Where Climate and Transportation Intersect: Lessons for Funders and Advocates

Empowering Communities: The Midwest Transportation Assessment

In the heart of America’s Midwest, a transformative movement is underway. It’s about more than just transportation; it’s about reshaping communities, enhancing public health, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering education. This movement recognizes the intricate interplay of climate and transportation, woven into the fabric of our lives, influencing our access, equity, and choices. 

The Midwest represents a wide spectrum of communities, including progressive and conservative areas, urban, suburban, and rural interests. Funded by the McKnight Foundation, the Midwest Transportation Landscape Assessment investigates the relationship between transportation advocacy and funding in this region, offering valuable insights for funders nationwide. It reveals the interconnected nature of transportation systems and the commitment of people working to improve them. These findings offer essential lessons for funders aiming to support transportation initiatives across the country.

Transportation poses a formidable challenge — it is vast, intricate, and multifaceted. The Midwest Transportation Landscape Assessment illuminates this complexity, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address it. As the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., transportation affects every aspect of our lives, from the air we breathe to the opportunities we can access. The assessment doesn’t just outline the issue; it offers viable solutions, showcasing the relentless work of advocates and the support they receive from philanthropic organizations.

“Many local groups aim to enhance their community’s quality of life, improve job access, and help students reach community colleges. However, these groups face challenges, especially for people who lack reliable transportation,” said Zoe Kircos, a partner at City Thread, one of the authors of the assessment. “Local funders recognize that a person’s ability to go to school or work a job shouldn’t depend on owning a car. They need more options for how to get around.”  

At the core of this movement lies the strength of coalitions — diverse groups with varied expertise, perspectives, and backgrounds. These coalitions, with connections in frontline neighborhoods and led by individuals committed to environmental justice, bring an equitable approach to the table. They recognize that meaningful conversations and genuine relationships are critical, investing time and effort to build connections that drive systemic change.

“Grassroots and environmental justice groups play a pivotal role in helping us understand the direct impact of community changes, which is why it’s so important that they be involved in the early stages of infrastructure planning,” said Tenzin Dolkar, McKnight Foundation’s Midwest Climate & Energy Program Officer who led funding for the assessment. “This will allow us to democratize transportation decision-making processes so that all Midwesterners can make their voices and needs heard. That’s how we’re going to maximize opportunities to create community and economic benefits, and center racial and economic justice outcomes as we decarbonize the transportation sector.”

Philanthropic organizations play a pivotal role in fueling these coalitions with resources, insights, and the ability to convene stakeholders. By investing in the transformative efforts of grassroots organizations, philanthropy amplifies the impact of community-driven initiatives. As federal funds strengthen the resources available in communities, philanthropy can be the catalyst for sustainable change.

Consider Minneapolis, a standout example. The city has made commendable strides in developing its bike infrastructure, with the Midtown Greenway serving as a central backbone, complemented by extensive on-street facilities. Minneapolis prioritized these initiatives, reflecting its commitment to accessible transportation. Challenges persist, including debates about freeway expansions and their impact on local neighborhoods. 

“I was particularly impressed by the broad coalition that came together to pass the transportation legislation in Minnesota that increased funding for transit and requires that transportation projects meet greenhouse gas standards,” said Martha Roskowski, founder and principal of Further Strategies and an author of the assessment. “The Transportation Equity Network in Chicago is another impressive example of groups working together to share expertise, analyze proposals and provide sound advice from a broad range of perspectives.”

Minnesota’s story, detailed in the assessment, paints a promising picture. The state legislature passed a bill authorizing dedicated funding for biking, walking, and transit projects — a rare feat. This funding aligns transportation projects with climate goals, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

Landmark federal funding bills are injecting billions into transportation, offering a rare chance to shape the future. The Midwest Transportation Landscape Assessment not only identifies these opportunities but emphasizes the urgency of seizing them. By focusing on strategic investments in clean, accessible, and sustainable mobility options, communities can address greenhouse gas emissions and enhance their quality of life.

“We see place-based funders backing important initiatives at the grassroots level, and we heard a strong desire from local groups for funding for more comprehensive strategies and greater collaboration among funders to build power at the local and state levels,” said Kircos.

“We need to act on what we’ve learned in this assessment. This is a time for us as funders to make bold and strategic moves to help federal dollars and other resources land in underserved communities and move quickly toward implementation,” McKnight’s Tenzin Dolkar added. “To say it another way, this is a time to coordinate, align, and leverage funding flows, while building the capacity of diverse community-based actors to absorb and deploy new capital.”

The Midwest Transportation Landscape Assessment is more than a report; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, the resilience of communities, and the potential for positive change. By embracing coalition building and recognizing the pivotal role of philanthropy, advocates and community groups are paving the way for a more equitable, sustainable future.

As we navigate the complexities of transportation and climate, we must remember that we can’t do big things with small tools. Together, we can move faster, making transportation work for all and creating thriving communities with opportunities for everyone.

The Midwest Transportation Landscape Assessment was co-authored by Zoe Kircos, City Thread, and Martha Roskowski, Further Strategies. The report was produced by The Funders Network and supported by a grant from The McKnight Foundation with additional support from TransitCenter and the SRAM Cycling Fund.