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August Newsletter from the Community Streetcar Coalition
Nothing like the comfort of a cool streetcar on a hot summer's day! During a recent road trip, my family stopped in Nebraska and drove the corridor for the future Omaha Streetcar. It was great to see workers moving utilities and preparing the way for this new project! I couldn't help but envision people riding along this vibrant corridor in a new comfortable streetcar.
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Summer’s Not the Only Thing Heating Up…
We’ve got some hot topics in this edition of the newsletter—and you won’t want to miss a single one!
🔥 Upcoming Webinar – Don’t wait! Register now to get the link and join the conversation.
🛠️ New Working Group – Interested in operations? Sign up to be part of our new Operations Working Group.
🎥 New Coalition Video – Check out our latest video on why membership matters.
🚉 APTA Rail Reception Recap – Photo highlights from a great afternoon of connection and conversation.
🏛️ Congressional Update – What’s happening on the Hill that could impact transit.
🚋 Streetcar News – Catch up on the latest developments in streetcar systems across the country.
As always, our Coalition thrives because of you. Your engagement, ideas, and questions help shape our work. Have something to share or want to get more involved? I’d love to hear from you.
Christy Willhite, AICP
Executive Director
christy@streetcarcoalition.org
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Bill Umbenhaur, Chair, Legislative Working Group
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As Chair of the Legislative Working Group, I wanted to share an update on our recent efforts—and invite you to get more involved.
In May, the Streetcar Coalition visited Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, full funding for the FY2026 cycle, and structural improvements in how CIG dollars can be utilized in programs going forward. We highlighted the CSC supports streamlining regulations to lower costs and shorten timelines.
Additionally, the Streetcar Coalition submitted feedback to the House T&I committee Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill request for comments representing membership interests.
Our conversations on Capitol Hill were productive and underscored an important takeaway: we need to be engaging with Congress more frequently—not just as a Coalition, but as individual members.
With Congress now in their August recess and returning to their home districts, this is a perfect time to schedule a meeting, invite them to tour your project or facility, or host them at an event. If you’re not sure how to get started or what to say, don’t worry—we are here to support you. We are also planning a webinar this month to help you consider such activity going forward. If an August meeting or visit is too short in timing, you will be ready for the spring recess in March 2026.
The Legislative Working Group meets most months to discuss activities and next steps, we would love to have more voices at the table. If you’re interested in joining, please reach out—we would be happy to add you to our next meeting invitation.
Let’s keep building momentum together!
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Register for the August Virtual Summit
The federal budget process is in full swing. The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee is gathering input on surface transportation reauthorization. And in August, members of Congress will be back in their home districts—making it the perfect time to engage.
But where do you start?
- Should you request a meeting with your member of Congress or their staff?
- What should you say once you’re in the room?
- Does your perspective matter if you’re not a transit agency?
- Will your member attend a local event—and what will get their attention?
- What kind of information do elected officials actually want to hear?
If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, this Virtual Summit is for you. Learn how to make your message matter, strengthen your relationships with congressional offices, and advocate more effectively for your community and your business.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 1:00 PM Central
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Key Takeaways for Public Transit, Passenger Rail Funding from House Appropriations FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Bill
masstransitmag.com
The House Appropriations Committee’s markup of the bill ended with cuts to public transit and passenger rail funding compared to last year’s levels.
The House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee met July 14 to complete its initial markup of its THUD Appropriations fiscal year (FY) 2026 bill. Following the meeting, the measure was approved by the subcommittee.
The THUD Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $89.9 billion, $4.5 billion, or 4.7 percent, below the FY25 enacted level. The subcommittee says this level reflects the “America First” agenda by including responsible levels for housing programs and reprioritizing transportation funding to meet infrastructure needs across the U.S. The subcommittee notes it prioritized investments in air traffic control infrastructure, controller hiring and transportation safety while maintaining essential housing assistance.
"The bill prioritizes transportation safety—on our railways, roads and airways—and ensures a responsible safety net with housing support for our most vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly, the disabled, veterans and the working poor,” said THUD Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (R-AR-3). “We have eliminated or reduced 38 programs, totaling $7.3 billion in savings. Additionally, we are redirecting over $4 billion from programs funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to real infrastructure: air traffic control, highways, maritime and rail.”
Read More
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| | 09/26/25 1:00pm - 09/26/25 2:00pm America/Chicago | | This is a virtual monthly meeting for streetcar operators to share experiences, needs, and questions. | | | | |
Why you should join the Coalition?
