Washtenaw County administrator Greg Dill is going head-to-head with the city of Ann Arbor's administrator, Howard Lazarus.
The two bantered at the Blake Transit Center on Tuesday as they kicked-off the first annual "Howard Vs. Greg" event for the upcoming 'getDowntown' commuter challenge.
County administrator Greg Dill says their goal is to motivate others to take part in the challenge that starts May 1st.
"One of the things that Howard and I have talked a lot about is ways for us to collaborate, and, if we can add some fun to that collaboration, so much the better."
Both administrators will either walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus to work, and the person who logs the most alternative commutes will win a trophy.
The larger goal of the friendly competition is inspire participation in the commuter challenge. It's an effort to reduce the area's carbon foot-print and educate the community about the benefits of utilizing alternative modes of transportation.
In 2016, getDowntown reported record levels of participation and environmental benefits. The final numbers reported:
Commuter Challenge 2016 Final Overall Stats
- 263 Participating Organizations
- 2,291 Active Users (logged at least 1 alternative commute)
- 49,700 Total Trips
- 2,700,000 Calories Burned
- 894,200 lbs C02 Saved
- 598,800 car miles saved
These stats all break the record from previous years making the 2016 Commuter Challenge the most significant yet.
If you would like to participate in the getDowntown 2017 Commuter Challenge, you may register here.
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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
