TRANSIT CITIZEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Where Locals Learn to Lead
The Transit Citizen Leadership Academy (TCLA) is Middle Tennessee’s premier mobility leadership program.
Since 2010, TCLA has prepared 650 regional leaders, from elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit executives, engineers, teachers, nurses, and community advocates, to understand how transportation systems impact economic growth, equity, land use, affordability, and quality of life.
Across all class cohorts, participants overwhelmingly describe TCLA as:
Informative. Educational. Inspiring. Engaging. Enlightening. Transformational.
Class 28 Sponsor
TCLA provides:
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A deep dive into regional mobility, land use, economic development, and policy
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Eye-opening field experiences
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Access to regional leaders and practitioners
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Collaborative learning across counties, sectors, and perspectives
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A powerful alumni network influencing decisions across Middle Tennessee
Participants leave with:
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A shared understanding of our regional challenges and opportunities
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A shared vocabulary rooted in real data
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Greater confidence to participate in public processes
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A more expansive view of what’s possible for Middle Tennessee
TCLA class sessions begin Tuesday, August 11th, 2026, and run through October 7th. Class sessions typically meet each Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in Downtown Nashville. Some exclusions apply and will be communicated in advance. Applications for TCLA Cohort 28 will open in early 2026.
Join Us
Become a part of our community and make a difference. Attend our class sessions starting August 13th in Downtown Nashville. Register now to secure your seat!
Donate
Support our cause by making a donation. Your contribution will help us continue our work and serve those in need. Every donation counts.
Volunteer
Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help us in our mission. Your time and effort can create a positive impact on our community.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness about our organization. Share our mission with your friends and family. Together, we can make a difference.
Benefits of the TCLA
The TCLA program is a series of presentations by industry experts and leading professionals. Participants synthesize vital information about regional transit and mobility issues through presentations, panels, discussions, homework, and reports. 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 mobility in the region today and into the future.
TCLA participants learn about the following:
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the process of funding transit and infrastructure;
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the impact transit has on our economy, health, environment, and equity;
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the responsibilities of local, state, and federal players;
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the importance of regional, corridor, and other studies and plans; as well as
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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.
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