1000 Friends of Wisconsin is hosting a webinar discussion on February 4th, from 12 – 1 pm, in collaboration with guest speakers from Climate Cabinet and Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter.
We will discuss the recent passage of the landmark Northeastern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, which reformed transit governance and shifted $1.5 billion in annual highway funds to the state’s transit systems. Then we’ll explore coalition building and advocacy approaches that could be adapted and applied in Wisconsin.
About our guest speakers / discussion leaders:
Micheál Podgers, Midwest Policy Lead at Climate Cabinet, is a transportation and urban policy expert based in Chicago. Starting in 2024 and from 2025 onward, he supported advocacy efforts to design and pass the Northeastern Illinois Transit Authority Act. He holds a Masters in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Bachelors in History and German from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Cassie Steiner is the Senior Campaign Coordinator for Sierra Club – Wisconsin Chapter, and a member of the Coalition for More Responsible Transportation. Cassie works to support clean energy, public lands, equitable transportation and more. They graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with degrees in International Studies, Public Diplomacy, and Peace and Social Justice.