2025 Advocacy Recap: Fighting for Indiana’s Trails
In 2025, the Greenways Foundation remained steadfast in our mission to champion Indiana’s trails at the Statehouse. It was a year defined by persistence, partnership, and resolve.
Standing Up for NextLevel Trails
Our primary focus was protecting funding for NextLevel Trails, the transformative program that has helped communities across Indiana build and connect trail networks. Since its inception, NextLevel Trails has catalyzed regional connectivity, strengthened local economies, and expanded access to outdoor recreation in urban and rural communities alike.
Throughout the legislative session, we worked closely with the bipartisan Trails Caucus to advocate for maintaining this critical investment. We met with the Governor’s Office to discuss the wide-ranging benefits of trails, from economic development and tourism to public health and quality of life. We also met directly with legislative leadership to make the case that trails are not amenities, but essential community infrastructure.
Despite our collective efforts and the strong data supporting continued investment, funding for NextLevel Trails was ultimately not included in the budget.
While this outcome was deeply disappointing, it did not deter our commitment.
Making the Case During the Interim
Over the summer, an interim study committee was formed to assess the benefits of public lands for recreational use. This presented another opportunity to elevate the conversation around trails.
We testified before the committee, sharing evidence and real-world stories about how trails:
Drive economic growth and attract private investment
Improve physical and mental health outcomes
Provide alternative transportation options
Strengthen community identity and quality of life
The conversation is shifting. Lawmakers are asking thoughtful questions. There is growing recognition that public lands and trail systems are assets that deliver measurable returns for Indiana.
Building Momentum in 2026
In February 2026, we hosted the Trails Caucus Reception, bringing together legislators, advocates, and supporters to reaffirm our shared commitment to Indiana’s trail network. Caucus leadership expressed optimism about the 2027 budget year and the opportunity to renew the state’s investment in trails.
We are taking that optimism and turning it into action.
Empowering Hoosiers to Lead Locally
State funding is critical, but lasting change also happens at the local level.
In 2026, we are preparing to publish a practical guide to help Hoosiers engage their community leaders in trails advocacy. This resource will walk residents through how to speak at council meetings, meet with mayors and county commissioners, build coalitions, share data effectively, and tell compelling personal stories about why trails matter.
We know that local leadership often shapes state priorities. When city councils, county officials, and regional planners elevate trails as a priority, legislators take notice. This guide will equip everyday advocates with the tools and confidence to lead conversations in their own communities.
Our goal is simple: make trails advocacy accessible, organized, and effective in every corner of Indiana.
A New Strategy for 2027
As part of our efforts to restore trails funding, we will launch a series of Lunch & Learns at the Statehouse beginning in January 2027, at the start of the new legislative session.
Every three to four weeks, we will bring everyday Hoosiers to the Statehouse to share their stories directly with legislators. These stories will highlight:
Economic success tied to trail development
Health and healing made possible through access to trails
Quality of life improvements in communities large and small
Each gathering will feature new speakers and new topics, giving legislators consistent opportunities to learn, ask questions, and engage with the real people who benefit from trail investments.
Our goal is clear: secure $10 million for trails in the 2027 state budget. Whether those dollars support maintenance of existing trails or new projects, what matters most is that the State of Indiana renews its investment in this critical community infrastructure.
Trails are not partisan. They are not optional. They are economic engines, health resources, and connectors of people and places.
How You Can Help
Advocacy requires resources. Hosting events, organizing testimony, engaging legislators, publishing tools for local advocates, and mobilizing supporters all take sustained effort and funding.
If you believe in the power of trails to transform communities, we invite you to invest in this work. Your donation helps us continue fighting for restored state trail funding and ensures that Indiana remains a leader in trail development.
You can make a gift today at:
www.greenwaysfoundation.org/donate
Together, we will keep showing up. And together, we will restore Indiana’s commitment to trails.
