About Us
Uniting Voices.
Fueling Progress.
Every Place Counts is a civic engagement and transportation consultancy dedicated to empowering the Inland Empire community through inclusive participation in transportation planning and decision-making.
Our Story
Every Place Counts was born from a deep understanding of the Inland Empire's transportation landscape. Founded by Joel Ledesma, a lifelong IE resident and experienced transportation professional, the organization bridges the gap between community voices and the complex world of transportation infrastructure.
Joel's journey began in 2013 when he founded JL Freight, Inc., a transportation and logistics company based in Riverside, California. Operating across all 48 contiguous states, JL Freight specialized in freight transport and full-service logistics, giving Joel firsthand experience with the infrastructure challenges that affect communities daily.
As an EPA-registered SmartWay Partner, Joel demonstrated early commitment to environmental sustainability in transportation. This same commitment to responsible, community-centered transportation now drives Every Place Counts, ensuring that the people most affected by transportation decisions have a seat at the table.
2013
Founded JL Freight
EPA
SmartWay Partner
IE
Riverside, CA
4M+
IE Residents
Built on a Federal Foundation
Our platform is inspired by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Every Place Counts Leadership Academy, a program designed to demystify transportation decision-making and empower communities.
LEARN
Understand how transportation decisions are made through the Five Steps: Plan, Fund, Design, Build, and Maintain. Knowledge is power.
ENGAGE
Participate in polls, join discussions, attend events, and make your voice heard. Every perspective strengthens our community's transportation future.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
See the real impact of community engagement. Track projects from planning to completion and celebrate the changes we create together.
Our Mission
To expand our community's capacity for civic engagement through advanced technology and inclusive practices, providing the highest level of service to every resident of the Inland Empire, regardless of language, background, or experience with government processes.
Community First
Every decision we make prioritizes the well-being and voice of IE residents.
Transparency & Trust
We believe in open processes, honest communication, and accountable leadership.
Inclusive Collaboration
We work together at all levels to achieve common goals and amplify diverse voices.
Environmental Stewardship
Committed to sustainable transportation solutions that protect our communities and planet.
What We Do
Transportation Grant Writing
We help communities and agencies secure federal and state funding for transportation projects that serve everyone.
Community Engagement
We design and facilitate inclusive engagement processes that bring diverse voices into transportation planning.
Civic Education
We break down complex transportation processes into accessible, plain-language resources available in English and Spanish.
Project Advocacy
We advocate for transportation projects that prioritize safety, equity, and community benefit in the Inland Empire.
Proudly Serving the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire, spanning San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, is home to over 4 million residents. It's one of the fastest-growing regions in California, with a young, diverse population that deserves a voice in shaping its transportation future.
4M+
Residents Served
2
Counties Covered
50+
Cities & Communities
EN/ES
Bilingual Platform
Our Community
Riverside, the heart of the Inland Empire. A city built for everyone, made by its people.
Video courtesy of the City of Riverside. "This Is Riverside. Built for Everyone."