Advocacy

Missouri Complete Streets [MOCS] is an initiative sponsored by the Department of Health and Senior Services [DHSS]. DHSS contracts with MRT to lead quarterly MOCS Advisory Committee meetings, working in a collaborative environment to address Missouri's active transportation policy issues.

One of the primary objectives identified by MOCS is to establish a statewide active transportation plan, and we are working to support the development of this statewide plan for Missouri.

MRT is monitoring state funding sources that impact the way Missourians get around. We aim to support the planning and implementation of projects that benefit all road users, including those who walk, bike, take the bus, or use a wheelchair to get around. We hope to continue the momentum to address the lack of funding dedicated for these vulnerable road users.

In 2023, we advocated for an improved Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), the largest source of funding in Missouri for active transportation projects. We also advocated for changes to the 'Improve I-70' highway expansion that may make it harder for Missourians who rely on transit or for communities on both sides of the interstate to get across with active transportation.

The 'Movement is Life' project supports efforts to collaborate more closely with Regional Planning Commissions and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to better coordinate and effect positive changes for walking, biking, and transit access on the regional level.