Executive Director's Report September 2026
Fall has a way of sharpening our focus. Budgets take shape, programs gear up for the year ahead, and many of us take stock of what's working and where we want to grow. The same is true at ACT. I was excited to see that several of ACT’s councils and committees submitted requests to the Finance Committee to support new research projects and programs that aim to support member-driven initiatives within the association. Past projects have included the recently released State of Carpooling Study and survey of TMAs and TMOs.
At its most recent meeting in September, the ACT Board of Directors approved an updated role description for the Board. The Board developed it over the past several months, starting with a two-hour workshop at its April meeting in Nashville. It sets out what we expect of our directors and how they lead on behalf of ACT and our members. I'm grateful to our Board members for their careful, candid work on this. A shared understanding of the role makes for a stronger Board, and a stronger Board serves you better.
Our delegation to the Netherlands departs in October and promises to be an amazing professional experience for our participants. Delegates will meet with Dutch leaders and advocates, see some of the world's best cycling and walking infrastructure firsthand on bike and walking tours, and build connections with peers from both sides of the Atlantic. The Netherlands shows what's possible when policy, design, and culture all support sustainable travel, and I can't wait to see it with this group. The delegation is sold out, but the lessons learned will be brought back to the entire membership through webinars and at the TDM Forum, so every member will be able to benefit from what we see and hear.
Nominations for ACT's national committees will open soon. Committees shape our work on everything from public policy and professional development to membership and events, and they depend on the skills and perspectives of members like you. If you've been thinking about getting more involved, there's no better way to dip your toe into national leadership. You'll work alongside dedicated colleagues from across the country and help set the direction of the field. Watch for details in the coming weeks. Committee participation also earns you TDM-CP leadership credits, so if you’re a TDM-CP, don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity.
I am also excited to announce that the Accreditation Committee will soon announce opening of applications for the 2027 Class of TDM-AO. Becoming an accredited TDM organization serves as a mark of excellence, affirming that your organization has the necessary administrative infrastructure, governance practices, and professional integration to successfully develop and deliver high quality TDM programs and services. I invite you to learn more about becoming a TDM-AO here.
Thank you all for being a part of the ACT community.