Making the Most of Federal Transportation Funding to Maximize State Active Transportation - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)

Recorded On: 10/08/2024

Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy as we explore best practices in maximizing federal funding opportunities for active transportation and trails. We will highlight case studies and approaches to strategically take advantage of funding in your state, including using safety and climate funding, as well as discussing equitable access to funds.

Learning objectives:

Learn about the impact of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on trails and active transportation.
Take a deep dive into federal funding basics, outlining important decision-makers involved in discretionary funding and state formula funds, as well as strategies to maximize funding.
Explore safety- and climate-focused funding available for trails, as well as important technical assistance and equity considerations.
Focus on important considerations like connections to destinations and discuss relevant funding sources such as Transportation Alternatives, the Recreational Trails Program, the Carbon Reduction Program, and the Highway Safety Improvement Program.

Elle Segal

Advocacy Outreach Director

Rails to Trails Conservancy

Elle Segal is Rails to Trails Conservancy's (RTC) Advocacy Outreach Director. She joined RTC after working for a decade in community outreach, relationship management and advocacy. As a member of RTC's policy team, Elle regularly consults with partners across the country and advises them on how to strategically approach federal funding opportunities for active transportation and trails. She earned her Masters of Public Affairs from the University of San Francisco and has an undergraduate degree from UC Davis. When she isn't working, Elle can often be found enjoying local parks and trails in the DC region.

Kim Chesser

State Advocacy Agency Specialist

Rails to Trails Conservancy

Kim leads RTC’s efforts to improve the state implementation of federal and state funding programs and policies related to trails, walking and biking. Kim’s work is strategically focused to ensure that more public funding from more sources is equitably distributed to accelerate the completion of connected trail and active-transportation networks accessible to all. Prior to her work at RTC, Kim has more than 29 years of service with the State of Delaware. Her professional career includes a vast array of experience with policy, legislation, program development, and the management of federal transportation funds and oversight.

Joseph Reed

Director of Government Relations

Rails to Trails Conservancy

Joseph brings extensive experience in government relations, social science and data analysis to the RTC team. He previously served as the senior policy advocate at NCRC, focusing on issues like fair housing and credit access, and worked as a policy analyst at the NAACP's Washington Bureau. Joseph also holds the position of vice chair at the Prince George's County Human Rights Commission. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Media with an emphasis in Public Relations from Hampton University and a master's degree in Government Relations with an emphasis on Political Comms./Govt. Analytics from Johns Hopkins University.