Statewide Meetings
During our Statewide Meetings we bring together our entire membership to get updates from our board, discuss major topics, and learn about the most important topics for advancing our mission of a connected Midwest. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of every month at 10:00 am via Zoom (please register for the meetings by searching the statewide meetings here).​​
March 2025
Advocacy Wins and Rail Expansion Updates
Join as we share exciting updates and major advocacy wins for passenger rail in Ohio! In this meeting, you'll hear from Mitch Radakovich, Board Chair of All Aboard Ohio, as he provides a comprehensive recap of the past month’s advocacy efforts at the Ohio Statehouse. Learn about the unanimous passing of the transportation budget, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s historic endorsement of passenger rail, and how All Aboard Ohio is driving momentum for the 3C&D Corridor and other key rail projects. Key Highlights: Successful testimony at the Statehouse Day of Advocacy recap – 54 meetings with Ohio legislators! Support from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Next steps for the transportation budget and Corridor ID funding Upcoming events – including the 2025 Annual Meeting and the "Race to Chicago" Stay informed and find out how you can get involved in the growing movement for better passenger rail in Ohio!
February 2025
Advocating with Legislators
Get the inside scoop on Ohio's budget process and learn how to effectively advocate for improved passenger rail and public transit! In this February 2025 Statewide Meeting, All Aboard Ohio leaders provide an in-depth overview of Ohio's budget season, including key legislative deadlines and strategies for influencing transportation funding. Discover the latest updates on House Bill 54, Ohio’s transportation budget, and why securing support for passenger rail — including rejoining the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC) — is a top priority. Highlights include: How Ohio’s transportation and operating budgets are developed The importance of supporting the 3C+D and Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit routes Strategies for engaging with state and federal legislators The role of the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) in preserving rail infrastructure The impact of passenger rail on workforce development and economic growth PLUS: Get details on All Aboard Ohio’s Passenger Rail Day of Advocacy on March 5th — where you can make your voice heard directly with state leaders. Watch now to learn how you can advocate for better transit and rail options in Ohio!
January 2025
The Chicago Hub with Amtrak's Ismael Cuevas
In this insightful presentation, Amtrak’s Government Affairs Manager, Ismael Cuevas, provides a comprehensive overview of the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP) during the January 2025 All Aboard Ohio Statewide Meeting. Cuevas details the ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at improving Chicago’s Union Station, enhancing passenger flow, increasing capacity, and modernizing 100-year-old infrastructure. Learn about the $500 million grant application submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration and how these improvements will strengthen rail connections across the Midwest and beyond. Cuevas also discusses key projects such as the South Branch Viaduct replacement, yard expansion, and the Niles-Glenwood capacity project in Michigan — all designed to increase efficiency and reduce travel times. Discover how these upgrades will improve passenger experience, support the growing demand for train travel, and expand Amtrak’s ability to accommodate new routes, including future connections to Ohio. Key Topics Covered: Chicago Union Station renovation plans South Branch Viaduct replacement and its impact Expansion of maintenance yards and passenger platforms Niles-Glenwood double tracking project Challenges and partnerships with host railroads The role of advocacy in supporting passenger rail Watch now to learn how these critical upgrades will transform rail travel in the Midwest and beyond!
2024 Statewide Meetings
December 2024
Environmental Impacts and Benefits of Passenger Rail
Explore the environmental benefits of passenger rail and public transit in Ohio! In this insightful statewide meeting hosted by All Aboard Ohio, leading experts discuss how improved transit systems can reduce emissions, promote sustainability, and create healthier communities. Featured Speakers: Lena Reynolds – Environmental Law and Policy Center Pete Buter – Ohio Environmental Council David Reeves – Chief of Staff, Cincinnati City Council Liz Quigley – Moderator, Ohio State Sustainability Institute Discover how transit improvements like the 3C+D Corridor, bus rapid transit (BRT), and sustainable infrastructure can positively impact both the environment and local economies. Learn about upcoming opportunities for advocacy and how you can get involved in supporting greener transit solutions. Watch now to find out how transit and environmental movements are working together for a better future!
