Author: WalkBoston

First WalkMassachusetts Network Forum in the books!

First WalkMassachusetts Network Forum in the books!

Photo by Price Armstrong, Holyoke Bicycle Pedestrian Committee

Thank you for your lively conversations, your questions, your suggestions, and for taking part in the first WalkMassachusetts Network gathering in Worcester. Stacey had the opportunity to present the successful results of our meeting last night at the 10 in 1 StreetTalks event put on by LivableStreets. So we bet participation in the Network will grow to include even more groups working on walking throughout the Commonwealth.

As promised, we are launching the WalkMassachusetts Network online forum. Below is a link to sign into the forum; once logged in, there is an automated helper that can walk you through different features. Additional info is pinned as a banner at the top of the page, which includes instructions on how to modify your email preferences. After poking around a bit, please let us know if you any issues using the online forum. We have already added the slides from Saturday and the notes from each breakout group to help get things started.

Create your account on the forum here

We can’t wait to read about your successes and challenges as you work to make your communities more walkable. We look forward to witnessing the peer-to-peer learning that will surely flourish as this Network continues to grow – both online and in person. If you haven’t yet, check out the list of participating groups/communities and add your group.

Thanks for all that you do and your support of WalkBoston.

Watertown Square: Impacts of Charles River Road Realignment Concepts on Pedestrians

Watertown Square: Impacts of Charles River Road Realignment Concepts on Pedestrians

The Town of Watertown, working with VHB, is testing different concepts regarding Charles River Road with the goals of improving overall traffic safety and wayfinding, and of enhancing the pedestrian experience in Watertown Square. WalkBoston, funded through the EOPSS Pedestrian Safety Initiative, was asked to provide the Town with additional information on the effects of VHB’s realignment concepts on people walking through the Square.

The Charles River Road options consider the implications of realigning Charles River Road to meet up with Riverside Road, and test different vehicular direction options on pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic flows and safety. Options 1-4 realign Charles River Road with Riverside Road, and Options 5 and 6 maintain the existing alignment with minor adjustments to travel lanes and curb lines, and add multi-modal facilities.

WalkBoston-WatertownSquareOptions

WalkBoston is hiring!

WalkBoston is hiring!

WalkBoston is looking for a part-time office administrator to become a core member of our team. The job is a mix of accounting, human resources, and office management. Please submit your resume and a cover letter to jobs@walkboston.org by Dec 28, 2018. Details below:

Accounting:

  • All aspects of accounts payable and receivable processes including vendor invoice payment, processing donations, preparing bank deposits, recording employee time into accounting system
  • Generate and record customer invoices
  • Run monthly accounting reports
  • Assist with Non-profit tax filings (including 1099s) and audit preparation
  • Work closely with our outside accountant

Human Resources:

  • Process new hire documentation
  • Benefits Administration (Health Insurance and 403B retirement plan)
  • Payroll processing
  • Maintain personnel and organization records

Administration:

  • Quarterly and yearly state filings
  • Insurance Renewals
  • State contract applications
  • Salesforce data entry (create/update contacts and accounts, record donations)
  • Track inventory levels of office supplies and printed materials
  • Maintain office administrative files (electronic and written)

Required Skills:

  • Five years experience with general bookkeeping and accounts payable and receivable
  • Computer proficient with Windows and Mac operating systems
  • Must have experience with Microsoft Office (esp. Excel) and Quickbooks
  • Detail oriented and works with a high degree of accuracy
  • Ability to multitask and meet key deadlines
  • Self-directed and capable of working with limited supervision
  • Highly organized
  • Comfortable working in a small office environment

Terms

  • 15 hours/week
  • Salary range $21 – $24/hour depending on experience
  • Flexible schedule (2 full days/week or 3-4 short days)
Pedestrian Safety Discussion in Randolph

Pedestrian Safety Discussion in Randolph

On September 25, 2018, WalkBoston and municipal staff from the Town of Randolph met to discuss pedestrian safety in Randolph as part of the EOPSS Pedestrian Safety Planning Initiative. The main concerns expressed in our discussion included safety at specific locations/corridors, pedestrian safety at bus stops, and the safety of school children (particularly high school students) walking, biking and riding transit to school.

Read the meeting notes here:

WalkBoston-RandolphMtgReport

WalkBoston Statewide Action Plan

WalkBoston Statewide Action Plan

Building on nearly 30 years of advocacy in more than 100 cities and towns across the Commonwealth, WalkBoston has adopted a 3-year plan offering a framework to Make Massachusetts More Walkable. This action plan articulates our working principles, while also defining our focus areas and organizational goals with clear measures of success.

Focus Areas

Working Principles

  • Equity: Address equity and inclusion more explicitly in community engagement strategies and project approaches.
  • Flexibility & Adaptability: Evaluate new technologies and policies that affect the safety of people walking.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Follow and create best practices for the built environment based on impacts to community health, vitality, and resiliency.

Organizational Goals

  • Outreach: Establish new partnerships with community-based organizations and active mobility constituencies.
  • Digital Resources: Systematize access to projects and information.
  • Financial Sustainability: Develop a detailed financial sustainability plan that considers new revenue possibilities.

View the WalkBoston Action Plan 2017 (PDF)