The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation announced a $25 million pledge over the next five years to expand nonmotorized trails and sidewalks throughout Flint and Genesee County. The grant is part of the Mott Foundation’s centennial anniversary initiatives this year.
So far, $1.2 million of those pledged funds supported the first phase of the Grand Traverse Greenway Trail, which will connect the new state park in Flint to neighborhoods on the southside. The Mott Foundation previously granted nearly $3 million toward this initiative to connect several trail projects that are currently under construction.
The grant supports the Healthy, Happy, and Resilient Communities by 2030 plan developed in partnership between the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission and local municipalities. The plan, adopted in March of 2026, identifies 70 miles of critical missing links within the county’s trail network. Currently, the pace of adding to those trails is about 1.5 miles per year, which would take nearly 50 years to alleviate. The commitment from the Mott Foundation, along with support from other local, state, and federal funding sources, will accelerate that pace and complete the work in five years. The commitment also will support improvements to sidewalks in Flint, helping link neighborhoods more directly to the trail network.
“Safe, connected trails and sidewalks are essential infrastructure for healthy, thriving communities,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation, in a news release. “We’re proud to make this significant commitment to help Flint and Genesee County residents of all ages enjoy physical activity, while also accessing schools, parks, jobs and neighborhoods.”
The creation of what will be called The Legacy Trails represents a total investment of more than $80 million that will connect more than 180,000 residents to core community services. Beyond 2030, the plan envisions a network centered on Flint, ultimately connecting 235 miles of future corridors to create a 364-mile regional trail system. The plan prioritizes projects that enhance connectivity to schools, parks and community destinations while ensuring equitable access for all residents. The goal is to have every household within one mile of a nonmotorized trail.
“By connecting our communities through a modern trail network, we’re creating opportunities for recreation, tourism and community growth that will have a positive impact on the residents of Genesee County for years to come,” said Dale K. Weighill, chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, in a news release. “This incredible partnership with the Mott Foundation will further our reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”
The Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission will lead work under the strategic plan, coordinating with county officials and local municipalities. The five-year work program anticipates $12.9 million in funding during the first year and $73.6 million in subsequent years. The Mott Foundation’s commitment is part of a larger grantmaking effort this year aimed at improving outdoor spaces in Flint, including parks and playgrounds.
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