November 2024
The Future of Bus Rapid Transit
Join All Aboard Ohio for an in-depth discussion on the future of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) across Ohio! In this statewide meeting, transit experts from the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) share exciting updates about current and upcoming BRT projects. What You'll Learn: Current BRT systems and future expansion plans in Cleveland and Columbus Benefits of BRT, including faster boarding, dedicated lanes, and transit-oriented development Impact of recent funding victories, including Columbus's Issue 47 passage How BRT will improve urban mobility, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable development Challenges of implementing BRT, including parking, construction impacts, and community engagement Featured Speakers: Mary Beth F – Director of Programming and Planning, Greater Cleveland RTA Joseph Schaer – Director of Engineering and Project Development, Greater Cleveland RTA Kim Sharp – Senior Director of Development, COTA John Esterly – Executive Director, All Aboard Ohio Stay informed about Ohio’s transit future and how BRT is shaping our cities! Watch now to discover how BRT is transforming Ohio's public transportation landscape! Learn about the $500 million grant application submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration and how these improvements will strengthen rail connections across the Midwest and beyond. Cuevas also discusses key projects such as the South Branch Viaduct replacement, yard expansion, and the Niles-Glenwood capacity project in Michigan — all designed to increase efficiency and reduce travel times. Discover how these upgrades will improve passenger experience, support the growing demand for train travel, and expand Amtrak’s ability to accommodate new routes, including future connections to Ohio. Key Topics Covered: Chicago Union Station renovation plans South Branch Viaduct replacement and its impact Expansion of maintenance yards and passenger platforms Niles-Glenwood double tracking project Challenges and partnerships with host railroads The role of advocacy in supporting passenger rail Watch now to learn how these critical upgrades will transform rail travel in the Midwest and beyond!
October 2024
How Things Work at the Statehouse
In All Aboard Ohio’s October 2024 Statewide Meeting, political strategist Rachel Coyle delivers an in-depth training on how the Ohio Statehouse operates and how advocates can effectively influence the legislative process. Rachel shares insider knowledge on how bills become law, the importance of state-level advocacy, and practical strategies for engaging with legislators. Topics Covered: How to communicate effectively with state legislators The legislative process in Ohio – from bill introduction to passage Understanding the influence of supermajorities and political dynamics at the Statehouse How to track legislation and sign up for committee notices Tips for writing and delivering impactful testimony How to build relationships with legislative staff and influence decision-making Rachel also discusses House Bill 488, which seeks to rejoin the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC), and the importance of grassroots advocacy in securing its passage. Watch to gain valuable tools and insights for making your voice heard at the state level!
September 2024
How Cincinnati Saved its Bike Program
Learn how Cincinnati successfully saved its Red Bike program from permanent closure — and discover why Mobility Justice is key to improving transportation access! In this insightful session from All Aboard Ohio's September 2024 Statewide Meeting, Cincinnati City Council Member Mark Jeff shares how the city’s bike-share program faced financial challenges after a key sponsor pulled out — and how a coalition of city officials, businesses, and transit advocates came together to secure $500,000 in bridge funding and develop a sustainable long-term model. Council Member Jeff explains the importance of Red Bike as a public good, the impact of its affordable "Go Program" for low-income riders, and how integrating bike infrastructure with Cincinnati's broader transit system could transform mobility in the city. Hear about the transition to an all-electric fleet, lessons from other cities, and the future of bike sharing in Cincinnati. PLUS: Brian Estabrook, board president of Yay Bikes, shares powerful insights on Mobility Justice — a framework for ensuring that all people, regardless of identity or ability, have safe and equitable access to public transportation. He explains how "Warriors, Builders, and Weavers" — advocates, policymakers, and community organizers — must work together to create lasting change. Discover how this approach can support projects like LinkUS in Columbus and improve transit equity statewide. Stay tuned for the Q&A session with practical insights on transportation equity, multimodal transit, and the future of bike sharing! Watch now to see how cities can protect and expand bike-sharing programs and why Mobility Justice matters for building more inclusive transit systems.