June 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 to Support Trails in the Surface Transportation Bill
Last month in Congress, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee passed the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act, marking an important step in the development of the next federal surface transportation law.
While the bill does not include the draconian cuts initially threatened—and preserves beneficial programs and policies—it is not a victory lap. Ultimately, this bill makes it harder for places to build out the connected active-transportation infrastructure Americans want and need.
Here are ways you can support RTC and partners across the country in continuing to advocate for a final surface transportation law that delivers the active transportation infrastructure America needs:
Build a plan for Congress’s which is just around the corner. Now is the time to invite your members of Congress to experience the importance of closing key gaps in trail networks and the power of this essential infrastructure to their constituents.
- Engage state and local agencies and other civic leaders to advocate for trails, walking and biking—your voice helps to keep this issue top of mind for officials!
- Get more involved in federal advocacy. Connect with RTC, and we can identify the best ways to put your story to work to strengthen and enhance federal programs to connect America’s trails and active transportation networks. Take a deeper dive into the bill and how you can help by reading our analysis and watching the recording of our most recent webinar, where we break down the good, the bad and the unknown in the bill.
RTC Seeking Proposals for Outside Counsel
RTC is seeking proposals from a law firm or lawyer to serve as outside counsel in support of our legal program, the only nonprofit program in the country that regularly goes to court to support and defend rail-trails and multiuse trails against legal threats.
RTC has issued a request for proposals for a firm or lawyer to initially serve in a mentee role with RTC’s general counsel and ultimately transition to provide consistent long-term services advancing trails, greenways and other walking and biking infrastructure across the United States.
2026 TrailNation Collaborative 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.
Celebrating Safety Month: Model Trail Networks for Safer Transportation Systems (1.0 AICP CM) | June 17, 2026
Beyond Cost Per Mile: Understanding Trail Costs | June 29, 2026
Trail Tourism Toolkit Release | July 2026
Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Beyond ADA: Accessibility, Dignity, and Choice on Multi-Use Trails (Online Dialogue; 1.0 AICP CM) | September 2026
Celebrating National Preparedness Month: Planning for the Next Disaster: Building Resilient Trail Networks Before Crisis Hits (1.0 AICP CM) | September 2026
Trail Networks as Economic Infrastructure: Turning Trails into Local Economic Opportunities (1.0 AICP CM) | October 2026
Trails and Housing: Tools for Resilient, Inclusive Communities (1.0 AICP CM) | November 2026
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
USDA: Rural Business Development Grants
Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) program includes funding opportunities for passenger-based rural transportation systems, offering grants to public entities, Tribes and nonprofits to provide technical assistance, training and capacity-building in rural communities. These awards require no cost share and aim to enhance economic opportunities and access to critical services by strengthening rural communities.
Get more information about funding sources for trails and active transportation on RTC’s Federal Funding Resources page.
Resources
| Vision Zero Network: Right-Sizing the Role of Traffic Enforcement: Prioritizing Effective, Cost-Efficient and Equitable Improvements to Road Safety This new resource from the Vision Zero Network aims to help Vision Zero practitioners, advocates and policymakers take a more data-informed and equitable approach to traffic enforcement. Main Street America: How to Play a Role in Advancing Transportation Ideas Reflecting on Main Street America’s work on the Thriving Communities Project, which was supported by RTC, this blog gives an overview of ways that diverse partners from communities across the country have engaged in local planning efforts. RTC: TrailNation Summit Resources Looking for a digital copy of the TrailNation Workbook or any of the resources mentioned at the summit this past October to assist with your work? RTC can help! Please reach out to Mary Ellen Koontz, TrailNation Collaborative lead, at maryellen@railstotrails.org. RTC: In Case You Missed It: Webinars From the Archive 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 “Innovative State Legislative Approaches” and “State DOT Engagement” sessions with RTC’s policy team as well as recordings of the 2025 TrailNation Summit plenary sessions! |
Other Events You Won’t Want to Miss!
Active Transportation Data Working Group: Conversations with Colleagues – Infrastructure | Tuesday, June 16, 2026
APBP: Pedestrian Safety Planning in America’s Heartland | Wednesday, June 17, 2026
American Trails: Turning Trail Work Into Measurable Impact | Thursday, June 25
APBP Conference (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Monday, Aug. 10–Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Find Team RTC at the conference or in the Exhibitor Hall!
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.
- Sign up for the TrailNation Collaborative.
- Connect with the TrailNation Collaborative on Facebook.
- Explore our TrailNation Playbook.
- Learn about federal transportation funding for trails.
- Visit our Trail-Building Toolbox.