MRT works with individuals, communities, regional planning commissions, and organizations across our state on a variety of projects. Find out below how we are fostering strong communities by aligning advocacy efforts for streets, roads, and trails that work for all Missourians.
In addition to our grants and advocacy efforts, MRT offers services targeted towards community and regional planning needs.
We provide technical assistance for grants and give trainings for communities that want more active transportation options for their citizens. We do this through webinars, on-street trainings, developing policy, and facilitating connections between communities to share learned experiences.
With our model Complete Streets policy template, we work with communities to develop Complete Streets policies that are relevant and addresses local needs.
Our planning services identify community priorities and ensure all voices have input in future infrastructure projects.
Our walking/biking audit reports assess current active transportation conditions and feature photos and maps. These planning documents are powerful tools for communication and to use in grant applications to secure project funding. To quote Jason Ray, Executive Director for SMCOG, "Funding follows planning."
As a non-profit based in Columbia, we are poised to access nearby Jefferson City to engage with our elected officials on behalf of the 35,000+ members represented by MRT and our partners BikeWalkKC, Local Motion, Ozark Greenways, and Trailnet.
Our team includes a registered lobbyist that is able to access the Capitol and Missouri's lawmakers when advocacy efforts are necessary, and we support legislation that moves our mission forward.
We believe the wealth of resources for active living in the Show-Me State deserves attention from our communities as well as for other states. We are often invited to speak about lessons learned through success and failure, and we encourage local champions to join us in showcasing Missouri at various speaking engagements.
We have spoken at events ranging from the National Bike Summit to local chamber of commerce meetings to webinars hosted on our YouTube channel.
American Planning Association - Missouri Chapter
Columbia, MO Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission
Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) - Physical Activity Workgroup
Missouri Transportation Task Force
National Hands-Free Coalition
PAPREN Network - Activating Rural America Workgroup
Rock Island Trail Campaign