Board of Trade, Author at GWBOT

A New Era of Collaboration: We Need the Big Three to Finally Bring the DMV Together | WBJ Viewpoint

Posted on March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 by Board of Trade

In this Washington Business Journal Viewpoint, ‘A New Era of Collaboration: We Need the Big Three to Finally Bring the DMV Together,’ our President & CEO Jack McDougle, argues that Greater Washington’s economic competitiveness now depends on sustained, measurable regional coordination among Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. It points to the Feb. 5 meeting of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as a promising signal, but emphasizes that symbolism must turn into a new operating model built on alignment and execution.

The piece outlines a blueprint for regionalism that treats the DMV as one integrated “portfolio,” combining Maryland’s bio-health and research strengths, Virginia’s tech and defense corridors, and D.C.’s urban core and global visibility into a single growth engine. It calls for public institutions to shift from a jurisdiction-first posture to true partnership with the private sector, and to remove barriers that prevent companies from scaling locally—especially regulatory, licensing, and permitting friction that acts like a hidden tax when businesses expand across borders.

Finally, it identifies talent mobility, transportation, and energy as the region’s key productivity pillars. The author urges reciprocity for professional credentials, deeper alignment between higher education and industry, and a unified mobility strategy that treats roads, transit, WMATA funding, and land use as one system. On energy, it warns that AI, data centers, and advanced research require reliable power at scale—and that fragmented planning and slow interconnection threaten both investment and household affordability. The Viewpoint concludes by calling for sustained joint action and cross-sector collaboration, with the Greater Washington Board of Trade positioning itself as a ready partner to help drive regional alignment.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

ABOUT THE BOARD OF TRADE

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. The Board of Trade addresses complex and always-evolving business concerns that stretch across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with a priority focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.

READ MORE POLICY ISSUES AND TOPICS THE BOARD OF TRADE IS FOLLOWING

Strengthening the DMV Region’s Energy Future

Posted on February 27, 2026February 27, 2026 by Board of Trade

The conversation around Greater Washington’s (DMV) energy future has shifted from a distant policy debate to a defining operational reality.

At our recent GWBOT Executive Lunch, the dialogue wasn’t just about kilowatts and transmission lines; it was about the collective resilience of our region and the urgent need to respond to an energy system that is changing faster than our infrastructure can keep pace.

The Stark Reality: A Surge in Energy Demand

The data behind this shift is staggering. Kevin Carey from AOBA highlighted insights from PJM Interconnection that paint a clear picture of the road ahead: we are facing a projected 30GW of load growth between 2025 and 2030, with an additional 30GW+ expected by 2040. This surge is largely propelled by our digital-first economy, with U.S. power demand from data centers expected to more than double from current levels.

While demand is skyrocketing, our ability to meet it remains constrained. In 2025, only about 2 GW of new generation came online in PJM; a significant drop from the 5 GW added just the year prior. Perhaps most concerning is the bottleneck in the construction queue; of the ~44 GW of capacity currently in development, roughly three-quarters remain stalled in engineering or procurement.

What Those Numbers Mean to Regional Leaders

The conversation revealed a shared understanding: energy reliability is the silent engine of regional economic development. Whether it’s Washington Gas emphasizing the importance of a diverse energy mix or WTOP sharing its ability to report on the infrastructure that connects us, every leader in the room recognized that our collective growth depends on a modern, robust grid.

For our nonprofits and small businesses, the challenge is one of bandwidth. When you are heavily focused on a daily critical mission, whether it’s community health or essential services, finding the time to navigate complex energy policy can feel like an impossible addition to an already full plate. However, we discussed how even small, incremental steps, like understanding your organization’s capacity tag or advocating for streamlined local permitting, can make a difference.

Leaders from Perkins Eastman and the Universities at Shady Grove urged us to build with adaptability in mind, pointing to the miles of railroad infrastructure that made perfect sense in one era, only to be torn out as technology and growth patterns changed. We must move quickly to support projects like Valley Link and Joshua Falls, but do so informed by innovative insight and research. We can’t afford temporary fixes; we need long-life infrastructure that keeps power dependable and costs predictable for employers across the region.

