The FAST's Ports team in partnership with Moving Forward Network (MFN) are pleased to announce the strategic merger of FAST's programmatic activities into MFN, with the transition to be complete by the end of March 2026.
This decision comes at a pivotal moment for our movement. Since the foundational research for the FAST Ports campaign launched in 2022, the landscape has shifted significantly. Through challenging circumstances, the field has strategically moved toward deeper grassroots power-building, local and state policy opportunities, and stronger community-driven organizing. At the same time, MFN has continued to strengthen and formalize its role as a national hub for freight justice organizing – deepening its infrastructure, leadership, and strategic focus. This builds on MFN's ability to expand the work FAST was established to advance. We view this merger as the natural and logical evolution of shared goals, established relationships, and mutual commitment to port-adjacent communities most burdened by ports and freight-related pollution.
This transition comes at a critical time, with $3 billion in federal funding over the next few years through the EPA Clean Ports Program for zero-emission port technology, infrastructure, and climate planning to transform ports into cleaner and healthier gateways. MFN is well-positioned to lead a national movement to build power with communities to transform the global freight transportation system. Through its national network, MFN is uniquely positioned to connect this public investment to community power, policy accountability, and long-term systems change. The FAST team has been honored to support community-driven initiatives, such as the Clean Ports Report Card, to hold ports accountable.
We are confident this alignment will lead to strengthening the field's collective capacity across frontline, environmental justice, legal advocacy, and technical assistance organizations working toward zero-emission ports and freight systems. Above all, we want to keep our network's relationships intact and strong, ensuring that port-adjacent communities continue to have the support structures they need and deserve.
FAST is deeply grateful for the opportunity over the past two years to help strengthen local work, build regional networks, and support community-based strategies. We envision this work will continue to thrive in its next phase, integrated into and expanded through MFN's leadership and national network.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions as we aim to make this transition as transparent and thoughtful as possible. We are hopeful for what comes next and are honored to have been supporting this work.
FAST Ports Initiative Officer
FAST Ports Campaign Manager
Executive Director, Moving Forward Network