's speaker, Mahayla Slackerelli will introduce us to hear from JD Weidman. He will help us explore what sustainable transportation could look like if we get it right. Drawing inspiration from Ayana Johnson’s What If We Get It Right?, their work centers on eight interconnected systems. From high-speed rail and local transit to walking, biking, ADA accessibility, highways, and air travel. We’ll focus on how smart, sustained funding can strengthen each mode while reducing climate, health, and economic harms. At the core of their perspective is equity: ensuring the benefits and burdens of transportation systems are shared equitably across communities. We’ll explore how past harms can be repaired to move towards a transportation future that is more just, efficient, and affordable.
Green Drinks events are free, casual, and fun networking events to meet likeminded individuals in the environmental sustainability space. Come solo or with others - we hope to see you there!
WHEN: Monday, March 16th from 6-8pm
WHERE: New English Brewing - 11545 Sorrento Valley Rd #305
TRANSIT and PARKING: We encourage you to use public transit if available.
FOOD and DRINK: A variety of food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Guests can also bring in outside food as well.
About Mahayla Slackerelli:
Mahayla was inspired to start a What If We Get It Right Speaker series specific to the San Diego region after reading Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s book. She is engaged in the community as a member of the Climate Advisory Board. At Calpine Community Energy, Mahayla works closely with local governments transitioning to renewable energy. Mahayla holds a Bachelor's degree from Sarah Lawrence College and a Master's in Environmental Science with a focus in Energy Policy from Cal Poly Humboldt.
About JD Weidman (he/him):
JD is the Director of Transportation Services at SDSU. He is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience driving innovation in parking operations, transit, construction management, mobility advocacy, and transportation planning. His career spans leading large-scale rail transit projects, Transportation Demand Management (TDM), and managing comprehensive transportation services for two major public universities. JD holds a Bachelor's degree in Building Construction from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master's in Real Estate and Infrastructure from John Hopkins Carey Business School.
About Green Drinks:
San Diego Green Drinks (SDGD) is a monthly networking group for professionals or individuals interested in the sustainability field. We typically meet on the third Thursday of each month at a local bar to discuss different environmental issues with a speaker followed by open networking. These events are casual, drinking is optional, and anyone interested is encouraged to attend.
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