After five and a half years with Missourians for Responsible Transportation [MRT], Jackson Hotaling is departing for a role with the Western Transportation Institute in Bozeman, Montana. His last day with MRT is August 13, 2026.
Jackson fell into the transportation sphere by happenstance, but it was a natural fit. Returning home to the St. Louis area following a stint abroad, he did not own a car and was faced with limited transportation options. Hired in 2021 as MRT’s Community Engagement Coordinator, he joined MRT’s statewide network of more than 40 transportation professionals who fight for multimodal transportation options for Missourians. Over time, he built relationships, organized events across the state, and expanded MRT’s reach to new communities; by 2025, he directed MRT’s policy strategy as the Director of Policy and Programs, and spearheaded campaigns including for the MO Dept. of Transportation to incorporate active transportation elements into its transportation planning framework.
MRT’s accomplishments during Jackson’s tenure are substantial. He led programming for action-oriented statewide coalitions, such as Missouri Complete Streets Advisory Committee (coordinating advocacy for active transportation projects across the state), Rock Island Trail Campaign (advocating for the development of Missouri’s 93rd state park), and Hands Free Missouri (promoting distracted driving legislation, with adoption in 2023). Jackson served as a voice for vulnerable road users on several state planning advisory committees, where he succeeded in incorporating active transportation elements into MO Dept. of Transportation’s Long-Range Transportation Plan and Strategic Highway Safety Plan, MO Dept. of Natural Resources’ Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation, and MO Dept. of Health and Senior Services’ Master Plan on Aging.
In reflection, Jackson shares these thoughts:
“The need for transportation options in Missouri cannot be understated, and our priorities need to shift if we want to improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life for our communities. During my time with MRT, our state leadership and the power of corporate interests facilitated the approval of the nearly $4 billion I-70 expansion. At the same time, transit faced drastic state funding cuts, we reached our worst-ever pedestrian fatality record in state history, and the increasing cost of oil makes us wonder how much longer we can afford to drive to work (to hold a job so we can make our car payment). Without the freedom of transportation choice, the one third of Missourians who do not drive due to age, physical ability, legal reasons, and cost continue to be shut out of our car-oriented society, and those in rural areas face additional challenges due to limited access and distance to essential services.
Yet, there is immense local willpower for community-driven solutions to our transportation issues, and I have seen stunning momentum when that willpower is channelled effectively. A major part of my role with MRT has been to connect with community leaders across the state, and I am inspired by the creativity and tenacity that folks have to improve their communities. Towns are literally hosting bake sales to raise matching funds for grants to build trails, I mean… wow! Whether folks are passionate about public health, local government, education, conservation, or they simply love their hometown, I am constantly inspired by those who join the movement to advocate for transportation options. It has been an immense joy to advocate alongside you and experience incredible progress in the communities that put in many years of hard work. Thank you.
While I will miss Missouri and all who make this place special, I am excited to learn more about how state investments in transportation options lead to improved access to transportation options: According to Montana DOT’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, ‘Montana is ranked 5th in the nation for per capita spending on biking and walking’ and is ‘5th in the nation for percentage of commuters who bike or walk to work.’ I’m sensing a correlation. Here at home, I am confident Missourians will continue to build on our growing momentum toward a stronger transportation future."
Jackson’s policy work will be assumed by Michael Kelley, MRT’s new Director of Policy. Michael brings his expertise from years with our partner BikeWalkKC in Kansas City, and we welcome him to the team! Say hi to Michael at michaelkelley@movingmissouri.org.
