What We Do

We are working to improve transportation outcomes across every corner of Missouri.

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.

Communities We’re Working With

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' and 'Forward 44' highway expansions that may impact safety and transit access for those that travel along and across the corridor.

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.

Consulting

MRT offers advocacy support and consulting opportunities targeted towards community and regional planning needs.

Statewide Advocacy

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.

Technical Assistance

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."

Speaker Engagements

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.

Interested in our consulting services? Contact Taylor March at Taylor@MovingMissouri.org to learn more.

Where We Are Leading Change

Missouri Complete Streets (MOCS)

Missouri Hands-Free Coalition

Missourians for Responsible Transportation Leadership Team (BikeWalkKC, Local Motion, Ozark Greenways, and Trailnet)

Supporting Organizations And Partnerships

American Planning Association - Missouri Chapter

City of Columbia, MO Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission

City of St. Louis, MO Citizens Advisory Committee

Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) - Physical Activity Workgroup

Missouri Transportation Task Force

National Hands-Free Coalition

Rock Island Trail Campaign

Walkability Action Institute

mrt@movingmissouri.org
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