Edi Mihalcea, an environmental planner at STV in Franklin, Tennessee, has been selected to participate in the Transit Citizen Leadership Academy (TCLA) – a program that helps shape how regional leaders approach mobility, access and growth across Middle Tennessee

This program, offered by the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee, convenes elected officials, business leaders, engineers, planners and community leaders to explore how transportation systems shape land use, affordability, economic growth and quality of life – issues that are becoming increasingly important as the region continues to grow and evolve.

“Participating in TCLA is an opportunity to better understand how transit decisions influence growth, access and day-to-day mobility across Middle Tennessee,” Mihalcea said. “I’m particularly interested in how regional planning can translate into practical solutions that improve how communities connect and move.”

Members of this year’s TCLA class will take part in sessions focused on regional mobility, land use and policy; field experiences; collaborative learning across counties and practices; and leave with a more expansive view of what’s possible for the region.

“Edi’s selection to TCLA reflects his commitment to thoughtful planning and practical transportation solutions,” said Debbie Connor, planning director at STV. “Experiences like these help strengthen the perspective we bring to addressing mobility and access challenges, supporting communities as they navigate growth and evolving transportation needs across Middle Tennessee.”