May 20, 2024
Registration is now open for our inaugural Greenways Advocacy Summit, the premier gathering of statewide advocates dedicated to expanding New York’s network of multi-use trails. Join us in Albany on Monday, May 20 at The Egg Performing Arts Center for a day designed to ignite enthusiasm and collaboration among stakeholders like you, who play a key role in shaping the future of our greenway system.
Be part of an exclusive event where your voice matters. The morning program will feature insights from a dozen experts pioneering innovative initiatives and driving policies to enhance greenway development. In the afternoon, engage in legislative meetings—no experience needed—as we work to secure the Greenway Trails for a Green Future bill package and advocate for trail construction funding in next year’s state budget.
Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot and amplify the voice of our greenways in Albany.
Registration is through PTNY's Friends Group Gateway. If you have an existing login to the Friends Group Gateway, please use that to log in when registering for Greenways Advocacy Summit. If you do not have a login, please create one at no cost using the form provided. If you have any questions, please contact friends@ptny.org.
May 20 Greenways Advocacy Summit Tentative Schedule
Location: Hart Lounge in the Egg Performing Arts Center at the Empire State Plaza
- 9:00 AM: Registration
- 9:30 AM: Morning "Mini-Conference" program, speakers include:
- Noemi Waight, PhD, Associate Professor, University at Buffalo, STEMcyclists program
- Alan Sorensen, Planning Commissioner, Orange County
- Joe Nocella, 718 Outdoors
- Jeff Olsen, re:Charge-e
- Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, 109th District
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Meetings with Legislators in the NYS Capitol and the Legislative Office Building
More information on PTNY's Greenway Trails Advocacy Efforts
- PTNY's Greenway Trails for a Green Future legislative package. This package of seven bills would improve trail user safety and the trail user experience, give municipalities the flexibility to use a wider range of funding sources to support greenway trail expansion and maintenance, and would unlock additional trail corridors for development and to improve network connectivity.
- PTNY's new publication Trails Across New York: A Grassroots Guide to Developing Greenway Trails. This resource provides detailed information to support greenway trails development in communities around the state. The steps outlined in the guide provide a high-level overview of the various aspects of trail development from initial concept to construction, as well as how participation from a broad range of individuals, agencies, organizations, and landowners will factor in throughout the process.
- PTNY's annual New York State Greenway Trails Progress Report. This report summarizes accomplishments and progress made on the goals and recommendations of the state’s Greenway Trails Plan through the end of 2022, including an update on continued improvements and enhancements to the Empire State Trail, funding achievements for Greenway Trails, updates on trail-related projects from around the state, and highlights on other accomplishments that advance the goals and recommendations of the Greenway Trails Plan.
- The 2021 Statewide Greenway Trails Plan was developed following the passage of legislation championed by PTNY (A. 5035/S. 4416). The Statewide Greenway Trails Plan identifies seven key goals:Prioritize the development and expansion of greenway trails in underserved communities.
- Collect and publish information to aid in the planning, development, and management of greenway trails.
- Expand the Greenway Trails System to reach more New Yorkers in more areas.
- Provide funding opportunities for the acquisition, planning, development, and maintenance of greenway trails.
- Foster greater collaboration between agency & stakeholder partners to advance greenway trails in New York.
- Promote the Greenway Trails System as a destination for tourism, healthy recreation, and active lifestyles.
- Enhance bicycle and pedestrian transportation options by connecting greenway trails and communities.