Rails to Trails Conservancy

At Rails to Trails Conservancy, we believe in the joy and impact that trails deliver for people, places and the planet. That’s why—as the nation’s largest advocacy organization for trails, walking and bicycling—we’re working hard to make sure that trails connect everyone, in every neighborhood across America. Since we first opened our doors in 1986, we've worked with people and partners across the country to grow the trails movement. Together, we've helped create more than 41,000 miles of rail-trails and multiuse trails across the country—providing people with safe, off-road routes for walking, bicycling and connecting to nature. Today, the opportunity—and the challenge—is to connect these trails in every community, coast to coast. To meet this moment, we are reintroducing ourselves with a new brand that is shaped by a strong legacy, rooted in connections and focused on the experiences of people. Explore with us the joy and impact that’s at the heart of this work: RailsToTrails.Org

The deadline to apply for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is coming up on July 17! This new discretionary funding program from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration will provide planning, design and construction grants for connected trail networks and spines—accelerating plans to create safe and convenient walking and biking routes to everyday destinations and between communities! To read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and apply, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eik692f3

The @USDOT just announced the latest round of Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants—and trails, biking and walking are in demand! Nearly 25% of the grants awarded were for projects 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 focused on trails, walking and biking and 64% included elements to support safer walking and biking. Among the awards were several significant trail networks—including RTC TrailNation projects! "These are the investments that make communities function better for everyone—necessary improvements that local leaders are championing and Congress is celebrating.” While the RAISE grants are a big step and show support for safe, affordable, more equitable and climate-friendly ways to get around and get outside, these investments fall short of the level of demand. To help meet the growing need for trail, walking and biking projects and help speed along their development (so people can use and enjoy them sooner!), sustained, dedicated funding is necessary. Learn more about the demand for trails and how RTC is advocating for federal investment: https://ow.ly/Q6N450Srp2u

Reminder: Join us for our free webinar, "Safety First: How to Effectively Demonstrate Safe Outcomes in Your Grant Applications" on June 26! During this webinar with the TrailNation Collaborative, you will learn how to talk about projects and safety improvements in solid, quantifiable ways to produce stronger and more competitive grant applications. Learn more Register ➡️ https://ow.ly/OvYi50Siea6

Funding opportunity alert: Apply for U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration's Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) grant program by the extended deadline, July 17! This is a major opportunity to fund trail and active transportation network projects. Learn more apply: https://lnkd.in/eik692f3

June 26: Join us for "Safety First: How to Effectively Demonstrate Safe Outcomes in Your Grant Applications," a free webinar with the TrailNation™ Collaborative! During this webinar, you will learn how to talk about projects and safety improvements in solid, quantifiable ways to produce stronger and more competitive grant applications. Meet our panelists: Shayna Rose from the Baltimore City Department of Transportation Ian Thomas from America Walks Register ➡️ https://ow.ly/HZB850Silt2 About the TrailNation Collaborative: Powered by RTC, this nationwide peer-learning community brings together advocates, leaders and professionals from across disciplines to establish and accelerate trail networks across America. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2Dd2Tby.

June 26: You're invited to "Safety First: How to Effectively Demonstrate Safe Outcomes in Your Grant Applications," a free webinar with the TrailNation™ Collaborative! Tune in to gain tools and tips for demonstrating safety in your grant applications. During this webinar, you will learn how to talk about projects and safety improvements in solid, quantifiable ways to produce stronger and more competitive grant applications. Meet our panelists: Shayna Rose from the Baltimore City Department of Transportation Ian Thomas from America Walks Register ➡️ https://ow.ly/OvYi50Siea6 About the TrailNation Collaborative: Powered by RTC, this nationwide peer-learning community brings together advocates, leaders and professionals from across disciplines to establish and accelerate trail networks across America. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2Dd2Tby.

ATIIP APPLICATON DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Federal Highway Administration has extended the Notice of Funding Opportunity deadline for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) to July 17! This program establishes competitive grants that strategically invest in projects that connect active transportation networks and spines, accelerating local and regional plans to create safe and convenient walking and biking routes to everyday destinations and to fill gaps in trails between communities. Learn more Apply: https://lnkd.in/eik692f3 Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Today, June 11, at 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT: You're invited to "Overcoming Barriers: Innovative Practices to Securing Federal Funding"! Join this interactive session with the TrailNation Collaborative to learn about the barriers to accessing federal funding for trail and active transportation networks, plus take part in a guided discussion to brainstorm ideas, best practices and solutions. Learn more register: https://ow.ly/5WOi50RZ7PX.

Last week, #TeamRTC joined the Project for Public Spaces’ 4th International Placemaking Week conference in Baltimore, Maryland! Co-hosted by the Neighborhood Design Center, Placemaking Week gathered public space leaders to develop and share concrete strategies to advance community-powered public spaces, both locally and globally. At the conference, Quinton Javon Batts, RTC's project manager for the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network, and Kate Foster, RTC's Mid-Atlantic director of trail development, joined our partners in sharing information about how trails can connect people with public spaces, community history and culture, and one another. It was great to come together to talk about the power of public outdoor spaces and the how trails deliver joy and impact!