TTAP Leadership Connects and Innovates at the NLTAPA Conference
Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) representatives Matthew Cate, Airton Kohls, and Spence Meyers traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to represent TTAP at the National Local Technical Assistance Program Association (NLTAPA) Annual Conference July 19-23, 2026.
The annual gathering brings together staff from LTAP and TTAP centers nationwide to share best practices, discuss common challenges facing local transportation agencies, and explore new initiatives alongside partners from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In fact, conference participation is highlighted directly in the NLTAPA strategic plan as a vital professional development experience for center staff.
By participating in dedicated sessions designed for trainers, safety circuit riders, administrators, and leadership, our team gains direct access to national expertise, emerging industry trends, and shared training resources that strengthen our entire organization.
Beyond formal presentations, the event provides essential in-person networking opportunities that foster year-round collaboration and problem-solving across state lines. Engaging with vendors and industry sponsors also gives our representatives a firsthand look at new training tools, safety products, and innovative technology solutions that can be brought back home to enhance local programming.
Attending the NLTAPA conference empowers TTAP to actively shape national transportation priorities while continuously expanding our technical offerings right here in Tennessee. The insights, strategies, and resources brought back from Louisville will help us refine our services and better support the evolving needs of our local agency transportation workforce.