Capital Trails Coalition Summit:

The Capital Trails Coalition is hosting our 2026 summit to celebrate ten years of trail engagement and advocacy in the Washington, D.C region.

This event will celebrate the progress of the Capital Trails Coalition since it's formation in 2016. Breakout sessions will provide the opportunity for attendees to discuss trail accessibility, maintenance, and creation. Attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate reconnect as we begin the next decade of work towards improving, expanding, and activating the capital region trail network.

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Check-In: 12:30-1:00 pm

Opening Remarks & 10-Year Review | 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Keynote Address | 2:00-2:30pm

Breakout Session #1 | 2:30 pm - 3:10 pm

• Creating Welcoming Spaces for all Trail Users: Placemaking, place-keeping, and trail activation to make trails welcoming for all
• SOS: Finding Problems & People on Trails: Addressing safety and health concerns with wayfinding, signage, and agency partnerships
• Shifting Federal Priorities for Active Transportation and Recreation: Explore successes and discuss ongoing changes at the federal level
• Gap Filling Projects to Support Trail Network Expansion: Review advocacy best practices & learn about current trail campaigns

Breakout Session #2 | 3:20 pm - 4:00 pm

• Generating Community Support for New Trail Projects: Responding to community needs and uplifting equity and community voices to advance trails
• Maintenance for Aging Trail Systems: Learn from ongoing maintenance efforts on and around trails
• Leveraging Business Interests for Trail Advocacy and Expansion: Discuss the benefits of trails and trail oriented design for businesses
• Managing Congestion & Reducing Trail User Conflict: Discuss how infrastructure, responsive signage, and education can reduce conflict as trail user numbers increase

Breakout Session #3 | 4:10 pm - 5:00 pm

• Washington, D.C Working Group
• Virginia Working Group
• Maryland Working Group

Closing Remarks | 5:10-5:30 pm

• Futuremaking: Pushing the CTC Forward

Info: The summit will begin with a welcome address by CTC co-chairs Charles Denny and David Balick. We will review logistics, the agenda of the day, major accomplishments of the coalition, and an icebreaker activity.

Info: To Be Announced

Info: See event overview for session details.

Info: See event overview for session details.

Info: See event overview for session details.

Info: location TBA

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rails to Trails Conservancy, 2445 M Street Northwest, Washington, United States

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