By Rayla Bellis · November 17, 2022

What is the Champions Institute?

The State Legislator Champions Institute is a technical assistance and peer learning program designed to help state legislative officials develop knowledge and skills to develop transportation policies, plans, and funding mechanisms that support public health, climate, and equity goals. A cohort of state elected officials from around the US will attend seven interactive virtual learning sessions for the first half of the program that expand their understanding of the relationship between roadway safety, equity, health, and transportation and train them on the fundamental steps to take to achieve activity-friendly transportation systems in their state. These trainings will focus on their oversight, legislating, and funding responsibilities, as well as opportunities to be an organizer while working in the state legislature.

During the second half of the program, each Champion will develop and begin to lead their own legislative or policy initiative or strategy, whether developing a piece of legislation, building support for policy change, or coalition-building around a key issue. 

This program builds on the model of our successful local elected official Champions Institute programs in 2020, 2021, and 2022, which have a proven track record of preparing local elected leaders to advocate for Complete Streets and make their communities healthier, more prosperous, and resilient.

What will I gain from participating? 

The State Legislator Champions Institute will provide an opportunity for like-minded state legislators and develop policies and strategies that benefit everyone who uses our transportation system, discuss challenges with a group of like-minded peers, and ultimately be national leaders in implementing innovative state policy. State leaders who are selected for the Champions Institute will have the opportunity to learn from a broad array of national experts and former local and state elected officials in the areas of Complete Streets, roadway safety, public transit policy and funding, measuring access to jobs and services, system preservation, communications and messaging, and more. Participants will also learn about model legislative initiatives from across the country, as they grapple with different strategies in a collaborative and supportive peer-learning environment. 

Program timing and commitment

Champions Institute participants will be selected and notified in late January 2023. The program will launch in March and include seven virtual learning sessions (two hours each) in March and April 2023.

During the second half of the program, from May to July 2023, each Champion will develop and begin to lead their own legislative or policy initiative or strategy, whether developing a piece of legislation, building support for policy change, or coalition-building around a key issue.

Eligibility 

Any current state legislator may apply to participate in the State Legislator Champions Institute.

How to apply

Applications for the State Legislator Champions Institute are now closed. Please direct any questions to Giancarlo Valdetaro.