Maria Salim_Redacted — File 24-0779

3/29/24, 9 41 AM Somerville Committee Application 2024 https //forms office com/Pages/DesignPageV2 aspx?origin NeoPortalPage&subpage design&groupid ef7344a0 29a4 40bb a8ff f7ed4169b50c&id 2/2 Why are you interested in serving on the PTAC/SBAC? 8. After living in cities like Jakarta, Pune, and Bennington, VT, having independent and safe non-motorized mobility options was one of the main reasons why I moved to Somerville three years ago. Biking, walking, and taking public transit have not only been essential in getting me to work and school, but it has also helped me save money, feel healthier, and made the city and the larger metro area feel just a bit smaller. As someone who bikes/walks almost every day, I do notice and am so appreciative of all the safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians alike, as well as the multi-modal transit options. From my internship at Metro Boston’s regional planning agency, I realized that while there are a lot of constraints to making our transit systems more accessible and reliable, our streets safer, and our cities more livable, there are still many ways that cities can influence the built environment for the better. Therefore, I would like to join PTAC/SCAC to be more engaged in supporting project/policy/program reviews, conducting outreach and engagement with residents, and collaborating with other organizations at the local, state, and national levels to improve our urban conditions. I’m currently doing my Master's in Urban Planning and Policy degree at Northeastern and I have an interest in just transitions and climate policy, so I'd love to help Somerville achieve safer streets and more equitable walking/biking/transit options that also work towards its climate goals. I also have a background in design, so I am more than happy to create outreach material for PTAC/SBAC and facilitate public engagement sessions! Please describe any relevant experiences. This could include employment responsibilities, volunteer work, club leadership, community organizing, or personal transit/biking/pedestrian enthusiasm. 9. Metropolitan Area Planning Council (May-Dec 2023) | Civic Action Project Fellow & Clean Energy & Climate Intern - Supported facilitation and note-taking in hybrid public meeting/feedback sessions and incorporated feedback into net zero/climate action plans - Developed and actively managed a Climate Action Plan Dashboard to track regional trends, priorities, and identify gaps in climate and net zero action in Greater Boston - Designed outreach flyers, reports, and public engagement materials (i.e., coloring sheets, boards) Anti-displacement studio (Spring 2023) | Student - Worked with City Councilor Tania Anderson and local CBOs to co-design alternative uses for vacant, publicly-owned parcels in Roxbury and South End which support community needs and prevent further displacement. TGUPP (Governor of Jakarta’s Think Tank) | Research intern - Wrote a compelling submission on Jakarta’s green open space development and its implications on urban livability; gained shortlist recognition for World Resource Institute Ross Center Prize For Cities Kriya Empowerment (2015-2017) | Student coordinator - Designed cycling curricula for a women empowerment program in rural India. - Led weekly intro to cycling, as well as fitness, and team-building sessions. Personal transit/biking/pedestrian enthusiasm (1999-present) I walk when it's not cold and I cycle for commuting and recreation. I used to do long-distance mountain biking (endurance races) and now slowly exploring trails around here on my road bike. I like to bring my bike on the bus, T, or commuter rail for longer/out-of-town trips (: