Local Motion Project Halted After Federal Transit Grant Canceled

In September 2024, Local Motion was awarded a grant, Collaborative Transit Master Planning, from the Environmental Protection Agency to lead a multi-year robust community engagement effort culminating in a Transit Master Plan for the City of Columbia. Emphasizing collaboration with residents, businesses, and nonprofits, this project would provide a blueprint for the future of our public transportation system in Columbia and how to achieve that vision.

On March 28, 2025, Local Motion received official notice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that our grant has been terminated, effective immediately. The agency cited shifting priorities under the current administration as the reason for this decision.

“The loss of this grant is a major setback—not just for Local Motion, but for the future of public transportation in Columbia. Robust community engagement is central to Local Motion’s work and this termination risks harming the trust and relationships we've built within the community, especially with those who rely on these services. Still, Local Motion remains committed to fighting for better transit and a more livable city,” said Community Engagement Director and Project Lead, Rikki Ascani.

As a result of this cancellation, Local Motion is not able to move forward with the project as originally planned. While this is a setback, Local Motion’s commitment to improving public transit in Columbia remains steadfast. Local Motion believes accessible, reliable transit is essential to a vibrant, connected community, and remains focused on long-term advocacy and collaboration.

Local Motion recognizes that many organizations are facing similar challenges. In the coming weeks, we plan to host a public meeting to discuss next steps.

Local Motion encourages those affected by this project termination and anyone who values public transit to contact Missouri elected officials, Representative Mark Alford, and Senators Josh Hawley, and Eric Schmitt, and tell them to encourage the current administration to reinstate the Environmental Protection Agency's Collaborative Problem Solving Grants.