EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) is the largest dedicated source of funding for trails, walking and biking in the United States. Since 1991, this program, formerly known as Transportation Enhancements (TE), has transformed the landscape of the country. Under the program, states have been able to make critical investments in building safe places […]

A new analysis by Headwaters Economics in partnership with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy reveals that the Great American Rail-Trail®—the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail—will have a significant economic impact on the communities it serves due to the trail’s potential to bring visitors, businesses, spending, jobs, income and tax revenue to the communities along the 3,700-mile route. The Great American […]

Trails provide substantial benefits for people and communities, but an important issue is whether these benefits impact property values and can contribute to gentrification.  RTC’s original research examines the relationship between trails and property values and guidance from experts on how to maintain housing stability and equitable access to trails. To learn more about RTC’s work on Trail Networks and Housing Stability, visit https://www.railstotrails.org/housing/   Our ‘Trail Networks and Housing Stability’ webinar series will convene experts from the fields of housing and community development to discuss the impact […]

Trails provide substantial benefits for people and communities, but an important issue is whether these benefits impact property values and can contribute to gentrification.  RTC’s original research examines the relationship between trails and property values and guidance from experts on how to maintain housing stability and equitable access to trails. To learn more about RTC’s work on Trail Networks and Housing Stability, visit https://www.railstotrails.org/housing/   Our ‘Trail Networks and Housing Stability’ webinar series will convene experts from the fields of housing and community development to discuss the impact […]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL VISION Imagine pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects you to historic routes from coast to coast. You’re enthralled in the experience of exploring America’s heritage—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the intimacy […]

In recent years, concerns have emerged through location-specific studies about the correlation between trails and gentrification, especially in high-profile urban trail markets with significant housing cost pressures. To better understand the relationship between trail development and housing stability in a wide range of neighborhoods and housing markets, RTC partnered with researchers from the University of Minnesota and the Brookings Institution to study this issue further, and with Johns Hopkins University’s 21st Century Cities […]

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which passed last November, the Transportation Alternatives (TA) program is set to receive a 70% increase on average over the next five years in funds that support the development of trails and active transportation infrastructure. This latest iteration of the TA program includes program innovations to help more communities […]

Accessibility is integral to trail development—it ensures that trails are available to all users, including people with disabilities—and we want to make sure that you have the tools and information you need to enhance accessibility on your trails. This webinar provided an overview of the proposed Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) for shared-use paths. The webinar also […]

The passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) means that our work has just begun to make sure that state and local partners can make the most of new funding opportunities. Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) to hear what comes next for federal funding and discuss how your trail and active transportation projects can meet the […]

What strategies and policies have or can be used by cities to build or preserve affordable housing near green amenities and urban trails? In this brief, we provide a review of the academic literature on strategies to preserve and build affordable housing with respect to green amenities and urban trails. We look at a variety of strategies including shared equity […]