A Win Worth Celebrating
First, a big thank you! The number of riders, advocates, employers, and community members who reached out to legislators this past session on the importance of transit investment was exceptional. Because of your voices, Missouri transit funding held on to $4.2 million — a decrease from prior years, but not the $0 that was on the table. That result was not guaranteed. It happened because people showed up and spoke up.
Now, it’s time to do it again.
The SFY 2028 Process Starts in October
While the next legislative session is still months away, the real work on the state budget begins much sooner. In October, Governor Mike Kehoe’s administration starts building the budget proposal that will be unveiled in January. This is the moment when transit riders, advocates, employers, community organizations, and other stakeholders can shape the conversation before it ever reaches the legislature.
In August, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission approved MoDOT’s SFY 2028 State Transit Assistance request, totaling $9 million:
- $5 million in General Revenue (GR)
- Increasing existing State Transportation Fund (STF) assistance from $1.7 million to $2 million
- An additional $2 million from the State Transportation Fund
This request comes after two years of significant decline in state investment in public transit, driven by broader state budget challenges. The MPTA has sent a letter to the Governor’s office outlining why restoring this funding matters — but administration officials need to hear directly from the people and communities transit serves.
How You Can Help
Contact the Governor’s Office
Reach out to Governor Kehoe’s office and share why transit investment matters in your community. Specific, personal stories make the strongest case — how transit gets you to work, to medical appointments, to school, or keeps your business staffed and your community connected.
- Online: Missouri Governor’s Office contact form
- Direct form: governor.mo.gov/contact-us/mo-governor
- Phone: (573) 751-3222
- Fax: (573) 751-1495
- Mail: Office of Governor Mike Kehoe, P.O. Box 720, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Write Your Local Paper
A letter to the editor in our local media is a powerful, public way to make the case for state transit investment — and it reaches both the public and policymakers.
Spread the Word
Share this post with peers, colleagues, riders, and other stakeholders. The more voices weighing in now, before the Governor’s budget is finalized, the stronger the case for transit funding in January.
For questions or to get more involved, contact the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance.