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TAKING ACTION Reporting Results, Proposing Solutions © ASK FOR A MEETING — AND ASK QUESTIONS If distributing the report doesn't result in the desired action, seek a meeting with local leaders and organizations. In preparation for a scheduled meeting: Determine the preferred format for presenting the walk audit findings. For instance, does the local leader want a PowerPoint presentation, a single -page handout, a written report? Should the materials be provided before the meeting or during it? • Meeting durations are often limited and may be cut short, so be ready to address the top priorities or most egregious problems first. Visit Smart Growth America's Complete Streets PolicyAtlas to identify whether the community already has a Complete Streets policy. If a policy doesn't exist, encourage local leaders to adopt one. First implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, "Vision Zero" is a multi -national strategy to, as stated by the Vision Zero Network, "eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users, and to ensure safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all." Check out the network's Vision Zero Communities Map. If your com munity isn't on the list, encourage local leaders to set Vision Zero goals. • Learn whether the community has attained certification as a Walk Friendly Community (from Walk Friendly Communities) and/or a Bicycle Friendly Community (from The League of American Bicyclists). If the town, city or county is enrolled in the AARP Network of Age -Friendly States and Communities, examine its age -friendly action plan to see if walkability is among its age - friendly goals. 0 TESTIFY! Another way to pursue solutions —especially if distributing the report doesn't result in the desired outcome or if local officials are unwilling to meet — is to testify in person at a public meeting or hearing. Unlike courtroom testimony, testifying at a public meetingof a city, town orcounty council usually occurs during a portion of the meeting when members of the public are invited to speak about a topic of concern. Testimony rules vary greatly by community and organization. Some meetings require speakers to register and submit materials in advance. Many have time limits (2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes) per speaker. ATIP: If more time is needed forexplaining and presenting the walk audit findings, bring along others to testify about the topic. Each person can handle a portion of the report or presentation, so instead of a 2-minute airing, the walk audit can be discussed and more comprehensively explained over several minutes from several speakers. © PROPOSE SOLUTIONS Elected officials constantly hear about problems. What isn't as common is for them to hear about a problem and a solution. Strategies, plans and proposals can come from the community. In fact, the chances of achieving positive change increase when knowledgeable community members inform, workwith and assist the local leaders and transportation officials who will need to implement solutions. ■ 18 1 AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit Page 63 of 89