Right on Track: How Transit Day on the Hill Made an Impact
- jessicadauphin
- May 16
- 3 min read
On Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee and the Connect Mid TN coalition hosted our very first Transit Day on the Hill. This day focused on advocacy and was designed to bring regional transit supporters face-to-face with state lawmakers to highlight the vital importance of regional transportation solutions to our economy, health, and quality of life.
This inaugural event brought together a dynamic group of champions from across sectors—planners, nonprofit leaders, transportation professionals, businesses, and everyday riders who believe in the power of transit to transform communities. Some companies and organizations who were, or wanted to be, on the Hill with us included CARTA, Greater Nashville Realtors, HNTB, STARS Nashville, Urban League of Middle Tennessee, Transit Now Nashville, Walk Bike Nashville, WeGo, and others.
Together, we visited with state lawmakers to share our vision for mobility that supports economic opportunity, access to healthcare, education, and employment, and a future that works for everyone in Middle Tennessee.
Our delegation had meetings lined up and/or had the opportunity to meet with the following elected leaders:
Representative Aftyn Behn, District 51
Representative Shaundelle Brooks, District 60
Representative Ed Butler, District 41
Senator Heidi Campbell, District 20
Representative John Ray Clemmons, District 55
Representative Bob Freeman, District 56
Representative Yusuf Hakeem, District 28
Representative Caleb Hemmer, District 59
Representative Dan Howell, District 22
Senator Jack Johnson, District 27
Representative Justin Jones, District 52
Representative Greg Martin, District 26
Senator Becky Duncan Massey, District 6
Senator Charlane Oliver, District 19
Senator Mark Pody, District 17
Representative Jason Powell, District 53
Senator Dawn White, District 13
Senator Jeff Yarbro, District 21
These conversations centered around what legislators were hearing about current mobility challenges, the growing need for state-level support for regional transit solutions, and the power of investment to strengthen our workforce and infrastructure.
What We Learned
We learned that there’s an appetite on both sides of the aisle for addressing transportation and congestion issues plaguing our region. Advocacy and education are still deeply needed. Some lawmakers were familiar with the challenges; others appreciated hearing personal stories and specific data points that helped connect the dots between infrastructure and quality of life.
Lessons & Takeaways
Preparation matters. Participants who felt most empowered were those who had a clear understanding of the talking points and how to connect them to their own experience or community. Next year, we plan to host a short virtual prep session ahead of the event to provide more time to digest the material.
More visibility is needed. We found that some legislators were unaware of how many people and businesses are eager for better transit and mobility services and infrastructure. A coordinated presence like this helped reinforce that transit isn’t a niche issue; it’s a broad regional and state priority.
Relationships drive results. Building a rapport with elected officials, even in quick meetings, helps lay the foundation for future conversations. This isn’t a one-time visit. This was the beginning of an ongoing dialogue about how we can improve livability together.
Looking Ahead
This was just the beginning. Based on the energy in the room, the tempo and timbre of our meetings, and the feedback we’ve received, we’re already planning on how to grow and refine this experience for next year.
To everyone who participated: thank you for showing up, speaking up, and making transit advocacy visible at the Capitol. Together, we’re building momentum for a future that moves.
