About AANW
People live here!
AANW advocates for the needs of rail passengers in the Greater Northwest (GNW) region of the United States. We build relationships with infrastructure and transportation interests across state lines to promote rail investments that improve economic, environmental, and equity outcomes for our region’s inhabitants. In 2021, All Aboard Northwest was created as the Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Working Group in response to a request from eight US Senators. AANW was registered as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization in 2022.
It is our mission to ensure that all states in the region have an equal voice in the future of passenger rail. As unprecedented Federal funding opportunities move forward, we want to help ensure that everyone is well-situated to take advantage of these funds. Rather than being relegated to the ”in between places” we feel it's imperative that we are able to help lead the conversation.
AANW's vision is for seamless multimodal transportation connectivity for the GNW Region of the United States focused around a robust passenger rail system core. Improved door-to-door connectivity between sidewalks, local public transit, and intercity rail provides economic, environmental, and equity benefits to all, including low-income, tribal, disability, and rural communities; locations where transportation alternatives are limited; and the nearly 30 percent of the population that does not drive.
To continue our vital work throughout the region, we need your help. Please support us today!
- The Region
AANW operates in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
- Vision
A national transportation network that provides seamless, door-to-door connectivity to everyone in the region; and offers economic, environmental and equity benefits to all, including low-income, tribal, disability and rural communities, locations where transportation alternatives are limited, and those who cannot drive.
- Goal
Our goal is to build a transportation network that will allow anyone to get where they need to go – work, school, medical care, family and friends – even if they don’t use a car. Non-drivers are a large and increasing fraction of the population, including the young, the old, the disabled, the poor, and those who are concerned about the planet’s future.
- Opportunities and Challenges
Unprecedented federal funding is available for transportation alternatives, but decisions regarding rail are made not only in Washington DC, but also in state capitols throughout the country.
- Achieving the Vision
AANW’s small staff conducts outreach, education, engagement, and coordination of stakeholders to build an effective coalition to bring about new and enhanced services throughout the region. AANW provides professional content, training and technical assistance to existing advocacy groups, while enhancing their message in locations not currently served.
- Current Activities
AANW’s primary focus is to help the Greater Northwest region take advantage of opportunities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
- Future Activities
Focus on activities beyond 2022 that will fulfill regional goals.
- Leadership
The AAWA board and staff includes community leaders who have significant professional background and a proven record of success in advocacy.
- AANW'S 3 Es
AANW's vision is for a multi-modal transportation connectivity for the Greater Northwest Region of the United States focused around a robust passenger rail system core, to provide communities with economic, environmental and equity benefits.
- Partners
Expanding passenger rail service means that we must all work together to advocate for more trains and better service.
- Diversity and Inclusion Statement
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) strives to be a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization where all employees, volunteers, and board members, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for volunteer opportunities, employment, and advancement in all of our programs and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.
