The 8th Biennial Tri-State Trails Summit will be an empowering and collaborative gathering uniting trail advocates, land managers, elected officials, and community members from across the region. We are excited to announce that Bridget Marquis, Director of Reimagining the Civic Commons, and Kenneth Neighbors, Partner at McGuireWoods, will be the keynote speakers! 

As the organizer for Reimagining the Civic Commons, Bridget is helping Cincinnati and eleven other cities make strategic investments in trails, parks, and public spaces – so as we position our urban centers for the future, we ensure that neighborhoods and existing residents prosper.

Ken’s technical expertise as special counsel to the City of Atlanta created the public-private partnership and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) structure for a world-class 22-mile loop of parks, pedestrian/bike trails, and future transit connections, known as the Atlanta Beltline.

About Bridget Marquis

Bridget Marquis is the Director of Reimagining the Civic Commons, a national initiative dedicated to transforming public spaces to promote community engagement, equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development. In her role, she leads the Civic Commons Learning Network, housed at U3 Advisors, where she coordinates learning, impact assessment, and storytelling efforts across 10 U.S. communities. This includes working with Tri-State Trails and local leaders in Cincinnati, Ohio, to advance the redevelopment of the Mill Creek Corridor, a key project aimed at revitalizing this important urban waterway and surrounding neighborhoods.

Bridget’s extensive background includes her work as Program Director at ArtPlace America, where she pioneered grant making strategies in creative placemaking. She is a frequent speaker and author on the importance of reimagining public space as critical civic infrastructure, with a particular focus on building equitable and resilient cities.

About Kenneth Neighbors

Kenneth Neighbors is a seasoned development and infrastructure strategist with over 30 years of experience in community development and mobility solutions. As a Partner at McGuireWoods, he has focused on creating public-private partnerships that drive economic growth and social equity. His work includes major projects like the Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile loop of parks and trails, and advising the Georgia Department of Transportation on public-private partnerships such as Georgia State Route 400. Ken’s expertise in public finance, transit-oriented development, and affordable housing will inform equitable development plans for Cincinnati’s Mill Creek Corridor.

Why You Should Attend

Bridget and Ken bring extensive knowledge and experience in transforming public spaces and advancing community infrastructure, making them ideal leaders for this year’s conversation on the future of trails in the Tri-State region. Join us at the Summit to explore critical topics shaping our communities, including public-private partnerships for connected trail and bikeway networks, reimagining trails as vibrant civic spaces, and Tri-State Trails’ collaborative vision for the future.

Don’t miss your chance to engage with these thought leaders right here in Cincinnati. Their expertise in civic spaces, infrastructure, and community development will provide attendees with actionable insights into leveraging regional trails to create more connected, vibrant, and inclusive communities.

Register today and be part of the movement to transform our region’s future.