Your Workplace + Commuter Challenge
Qualifying workplaces can compete during the Commuter Challenge, May 1 – 31, 2026, to achieve the most participation in their size category (see below) and be recognized for other significant achievements. One workplace in each size category will win a catered lunch celebration or pre-shift meal at their worksite after the challenge. Additional workplaces will be recognized for significant achievements as part of the challenge.
Organization size categories:
- Small (2-20 employees)
- Medium (21-49 employees)
- Large (50-100 employees)
- Extra Large (101+ employees)
Workplaces may earn other rewards by completing additional sustainable transportation activities described in the Challenge Captain Information section below.
Sign Up Your Workplace
Each workplace should identify a main point of contact to communicate with the getDowntown program, known as the Challenge Captain. The Challenge Captain doesn’t need to be an owner or manager, but they should be able to communicate with their co-workers. A gift of appreciation will be provided for each registered Challenge Captain.
Additional Information
Rules
Qualifying trips must be recorded on win.getdowntown.org by June 2, 2026 at 11:59AM to be counted toward the Commuter Challenge. In the case of a tie for highest participation rate within a size category, the category winner will be determined to be the workplace team with greater average "Miles Not Driven" per participant as reflected on win.getDowntown.org.
Ann Arbor DDA, AAATA, and City of Ann Arbor are not eligible to win workplace prizes.
Challenge Captain Information
- VIP Rewards for Challenge Captains
-
Challenge Captains, the main point of contact at workplaces competing in the Commuter Challenge, will receive a thank you gift for signing up your workplace. Challenge Captains can earn VIP rewards by completing additional sustainable transportation activities such as:
- Host a sustainable transportation event for your workplace (such as a lunch and learn). We’ll help you plan and gift you with donuts to keep or share.
- Share progress on social media or internal Slack channels.
- Lead your workplace team to the top of the leaderboard in your size category. We'll contact the Challenge Captains at the top three workplaces in each category at the end of the challenge about special recognition.
Challenge Captains can connect with the getDowntown program by email to discuss the VIP rewards.
- Resources from getDowntown
-
We are happy to share materials to help encourage participation in the Commuter Challenge. Materials for the 2026 challenge are linked below.
- Commuter Challenge flyer (PDF) – put these up in breakrooms and other common areas at your workplace (also available in Spanish)
- Events calendar – perfect for the employee fridge or other location for announcements
- Virtual background (for Zoom or Teams) – Using a virtual background can be a good way to remind your teammates about the challenge and to log their commutes.
- Commute Fortune Teller – download and print this old-school game to help your co-workers see the benefits of different commute options.
Challenge captains can request additional print or electronic materials about the Commuter Challenge, commute resources, and 1-1 training from getDowntown. Please contact the getDowntown program directly at 734-219-6596 or information@getDowntown.org to inquire about other materials. We're happy to hear from you!
Resources for bike, bus, rideshare and walking can be found on getdowntown.org/commuter-resources.
- Let's Chat
-
Registered and potential Challenge Captains are invited to set up a call with getDowntown staff to become familiar with the new format of the Commuter Challenge and learn more about prizes and resources for motivating your workplace.
Please contact the getDowntown program directly at 734-219-6596 or information@getDowntown.org. We're happy to hear from you!
