The City of Everett and BostonBRT, a research and community engagement initiative spearheaded by the Barr Foundation and managed by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), in partnership with Nift, today launched the “Love Your Neighborhood” contest that gives back to local restaurants fighting hard to survive winter during the COVID-19 pandemic while highlighting the city’s transit successes and goals.
Building on the BostonBRT Cares campaign, this free open-entry contest gives the greater Everett community the opportunity to share their favorite eateries within Everett for a chance to boost their business during these challenging times. Participants will receive a $30 Nift gift card and are automatically entered to win a $25 MBTA bus pass. Ten winners will be selected over the five-week contest period; each winner will receive $100 per week for six weeks to spend at local restaurants (in-door dining or takeout) within the City of Everett, using the Nift platform.
Created by Ad Hoc Industries, a core member of BostonBRT and led by Creative Director Adrian Gill, the “Love Your Neighborhood” contest incorporates forward-thinking elements of transit and support for neighborhood businesses - both of which anchor local communities when they need it most.
“After a year like no other, we took a deep look at how to continue to prioritize transit as essential to get people where they need to be, especially in a time of crisis, while helping alleviate other challenges that affect our communities” said Julia Wallerce, ITDP Boston Program Manager. “This contest does that. It showcases how transit is not separate from but an essential part of thriving neighborhoods. By making that connection between transit and community, we expanded our focus to do our part in helping local businesses survive the pandemic while bringing awareness to transit goals within the Everett community.”
“We are in a time of crisis and recovery,” said Mayor of Everett Carlo DeMaria. “Yet, it is initiatives like this one that continue to heal and strengthen our community and its local businesses when they are most challenged. From better transit to thriving and resilient local businesses, Everett is persisting!”
”Transit and community are inextricably linked, the link is people, so it’s important for BostonBRT to recognize the moment and take action in new, creative ways” said Adrian Gill, Creative Director, Ad Hoc Industries. “The idea for the “Love your Neighborhood Contest'' was conceived with the perspective that food is central to most communities, and with that we wanted to create a virtuous circle giving both people and businesses in Everett a helping hand. The contest builds on a sense of community and emphasizes that Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) is really about the people it serves.”
About BostonBRT BostonBRT is a research and community engagement initiative spearheaded by the Barr Foundation and managed by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) to explore the potential of Gold Standard BRT for Greater Boston’s mobility needs. BostonBRT began with a research phase in 2012, identifying five corridors where Gold Standard Bus Rapid Transit is technically feasible and where there is sufficient rider demand. BostonBRT is now coordinating with municipalities, community groups, and neighborhood leaders to educate people about the benefits of Gold Standard BRT, and the opportunities to incorporate Gold Standard BRT into transportation planning efforts. BostonBRT can be found online at www.bostonBRT.org and @bosBRT on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
