Date of Issue: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Closing Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Apply Here
Attend 11/13 Informational Webinar
What is the New Shared Mobility Summit?
The New Shared Mobility Summit, hosted by the Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC), is a new kind of gathering—designed to bring together teams of local change leaders from across regions to collaborate deeply, and align on ideas to advance equitable and sustainable shared mobility solutions. By shared mobility, we mean all the options and infrastructure that free us from dependence on private cars for every trip we have to make.
Check out our 2025 New Shared Mobility Summit page to get a glimpse into our inaugural year hosting the New Summit.
Who is the New Summit for?
The New Summit is designed for Local Change Teams—groups of 8–12 Change Leaders from roughly 10 cities or regions—coming together to connect, align, and build deep partnerships that drive local action.
It’s for teams ready to tackle complex challenges and shape a brighter future for their communities. Teams looking for an opportunity to step back from the daily grind, zoom out, and think big.
It’s for those who believe they can accomplish more together than alone, and who are eager to leverage each member’s strengths and positional power to achieve transformational change in their region.
What is a Change Leader?
Change Leaders aren’t defined by titles, organizations, or tenure—they’re defined by vision, energy, and the courage to drive transformation.
They might be public sector leaders from local, regional, or state agencies; community leaders from grassroots organizations; or partners in mobility, technology, or advocacy.
We also welcome leaders from adjacent sectors—like health, education, and economic development—who recognize that reliable, joyful, and safe transportation is essential to thriving communities.
How is the New Summit different?
- We flip the script. Instead of one-way lectures, we center questions, conversations and discussions—because the richest insights come from the people in the room, not just the ones on stage.
- We foster trust. Before we meet, we create shared agreements. During the event, we curate collaborative discussions and build in moments for intentional reflection—because trust is the foundation for future action, together.
- We commit to equity. Our Change Teams are formed by local champions who know the leaders driving real change—regardless of their titles. We waive fees and offer travel stipends, because cost should never be a barrier to hearing diverse voices.
What to expect at the New Summit
The New Summit features three virtual workshops and a two-day in-person gathering in Chicago. During the in-person gathering, Change Teams will participate in four workshops together, with structured opportunities to share insights and learn from other teams.
We’ve designed a flexible framework that provides guidance and structure for group conversations, while allowing each team’s individual energy and expertise to shape the direction and focus of the work.
This is a generative, participant-driven format. While we’ll offer semi-structured time and tools, the experience is shaped by what you bring to it. The more you invest, the more you’ll take away.
Testimonials from NSMS 2025 Change Leaders
“This event had a focus on change management and strategies vs. the technical aspects of shared mobility. Go to a standard panel-presentation conference if you want the best way to deliver projects. Knowing what to do isn’t the hard part. Capturing a shared vision and bringing everyone along with you is the real long-term change work.”
Meredith Klekotka (Twin Cities Change Team), Metro Transit
“I’ve attended past SUMC Summits as both staff and a guest, but this one felt unique. The speakers were inspiring in how they addressed overcoming challenges in transformational policy, and I also had the chance to strengthen connections and build genuine trust with partners from my region.”
Hugo Coronado (Chicago Change Team), Metropolitan Planning Center
“The program design was so intentional and effective, and it was really exciting to see the Change Teams in action. I heard such good feedback on the ground, things in the vein of ‘this conversation would never have happened virtually’ and ‘this group feels like such a trusted kitchen cabinet’. It’s clear that the attendees really got a lot out of the experience… I applaud SUMC for taking the time to think critically, to develop something wholly new and creative and generative.”
Corinne Kisner, (2025 New Summit Mentor), Former NACTO Executive Director
“The Summit offered time to hear encouraging conversations about leadership, coalition building, and creating change, and our facilitated collaborative work- discussions designed for action, made for full days and lingering inspiration. Midori Valdivia (A Summit Mentor) shared insights that were stimulating and acknowledged what it means to bring your full self into meaningful work.”
Nedra Deadywyler (Atlanta Change Team), Civil Bikes
“I could not have asked for a better way to spend my time last week. Getting together with so many impactful individuals with their sights set on a common goal- mobility for all… This summit was only the genesis of what will be an ongoing discussion pushing for positive change… I cannot wait to continue our conversation back home, and to really lay out the path to reach our North Star.”
Konner Petz, (Detroit Change Team), Office of Mobility Innovation, City of Detroit
“The Summit was a testament to the organization’s mission to create a more equitable and sustainable transportation future. The sessions and discussions were highly informative and forward-thinking, in the process facilitating new conversations and providing the space for new friendships!”
Ian Harwick (Denver Change Team), RTD-Denver
Timeline & Process
- Call for Change Leaders issued: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
- Informational Webinar: Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Call for Change Leaders Closing Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, end of day
- Invitation to Interested Local Champions: Monday, December 15, 2025
- Local Champion Questionnaire Closing Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 end of day
- Local Champions Selected: Mid January 2026
- Change Teams Identified and Invited: March 2026
- Virtual Workshops: Summer 2026
- 2026 New Shared Mobility Summit: September 2026 (Tentatively September 8-10)
Submission Instructions
Submit Your Application Here
- Responses are limited to one response per person.
- Please keep responses to suggested length answers.
Register for the 11/13 Informational Webinar
- The Local Champion Questionnaire requires you to respond with a partner Local Champion (more details provided in Invitation).
- If you have questions about this process or the New Summit, please email sumcsummit@sharedusemobilitycenter.org