The Transit Citizen Leadership Academy (TCLA) is the Transit Alliance’s award-winning program designed to equip participants across the 10 counties of Middle Tennessee with the tools and resources to understand how transit intersects with our lives, contributes to higher quality of life, sustains a vibrant economy, and builds pathways to equity.
The TCLA is a six-session program with presentations led by industry experts and leading professionals. Through presentations, panels, and discussions, participants can synthesize vital information about transit issues in the region. Industry-leading experts lead compelling and fact-based conversations and give participants the knowledge and tools to become thought leaders on the vital role of transit in the region today and into the future.
TCLA participants learn about the following:
- the process of funding transit and infrastructure;
- the impact transit has on our economy, health, environment, and equity;
- the responsibilities of local, state, and federal players;
- the importance of regional, corridor, and other studies and plans; as well as
- the emerging mass transit options that can address our mobility needs today and well into the future.
Past presenters include regional mayors; Steve Bland, CEO of WeGo Public Transit; Michelle Lacewell, Greater Nashville Regional Council; Carol Westlake, Executive Director for Tennessee Disability Coalition; Toks Omishakin, former-Deputy Commissioner of TDOT; Pam Kordenbrock, Federal Highway Administration; and more.
TCLA 23 starts on Wednesday, February 22, 2022 and registration is open.
Apply for future Transit Citizen Leadership Academy Classes here.
Due to COVID-19, the TCLA is now virtual via Zoom. It is still free to attend.
The first five classes were done in collaboration with a founding partner the Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership at Lipscomb University. The Alliance is grateful for the support from Lipscomb University.
