February 2026 Newsletter

RTC’s TrailNation™ Collaborative is a multidisciplinary learning community for anyone interested in working in trail and active transportation. Join the email list.

How You Can Help Support Federal Trail, Walking and Biking Programs

Right now, Congress is drafting the next major federal transportation bill, which provides the majority of funding for trails, walking and biking for the next several years. Rails to Trails Conservancy, alongside our national, state and local partners are working hard to communicate to Congress that trails are essential infrastructure, and dedicated funding is paramount.  

This month, RTC and our partners delivered an important letter to Congressional leaders signed by more than 1,100 organizations, businesses, corporations and elected officials from across the country. This letter, and the accompanying website, is the first of what will be many actions RTC will take this year in support of critically important funding for trails.  

Leaders in Congress are openly threatening longstanding trail funding programs, so your voice and partnership will continue to be key to making the case for continued investments. Please review our toolkit to help uplift this letter in your community and to your representatives. 

Engaging local elected leaders: 

We are hoping to engage more with our local elected officials who lead on trail networks. If you or another local elected leader from your community will be attending the National League of Cities conference in March in Washington, D.C., please contact our advocacy outreach director, Elle Segal, at elle@railstotrails.org to grab coffee while you are in town. 

Invite Your Community to Celebrate Trails to April 25!

Celebrate Trails Day invites everyone to experience the country’s trails through events and self-guided activities. In this pivotal year for trails, join RTC in growing this annual springtime celebration—generating more attention and appreciation for America’s trails and active transportation—by getting involved as a partner.  

Explore free partner resources for planning events and preparing for the celebration: RailsToTrails.org/CelebrateTrailsDay/Toolkit 

Upcoming TrailNation Collaborative Webinar and Dialogue Events: Advancing Trail Networks for People, Communities and Change

In 2026, TrailNation™ Collaborative learning events will bring together trail champions, planners, community leaders, and advocates for timely conversations about what it takes to build and sustain trail networks amid shifting social, environmental, funding and economic conditions. 

Are there webinar or working group topics you’d like to see covered through the TrailNation Collaborative this year? Email us at trailnationcollaborative@railstotrails.org to share your ideas!  

Find registration links for all sessions at railstotrails.org/webinars.

Funding Opportunities

Main Street America: Road Safety Innovation for Downtown 

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 

The GM on Main Street grant program was created to help nonprofit organizations and municipal government entities implement innovative revitalization initiatives in their local commercial districts. Now in its fourth year, the GM on Main Street Grant Program will award a total of $300,000 to five nonprofit organizations and municipal governments located in this year’s eligible counties near GM facilities. 

U.S. Department of Transportation: BUILD Grants

Deadline: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 

The eligibility requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT’s) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program allow project sponsors, including state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies and port authorities, to pursue multimodal and multijurisdictional projects that are more difficult to fund through other grant programs. 

Association EBN: Architecture and Art Grant 

Deadline: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 

This grant supports the realization of a community-shaping artistic, educational or cross-cultural project by a young adult (17–35) in the fields of art, architecture or placemaking–reflecting the values of Emma Burke Newman. 

OPENS SOON—IMBA: Trail Accelerator Grants 

Open Thursday, Jan. 15–Sunday, March 15, 2026 

IMBA’s Trail Accelerator Grants provide a jump-start to communities that have the interest and political support to plan mountain-biking trail systems but need assistance to get projects up and running. Note: This is an award of IMBA professional services and requires a match from applicants.  

APPLY NOW: AARP Community Challenge Grants 

Deadline: March 4, 2026 

Since its debut in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has invested $24.3 million in 2,100 livability projects, with a focus on meeting the needs of adults age 50 or older, throughout the United States. In 2026, AARP is doubling its annual investment and will be awarding more than $8 million in community-improving grants. 

NOW OPEN—Main Street America: T-Mobile Hometown Grants 

Deadline: March 31, 2026 

Join over 450 communities across 48 states and one U.S. territory that have benefited from more than $20 million in funding since 2021. From enhancing public tech infrastructure to creating new recreational trails and restoring historic landmarks, these grants are transforming communities like yours. This opportunity is open to communities with a population of 50,000 or less and provides grants of up to $50,000.  

Get more information about funding sources for trails and active transportation on RTC’s Federal Funding Resources page.

Resources

APPLY NOW: America Walks’ Walking College 

Now in its 12th year, the Walking College is America Walks’ signature training program, aimed at strengthening our grassroots partnerships to achieve safer, healthier, more walkable streets and communities. The application period to join this year’s fellowship class is open through Feb. 16, 2026. 

RTC: Joy Transforms  

From the TrailNation Summit 2025 archives—our second plenary at the Summit featured an impactful conversation with leaders from across the county, including Ayesha McGowan, Ron Griswell and Yvonne Leow, to discuss what it means to leverage the power of joy for impact, building support and inspiring the action needed to make meaningful progress for the nation’s trail networks.  

Transportation for America: Why Transit, Density, and Walkability Matter for Social Connection 

This blog from Transportation America discusses how communities well connected by transit and active transportation infrastructure contribute to more socially connected neighborhoods as well.  

Main Street America: Thriving Communities Transportation Toolkit
Main Street America just released their new toolkit to help local governments and leaders advance transportation investments. This resource is the result of two years of collaboration with RTC and other partners in delivering the USDOT’s Thriving Communities Program to rural communities nationwide. 

RTC: TrailNation Summit Resources
This resource from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is designed to guide federal, state, local, Tribal and philanthropic leaders in harnessing the power of outdoor recreation to strengthen rural economies, improve community resilience and enhance quality of life.  

APA: Cities Pave New Paths for Active Transportation Without Federal Backing 

The American Planning Association profiles Oak Park, Illinois, and Cleveland, Ohio, and their innovative methods to advance active transportation plans without the support of federal transportation dollars.

RTC: Webinars From the Archive
In Case You Missed It—Miss a recent webinar or online dialogue? You can find free access to all our recent RTC virtual events in the webinar archive or Resource Library on our website! This includes our recent “Innovative State Legislative Approaches” and “State DOT Engagement” sessions with RTC’s policy team and recordings of the TrailNation Summit plenary sessions! 

Other Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

Tools for Collaborative Members

Get access to all the resources you need to create a vibrant trail network for your community—from funding opportunities to technical assistance.