Thriving Communities Network (TCN)

NYMTC Thriving Communities Network (TCN)

Our Mission

The Thriving Communities Network (TCN) is NYMTC’s initiative to support community-based organizations (CBOs) serving traditionally underrepresented areas in the NYMTC planning region: New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

Through TCN, CBOs are equipped with the knowledge and the tools to:

• Participate effectively in local and regional transportation planning for their communities
• Identify and apply for funding to implement on-the-ground transportation projects in the communities they serve.

Who Can Join TCN?

• Organizations based in the NYMTC planning area:
  • New York City
  • Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties)
  • Lower Hudson Valley (Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties)
• Organizations that actively support traditionally underrepresented communities in the NYMTC planning area, and
• Organizations interested in getting involved in transportation and community planning processes, including funding opportunities for transportation projects in the communities they serve.

Why Should My Organization Participate in TCN?

Organizations that participate in TCN gain access to:

• Community Planning and Funding Resources
  Learn how to participate in community and transportation planning processes and apply for grants. NYMTC offers resources that identify external funding and programs, including those from Federal and state programs. NYMTC also offers its Community Planning Workshop Program (CPWP), which analyzes current pedestrian walkability and safety conditions and identifies needed improvements.
• Best Practices and Case Studies
  Attend meetings that highlight local projects, successful funding applications, and strategies that have worked in other communities in the NYMTC region.
• Networking Opportunities
  Connect with peer organizations, share knowledge, and explore collaboration opportunities.
• Grant Alerts and Toolkits
  Receive e-letters with the latest funding opportunities, planning tools, and grant application resources, including the USDOT Navigator.
• Notices about Other Relevant NYMTC Activities
  Get updates on NYMTC events, like Brown Bag webinars and CPWP activities focused on transportation initiatives relevant to TCN communities.

What Topics Have Previous TCN Meetings Covered?

TCN hosts virtual meetings on transportation issues that matter to local communities. Past sessions have covered:

• Street Safety and Walk Audits
  AARP Long Island shared how to conduct walk audits to identify unsafe intersections. Check out the meeting recording and AARP’s walk audit toolkit.
• Federal Funding 101
  NYMTC staff explained the federal funding process and gave tips on developing competitive applications. A glimpse of the funding application tips shared during the meeting is available here.
• CPWP and NYMTC Data
  Local leaders shared their experiences working with NYMTC’s CPWP to address infrastructure needs. The meeting recording provides information about the community visioning workshops and the NYMTC library of transportation data available for developing funding applications.
• Local Transit Mobility Projects and Best Practices for Future Initiatives
  A Rockaway Beach organization shared how they engaged community groups to implement a new micro-mobility transit service with an outside provider. Learn more about this program through this meeting recording.

What Other TCN Resources Are Available?

Contact NYMTC to learn more about:

• How My Nonprofit Can Find Relevant Funding
• How My Nonprofit Can Work with NYMTC to Address a Transportation Issue in My Community

Learn More

Email rossana.weitekamp@dot.ny.gov.