Our Work

Complex challenges require collaborative solutions

The most effective mobility solutions are built through collaboration. SUMC works alongside communities, agencies, researchers, funders, and industry to understand local context, connect diverse perspectives, and focus on shared goals.

Our approach is grounded in systems thinking. We know that people—not projects—change systems. By connecting people, ideas, and institutions, SUMC helps communities create lasting, system-wide progress.

How we can drive change together

Trusted Convener & Network Builder

We cultivate relationships, strengthen communities of practice, and connect people and organizations working toward shared goals.

· Community building

· Cross-sector collaboration

· Convening design and facilitation

· Peer-to-peer learning exchanges

· Stakeholder engagement

Research & Innovation Authority

We produce novel research and knowledge products that enable practitioners to learn from one another, test ideas, and accelerate promising practices.

· Program evaluation

· Applied research

· Empirical research

· Data analysis

· Literature review

· Qualitative & quantitative services

· Technical assistance

Knowledge Translator

We transform research, practitioner experience, and emerging innovations into practical resources that help leaders make better decisions.

· Consulting services

· Policy analysis

· Strategic planning

· Toolkits and Guidance documents

Capacity Builder

We create environments where communities and practitioners can learn from one another and strengthen their ability to advance equitable, people-centered mobility solutions.

· Cohort-based facilitation

· Community needs assessments

· Consulting services

· Innovation pilots

· Procurement support

· Program design

· Technical assistance

Systems Change Catalyst

We connect people, ideas, and resources to accelerate change for communities.

· Cohort-based facilitation

· Collective action initiatives

· Network development

· Strategic partnerships

Systems change requires more than a single solution. It requires a systems approach.

Let’s work together

A few projects that make us proud

A look at some of the work we’re proud of – partnerships, programs, and initiatives advancing equitable,
sustainable shared mobility across the country and beyond.

Clean Mobility Options Program

SUMC co-administers California’s Clean Mobility Options Program, leading program design, technical assistance, and evaluation for 74 zero-emission shared mobility programs in disadvantaged communities. SUMC also leads the Clean Mobility Equity Alliance, a peer-learning network to advance clean mobility solutions.

Mobility Innovation Collaborative

SUMC provides technical assistance and cohort learning experience to nearly 50 agencies nationwide supporting the Federal Transit Administration’s Mobility Innovation demonstration grants. We also capture and disseminate lessons learned from on-demand services, autonomous vehicles, payment integrations, and data-sharing pilots through workshops, working groups, and case studies.

Global Network for Popular
Transportation

GNPT connects researchers and organizations
across 50+ global partners to redefine the role of popular transportation in decarbonization, including electrifying two- and three-wheeler in the Global South, the Partnership for Research on Informal and Shared Mobility, and the Leapfrogging Partnership.

Fresno CSMN

SUMC helped the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce launch the Clean Shared Mobility Network, generating $7.7 million in investment and introducing the region’s first bikeshare, EV carshare, and community-run electric vanpool services.

The LUV Initiative

With Cityfi, SUMC is developing a regulatory
framework for Local Use Vehicles – smaller,
lighter alternatives bridging bikes and cars –
working with 50+ public and industry
stakeholders on model codes and policy
playbooks.

Mobility Hubs for Women & Caregivers

SUMC, in partnership with Living Cities and Communities, developed a design framework for women and caregiver-centered mobility hubs. It brings to life seven personas, shaped by project conversations with women and caregivers and their everyday journeys.

What our partners say

“SUMC was a critical partner for us in successfully delivering high-quality technical assistance to communities as part of USDOT’s Thriving Communities Program. We relied heavily on SUMC staff’s flexibility, technical insights, and community engagement capabilities to navigate complex challenges and deliver tangible results.”

Steve Abbott, Principal, RMI

“Day one has completed at the New Shared Mobility Summit and I’m in my hotel bed attempting to process what an amazing experience this has been so far…I was humbled to be invited as a Denver Change Leader and even more humbled as I more deeply gathered the enormity of the impact that my peer Change Leaders have already made in their communities…I suspect there will be numerous throughlines from this one event that will be told for years to come.”

Aylene McCallum, Partnerships & Development, Open Mobility Foundation (Denver Change Team)

“I totally advocate for forums like this one to be able to communicate face-to-face. This is a great opportunity to talk about all those success stories, but also our shortcomings, and how to help each other address these problems.”

Attendee, Clean Mobility Forum

Let’s make progress together

Whether you’re looking to hire SUMC for technical assistance, partner on a program, or explore what’s possible, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let’s start a conversation.

Get in touch