What’s new in the 2026 BTA budget process

What’s new in the 2026 BTA budget process

Each fall, the Buckeye Trail Association begins its annual budgeting process—a time to take stock of what’s been accomplished, identify what’s next, and make sure the organization’s limited resources go as far as possible. The 2026 cycle is now underway, and a few updates are helping make the process smoother and more consistent across the organization.

Two paths for requests

This year, the BTA is separating project requests into two clear categories:

On-trail projects will continue to be reviewed by the Trail Management Team (TMT). These include things like tread repair, blazing, drainage, bridges, and maintenance tools.

Off-trail projects—such as events, trainings, outreach, or administrative needs—will be reviewed by the Finance Committee before moving to the Board of Trustees for approval.

This distinction helps ensure that each type of work is evaluated by the people most familiar with it and keeps the process consistent from year to year.

A more organized review

Chapters and committees will now submit project proposals through standardized online forms. This change allows leadership to track submissions, prevent duplicates, and gather the information needed for clear, comparable reviews. Each request is submitted on behalf of a chapter or committee—so discussions and prioritization happen before anything is sent in.

Timeline and oversight

The Finance Committee began its first round of reviews on November 10 and will complete its final review on November 19. Once both the Finance Committee and TMT complete their reviews, recommendations will move to the Board for final approval. Approved projects will be shared through Board notices and listed in the News section of the BTA website.

Keeping the trail moving forward

Behind every blue blaze is a network of volunteers and leaders making thoughtful decisions about where time and resources are needed most. This year’s budget process reflects that same care and collaboration, ensuring that the Buckeye Trail continues to grow stronger, one well-planned project at a time.