2024 Indiana Gubernatorial Candidate Trails Survey
Greenways Foundation is dedicated to fostering the growth of trails across our state, benefiting both Hoosier communities and organizations. Over the years, Indiana has emerged as a trail development leader thanks to the foresight of past governors who have prioritized this vital infrastructure. Trails not only enhance our quality of life but also contribute to economic prosperity and public health, making them a cornerstone of many regions in Indiana.
Under Governor Mitch Daniels, the Indiana Visionary Trails System was established, laying the groundwork for an expansive trail network with 1,070 miles completed to date. Governor Mike Pence continued this tradition with the Regional Cities Initiative, emphasizing the importance of including trails in regional development plans. Governor Eric Holcomb's Next Level Trails invested $180 million – the largest infusion of State trail funding in Indiana history – toward the development of regionally and locally significant trails throughout Indiana. Demand for trails outweighed the program's funding and has left many communities unable to realize the tangible economic and public health benefits of urban and recreational trails.
As we look to the future, voters know it is crucial to consider how trail development, expansion, and support can be sustained in Indiana.