Every Community Deserves a Voice in the Decisions That Shape It
We are a civic engagement and transportation consultancy born in the Inland Empire. We exist to bridge the gap between the people who live here and the agencies that build here, so that 4 million residents finally have a seat at the table.
4M+
Residents Served
EPA
SmartWay Partner
100%
Financial Transparency
IE
Locally Founded & Operated
Our Origin
From Freight Routes to Community Roots
Every Place Counts was founded by Joel Ledesma, a lifelong Inland Empire resident who spent a decade running JL Freight, Inc., a logistics company operating across all 48 contiguous states. That experience gave him a front-row seat to the infrastructure gaps that affect communities daily.
Inspired by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Every Place Counts Leadership Academy, Joel built this platform to demystify how transportation decisions get made and to give residents, agencies, and local businesses the tools to participate meaningfully.
Founded
2013
Riverside, CA
What We Do
Learn. Engage. Make a Difference.
Based on the U.S. DOT's Every Place Counts Leadership Academy, our platform gives you the knowledge and tools to participate in the transportation decisions that shape your neighborhood.
I-10 Corridor Express Lanes
A major expansion of the I-10 freeway corridor through the Inland Empire, adding express toll lanes from the Los Angeles County line to the I-15 interchange in Ontario. This project aims to reduce congestion for over 300,000 daily commuters while providing reliable travel times and new transit options.
Metrolink Arrow Line Extension
Extension of the Metrolink Arrow commuter rail line from San Bernardino to Redlands University, providing zero-emission rail service. This project connects communities to jobs, education, and healthcare with a modern, sustainable transit option.
Santa Ana River Trail Completion
Completing the 110-mile Santa Ana River Trail from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. This multi-use trail connects communities across the Inland Empire for cycling, walking, and recreation, promoting healthy transportation alternatives.
Your Voice Matters
Participate in active polls and help shape transportation decisions.
What transportation improvement matters most to your community?
Click to vote and see results
Community Bike Ride: Santa Ana River Trail
A family-friendly community bike ride along the Santa Ana River Trail. Learn about the trail completion project and enjoy a morning of healthy transportation advocacy.
Virtual Workshop: Understanding Transportation Funding
An online workshop explaining how transportation projects get funded — from federal grants to local measures. Learn how you can influence where the money goes.
Metrolink Arrow Line Grand Opening Celebration
Celebrate the completion of the Arrow Line extension! Free rides, food trucks, live music, and community activities at the new Redlands station.
How the Arrow Line Changed My Commute
Maria Rodriguez used to spend 90 minutes each way commuting from Redlands to San Bernardino by bus. When the Arrow Line opened, her commute dropped to 25 minutes. Now she has time to volunteer at her childrens school and attend community meetings.
By Maria Rodriguez
A Safer Walk to School in Perris
After years of advocacy, the Perris Valley Safe Routes to School project brought new sidewalks and crosswalks to Paloma Valley. Parent David Chen shares how his daughter can now walk to school safely for the first time.
By David Chen
From Freeway Frustration to Community Action
Stuck in I-10 traffic for years, Fontana resident Angela Torres decided to get involved. She joined the Every Place Counts Leadership Academy, learned about the transportation process, and now serves on the citys transportation advisory committee.
By Angela Torres