Click on the image below to watch
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It was great to see so many of you at the APTA Rail Conference! Big thanks to our sponsor, The Willamette Valley Company and Bret Andreasen.
Make plans to join us at APTA TransForm in Boston, Sunday, September 14, 2025!
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Metro Transit Explains How It'll Work with the Omaha Streetcar
ketv.com
Metro transit is one of Omaha's biggest public transportation options, and, after it's in service in 2028, the streetcar will be another.
CEO of Metro Transit, Lauren Cencic said business-wise, the two choices are completely separate.
"Metro is working very closely with the City of Omaha and the Omaha Streetcar Authority to help collaboratively plan and build the streetcar. But once it's operational, the streetcar authority will actually be the one overseeing and running the streetcar itself," Cencic said.
So, how do they compare?
Metro is a paid transit option; officials say the streetcar will be a free choice.
Metro has over 25 routes scattered through Omaha, but the streetcar route will be concentrated in the urban core area.
"Metro has a lot of great transit services in the urban core already, including right next to the streetcar line. So, we'll be working very closely to make sure that passengers can transfer seamlessly between the services and that the transfer system looks very easy for people to use," Cencic said.
"We're still working on all of those details, but we envision a system where you can get on one app and see the different options, both with streetcar and with Metro services," Cencic said.
Read More
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OCTA, Caltrain Approve FY26 Budgets
masstransitmag.com
Two California public transit agencies, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Caltrain, have approved their respective fiscal year (FY) 2026 budgets.
The OCTA Board approved a balanced budget of $1.74 billion for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1. According to the agency, the budget keeps essential transportation improvements moving forward while responsibly planning for a balanced and sustainable transportation future for Orange County.
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“I’m pleased to see OCTA move forward with a balanced budget that reflects both fiscal responsibility and a strong commitment to improving how Orange County moves,” said OCTA Chair and Orange County Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee. “Thanks to the diligent work of our board and staff, we are continuing to invest in vital transit, street and freeway improvements that enhance mobility and quality of life for everyone who lives, works and visits Orange County.”
Key highlights of the FY25-26 budget include:
- Expanded transit offerings
- Additional OC Bus service to meet increasing demand, back to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
- Start of OC Streetcar revenue service activities.
- Continued support for Metrolink rail service.
Read More
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6 Key Projects Transforming Kansas City Around the Streetcar Tracks
kansascity.com
The curated articles share a focus on Kansas City's transformation spurred on by the streetcar's influence. A new apartment complex, Mohawk at 15, will replace a Crossroads parking lot, emphasizing urban density and affordable housing. Similarly, the downtown skyline will see the addition of a 25-story tower, 800 Grand, enhancing residential and commercial spaces.
Streetcar extensions along Main Street and to the riverfront aim to connect these evolving neighborhoods, underlining a transit-oriented future for Kansas City.
NO. 1: KC BREAKS GROUND ON NEW AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS OFF TROOST NAMED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PASTOR
NO. 2: THIS CROSSROADS PARKING LOT WILL SOON HOUSE APARTMENTS WITH AFFORDABLE UNITS, ROOFTOP DECK
NO. 3: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW 25-STORY TOWER SET TO JOIN KANSAS CITY’S DOWNTOWN SKYLINE
NO. 4: PARKING LOTS & PICKLE TOTS: WHAT’S NEW AT KANSAS CITY CURRENT’S CPKC STADIUM IN 2025
Read More
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This Small Fix Could Deliver Huge Results for Cincinnati Transit | Opinion
cincinnati.com
Cincinnati needs to show we are committed to public transportation by building a single, transit-only lane on Walnut to speed up our buses, streetcars, and future Bus Rapid Transit.
The single best investment our region could make for public transportation is to designate one lane on Walnut Street for the exclusive use of buses, streetcars, and first responders.
A quick build, transit-only lane on Walnut running from Over-the-Rhine to Third Street would immediately speed up 16 bus routes carrying over 700,000 riders per month, pave the way for our new Bus Rapid Transit service, allow first responders to move through downtown congestion quickly and safely during major events, and eliminate the biggest cause of delays for the streetcar.
The majority of Cincinnatians who use Walnut Street do so on buses and streetcars. Walnut is the most heavily utilized street for transit in our entire region, including the four busiest routes that serve passengers from dozens of neighborhoods. More than 20,000 riders per day depend on this crucial corridor, compared to only about 3,200 drivers.
Read More
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Was the Streetcar Revival a Success?
npr.org
It's been more than a decade that several cities got federal funding for downtown streetcars. Some have flourished, others are faltering and at least one is fading out.
Listen Here
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