Statements
Mission
Our mission is to raise awareness and build support for funding improved multimodal regional transit and mobility.
Background
n April 2009, a delegation of leaders from Nashville and Middle Tennessee traveled to Denver, Colorado, on an inter-city visit organized by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Participants of that trip included Mayor Karl Dean, Michael Skipper of Greater Nashville Regional Council, Charles Bone, and others who were inspired by Denver's strides in regional transit and the economic strength that resulted from their own Transit Alliance. These leaders returned to Middle Tennessee to create a similar organization to serve their region. By late 2009, the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee was formally established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization alongside a regional Mayors Caucus that brought together elected officials from counties and cities to foster collaboration on regional transit and mobility goals. And thanks to Vanderbilt University's generous funding, the Alliance spent its first five years concentrating on building rapport and programs.
Since then, the Transit Alliance has been committed to educating and mobilizing the Middle Tennessee community around the need for strong transit options. Through programs like the Transit Citizen Leadership Academy, we have equipped hundreds of regional leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for sustainable transit solutions that align with local needs and support regional growth. Our work empowers communities to shape and champion transit policies that enhance mobility, accessibility, and connectivity across Middle Tennessee.
Impact
Since 2009, the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee (TAMT) has grown as a leader in advocating for regional transit solutions that enhance mobility and quality of life across Middle Tennessee. Through our flagship program, the Transit Citizen Leadership Academy (TCLA), we have held 26 academies to date, bringing our alumni network to an impressive 620 graduates. These dedicated individuals include state and regional elected as well as business leaders, community advocates, and professionals, each contributing to a more connected and sustainable transportation future. Our reach has expanded through digital outreach and surveys, where thousands of Middle Tennesseans have shared their stories, challenges, and ideas for improved mobility. Additionally, we've engaged with over 1,000 Nashville residents to gain insight into their experiences with transit and mobility.
In partnership with organizations such as the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and Cumberland Region Tomorrow (CRT), TAMT has supported public awareness of critical initiatives, including the nMotion strategic plan. Through county "mini-summits," TAMT reached over 3,000 Middle Tennesseans, helping communities understand the implications and benefits of the nMotion plan. In 2018, we joined the Transit for Nashville Coalition, mobilizing to bring awareness to Nashville's transit referendum and answering questions at numerous community meetings. Though the referendum effort was ultimately unsuccessful, TAMT remains a key participant in ongoing regional transportation discussions. In re-forming the Transit for Nashville Coalition as Connect MidTN, we have continued championing the need for sustainable transit funding and infrastructure.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, TAMT identified creative ways to meet the growing demand for transit information and support for transit workers. In April 2020, we initiated a community fundraiser that raised over $4,000, providing 500 lunches to frontline bus operators at WeGo and Franklin Transit. We also launched a four-part speaker series, attended by 80 participants, which explored the critical role of transit during the pandemic. TAMT collaborated with Neighbor 2 Neighbor (N2N) and the Greater Nashville Realtors to host the Neighborhood Transit Institute (NTI), a three-week program that educated community members on transit issues and their neighborhood impact. Additionally, TAMT partnered with Vanderbilt's Peabody College through an Urban Fellows intern to develop an 11-hour STEM curriculum for 10th graders at Hillsboro High School, emphasizing transit as a vital part of urban life.
In 2021, we completed a strategic plan funded by the Frist Foundation. One outcome was the creation of a Transit Advocate Toolkit on our website, equipping those who believe in the importance of transit to confidently share their stories and advocate for change.
Our 2022 goals included hosting three TCLA sessions, partnering with N2N for the third NTI, training at least 60 online transit advocates, and launching initiatives from our strategic plan. We are proud to say that we achieved these goals, hosting two TCLA sessions, one NTI, four one-hour webinars, and finding new ways to engage our TCLA alumni network.
At TAMT, we believe that individual freedom is directly linked to mobility and that our future is riding on transit. Our vision for Nashville focuses on creating safe, accessible transportation for all residents. We are committed to embarking on a robust community outreach campaign to listen and understand the needs of thousands of Nashvillians, ensuring public participation is central to shaping a brighter transportation future. We look forward to working with community partners, volunteers, and supporters as we strive to make Nashville a more connected and vibrant place for all. Join us in our mission by participating in our programs and contributing to our vision of a better future.
Needs
$90,000 - Funding for adding staff to help manage new programs.
$15,000 - Funding for Transit Citizen Leadership Academies - each TCLA costs approximately $12,500.
$10,000 - Funding for technology updates and effective database/software access to support better reports and communication with partners.
$30,000 - Transit Together or External Community Engagement
$10,000 - Communications Campaign
CEO Statement
The Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee (TAMT) stands as the only 501(c)(3) organization in Middle Tennessee dedicated solely to building awareness and support for a well-funded, regional transit system with a dedicated funding source. With a reputation for excellence and award-winning programs, TAMT continues to set the standard in education, advocacy, and community engagement. Our ability to bring in expert speakers from local, state, and national levels provides our participants with a dynamic, real-world perspective on transportation, underscoring how it shapes lives and drives economic and social vitality across our region.
Our work reaches beyond citizens, extending to elected and appointed leaders equipped with the tools and insights necessary to shape forward-thinking policy and planning. TAMT is uniquely positioned to support business, community, and public leaders in making sound policy decisions by providing robust resources, actionable data, and a platform for meaningful dialogue.
Our focus is now squarely on an ambitious plan for grassroots organizing and community outreach. This is Nashville's moment to define itself as a city that values equitable investment and prioritizes access to opportunities for all its residents. True progress is built through active community participation, listening intently to the voices of our neighbors, and working collaboratively to craft solutions. Our future is riding on transit-investing in a connected and accessible region will define Nashville for generations.
This issue is critical: Are we ready to invest in a thriving, equitable city? Are we prepared to secure billions in federal infrastructure funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law? Together, we can make this vision a reality. Will you join us in moving Middle Tennessee forward?
Service Categories |
|
| Primary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Public Transportations Systems |
| Secondary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Leadership Development |
| Tertiary Category: | Community Improvement, Capacity Building - Alliances & Advocacy |
Areas Served
The Middle Tennessee 10-county region.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Cheatham |
