
Several states, including Ohio, Michigan, and Massachusetts have established legislative trails caucuses in the past year, facilitating active engagement among state legislators and trail constituents.
by Andrew Dupuy, Manager of Policy Outreach, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), Brian K. Housh, Midwest Policy Manager, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC)
This session will focus on relationship building and laying the groundwork for policy initiatives that support trail networks. Approaches to effective communications among state and local elected officials and trail advocacy organizations and users will be discussed in the context of the progress that has been made over a relatively short time in Ohio. Tactics designed to raise awareness, promote trail activity and recruit more Caucus members provide interesting lessons learned that can be replicated in other Midwestern states. Creating a coalition of stakeholders that represent diverse interests and have relationships with the legislature is a key strategy to advocate for building & maintaining trail networks to generate health, economic & environmental benefits. This session will explore best practices for cultivating state legislative trails caucuses and allow for dialogue about how to fully leverage their potential. Presenters will highlight critical legislative initiatives such as establishing state trail action plans, conducting statewide economic impact studies, enhancing agency capacities & collaborations and, ultimately, increasing funding to support connected trail systems. Learning Objectives:
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