Paving the high road toward success. 'High Road Highlights' is our monthly roundup of project wins, news, and more!

June 25, 2025

Libby Schaaf to keynote the Mayors Innovation Project Summer 2025 Meeting!

The Mayors Innovation Project is excited to announce Libby Schaaf, former mayor of Oakland, California, as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Summer Meeting in Albuquerque, NM. As mayor, Schaaf led major initiatives to support working families, expand affordable housing, and improve public safety. Today, she continues her public service through the Abundance Network, helping governments deliver more equitable and effective services.

The Summer Meeting takes place July 30–August 1. Visit the Mayors Innovation Project website for details and registration.

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Project Updates

Washington State’s new shared streets law could set an example for pedestrian-friendly design nationwide

Washington recently became the first state in the country to authorize “shared streets,” a shift that could reshape how people move in cities across the state and serve as a model nationwide. The measure gives walkers and bikers priority, slows vehicle traffic to 10 miles per hour, and removes jaywalking restrictions. Washington’s law, signed in April, is a major step toward safer, people-centered streets.

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New safety checklist now available for mayors

In today’s public climate, mayors and city leaders face growing security and privacy challenges. To support local leaders, we’ve updated our Mayoral Security and Privacy Checklist, a practical guide to help officials proactively manage risks, protect personal information, and secure city systems. From digital safety to personal security protocols, this resource is designed for the realities of public leadership.

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In The News

Mornings with Pat Kreitlow: The Titanic Did, In Fact Sink

Civic Media | Associate Director Laura Dresser joins Pat Kreitlow to highlight the urgent need for public investment in childcare, elder care, and better wages in Wisconsin.

It’s Time For State DOTs to Step Up and Do a Better Job

StreetsBlogUSA | State Smart Transportation Initiative's updated Innovative DOT highlights opportunities for states to advance sustainability, equity, and multimodal transportation as federal priorities shift.

State Transportation Agencies Can Still Lead on Sustainability and Equity. Here’s How.

Next City | SSTI Managing Director Chris McCahill outlines practical strategies for state DOTs to advance climate, safety, and equity goals.

About High Road Strategy Center

Based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the High Road Strategy Center is a national think-and-do tank that promotes “high road” solutions to social problems. Learn more here, or click below to learn about our projects housed at the High Road Strategy Center:

High Road Strategy Center

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON
7122 Social Science Building, 1180 Observatory Drive | Madison, WI 53706
[email protected] | highroad.wisc.edu