Building the Passenger Rail Coalition: 2026 HSRA Annual Conference

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) presents a strategic opportunity to advance world-class passenger rail. The new agency was established to improve and unify Chicago-area public transit through reorganized governance and an annual budget of $1.5 billion. Its creation and guiding principles are an invaluable model for advocates throughout the country.

Building the Passenger Rail Coalition expands on this moment of progress to explore the latest opportunities for great trains at the local, regional, and national levels. Keynote speaker Illinois State Rep. Rita Mayfield kicks off a program packed with leading passenger-rail champions. Attendees will learn from those on the front lines of the multi-year NITA effort, successful Midwestern organizers, and sustainability experts to walk away with winning strategies for making high-speed rail and regional rail a reality.

Lunch and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Speakers

• Keynote: State Rep. Rita Mayfield, Illinois District 60
• Rick Harnish, executive director, High Speed Rail Alliance
• Kyle Lucas, executive director, Better Streets Chicago
• Claire T. McNorton, Illinois state lead, Climate Cabinet
• Mitch Radakovich, chair, All Aboard Ohio
• Lena Guerrero Reynolds, communications & policy advocate, Environmental Law & Policy Center
• Matthew Roling, clinical assistant professor, Kellogg School of Management; executive director, Abrams Climate Academy; board treasurer, High Speed Rail Alliance
• Audrey Wennink, senior director, Metropolitan Planning Council

Email Manager of Outreach & Engagement Jordan Pokorney at [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering at this event.