We’ve created a team of volunteer experts to inspire and encourage the Minneapolis workforce!
Commute Ambassadors are people who work in downtown Minneapolis and are passionate about sustainable commuting. The Commute Ambassador program provides a space to connect with other like-minded individuals and share ideas, tips, tricks, resources, and encouragement.
As part of the program, Commute Ambassadors choose Mini Projects that, with the support of Move Minneapolis, aim to increase sustainable transportation use at their downtown workplaces, shift workplace culture, and build community amongst peers and leaders.
Program Outline
What The Program Includes
Monthly one-hour virtual meetings designed to share resources, foster networking, and offer practical strategies to promote sustainable transportation These sessions may include guest speakers such as transit leaders and public officials.
Mini Projects intended to help you introduce colleagues and downtown community members to sustainable transportation options.
Occasional in-person gatherings to build community, socialize, and experience hands-on learning — such as downtown walking tours, group bike rides, group transit trips, or secure bike parking facility tours. Commute Ambassadors are welcome to plan one of these gatherings.
Additional volunteer opportunities throughout the year to support Move Minneapolis with downtown Try It Tours.
Mini Projects
Commute Ambassadors are expected to complete at least one Mini Project per year, working with Move Minneapolis to establish desired outcomes and track progress.
Mini Projects could include:
- Proposing your own project to help introduce new audiences to sustainable transportation options
- Helping Move Minneapolis plan “Try It Tours” (walking, biking, transit, or ABC Ramps Mobility Hub) with your employer or a downtown residential property
- Compiling/distributing sustainable transportation resource packets to HR, new hires, or new residents
- Coordinating an “Ask Me Anything” panel or skill share at your workplace or a downtown residential property – Topics could include transit, biking, carpooling, or a mix of modes ; Potentially tie-in with initiatives like Bike Week/Month, Car-Free MSP, 30 Days of Biking, and others
- Offering “Customized Consultations” in your workplace, or coordinating on-site consultation sessions with Move Minneapolis
Why Join the Commute Ambassador Program?
As a Commute Ambassador, you can expect to:
- Make a meaningful difference in climate action, health & wellness, community, and the local economy
- Develop skills to create impact in your personal & professional circles
- Expand your network
- Learn more about sustainable transportation options
- Connect directly with transportation & community leaders
- Access opportunities to get involved in other Move Minneapolis initiatives
Time Commitment
- 12 hours/year for scheduled meetings that will take place during the 9-5, Monday-Friday workday
- Additional time each month for planning and executing Mini Projects (the time you put in will depend on your project, your capacity, and your preferences)
- We ask Commute Ambassadors to commit to active participation in the program for one year
- You are welcome to stay on for longer than one year if desired!
Expectations of Commute Ambassadors
- Attend meetings
- Read program communications
- Complete an intake survey and a wrap-up survey
- Complete at least one Mini Project per year
- Request support from Move Minneapolis as needed
Expectations of Move Minneapolis
- Lead structured meetings with relevant subject matter expertise
- Support Ambassadors throughout the planning and completion of their Mini Projects with tools, guidance, and resources
- Recognize and celebrate Ambassadors who complete Mini Projects through additional resources for community involvement, and spotlights in our newsletter and social media channels
- Incorporate Commute Ambassador feedback in order to enhance the program
- Provide education around sustainable transportation options
For more information on the Commute Ambassador program or to apply, please contact Outreach Manager Catherine Windyk at [email protected].
Current Commute Ambassadors
Name: Allison Meyer
Employer & Title: CleanCounts; Executive Administrator
Commute Ambassador Since: 2025
Mini Project: Allison is working on surveying staff around their current commutes, coordinating with Move Minneapolis on a relocation fair, and ensuring that resources are available for staff to continue or start commuting sustainably after their upcoming office relocation.
Name: Daniel Baxter
Employer & Title: Michael Baker International; Regional Bridge Technical Manager
Commute Ambassador Since: 2025
Mini Project: Daniel is working on putting together an “Ask Me Anything” type of panel discussion where current commuters will discuss their tips for sustainable modes.
Name: Luke Van Santen
Employer & Title: HNTB; Principal Business Analysis, Project Controls
Commute Ambassador Since: 2025
Mini Project: Luke is working to coordinate interactions between other Bicycle Friendly Businesses in the downtown core, possibly to include group rides and/or advocacy efforts.
Name: Ethan Weiche
Employer & Title: Stantec; Industrial Designer
Commute Ambassador Since: 2025
Mini Project: Ethan is working on creating short video interviews with commuters to highlight how they get downtown sustainably.
Name: Jessica Wittwer
Employer & Title: YMCA of the North Douglas Dayton Y at Gaviidae; Operations Director
Commute Ambassador Since: 2024
Mini Project: Jessica is working with Dayton YMCA members as well as staff to discuss transportation options and encourage biking, walking and public transportation. Members are incentivized with free guest passes when they come the the Y via these modes. Jessica worked with Move Mpls to get a walking radius map for the Dayton YMCA.
Name: Jordan Kocak
Employer & Title: Hennepin County; Hennepin County Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator
Commute Ambassador Since: 2022
Mini Project: Jordan’s mini project is to work on compiling and updating a downtown bike parking inventory. Jordan is also re-invigorating the county’s employee bicycle Support & Advocacy group.