A Call for Collaborative Action for Energy Future

The takeaway from our discussion was clear: the grid is the floor upon which we all stand. To keep it solid, we must collaborate to support each other and quickly address these critical needs with the most innovative and thought-out approach possible. Join the conversation in addressing critical questions such as:

How can we streamline the 75% of stalled projects in the queue to get them online faster?
How do we ensure our smallest community anchors aren’t left behind as energy costs fluctuate?
Are we building the infrastructure that will still be powering the DMV 50 years from now?

Now is the time for coordinated action across employers, utilities, and local jurisdictions. We encourage all our members to engage with our energy policy initiatives and join the solutioning for a reliable, sustainable, and affordable power system.

To learn more about how your organization can be involved in our energy initiative, reach out to [email protected].

Insights from the Table is a membership-driven series of specific takeaways from our Executive Lunches, where local and state leaders help inform our organization’s decisions and guide the work we do in a rapidly evolving regional environment. Your impact and insights matter to the growth of Greater Washington.

GWBOT February 2026 Newsletter

Posted on February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 by Board of Trade

The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This February newsletter highlights a variety of engagements we have had across Greater Washington with members and public officials, as well as meaningful updates on the priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!

Read our February 2026 Newsletter here

Board of Trade honors Jeremy Blank at Annual Chair’s Dinner

Posted on February 16, 2026February 17, 2026 by Board of Trade

Each year, the Board of Trade honors our outgoing Chair with an evening of celebration alongside board colleagues, coworkers, family, and friends. We were proud to host our Annual Chair’s Dinner recognizing Jeremy Blank, our 2025 Board Chair and a principal at Deloitte, in downtown Washington, D.C., at The Hay-Adams.

In 2025, the Board of Trade welcomed 29 new members, delivered 120+ programs and gatherings, achieved 91% member retention, and expanded our reach through stronger regional engagement in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Throughout his term, Jeremy helped guide the Board with steady dedication and a clear commitment to strengthening the Greater Washington region. His chairmanship reflected what makes this organization unique: a shared belief that when business leaders come together with purpose, they can help move the region forward.

Thank you to our board members, invited guests, and everyone who made the evening special, including a warm welcome for incoming Chair Tyler Anthony. Building on this year’s progress, we look forward to advancing our region’s work in 2026.

See pictures from the Chair’s Dinner below:

About Greater Washington Board of Trade:

Our Next Signature Event:

Expediting Delivery of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and I-495 & I-270 Managed Lane Project

Posted on February 9, 2026February 20, 2026 by Board of Trade

About This Advocacy Effort:

Expediting Delivery of the American Legion Memorial Bridge is a must for Greater Washington to thrive. Below is part of the Board of Trade’s response to the Federal Highway Administration’s Request for Information on accelerating delivery of the American Legion Memorial Bridge replacement and the I-495/I-270 managed lanes corridor. It outlines why the bridge is a linchpin for regional mobility and economic competitiveness—and recommends a unified, multimodal corridor approach that pairs transit integration and modern technology with a Public-Private Partnership (DBFOM) delivery model to reduce risk, attract investment, and move faster. It also highlights key barriers (funding, cross-jurisdiction complexity, regulatory uncertainty), strategies to expedite construction, and the economic cost of delay for commuters, employers, and freight movement. Read the executive summary below or download our full response.

Download Full Response

Executive Summary

The Greater Washington Board of Trade (the Board of Trade) is the region’s premier nonpartisan business organization. For more than 135 years, we have represented all industry sectors across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, serving as a primary convener to advance business competitiveness, inclusive growth, and regional livability.

Greater Washington is undergoing a profound economic transformation. The region’s historic reliance on the federal government is shifting toward a more diversified economy driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and other advanced industries. To remain globally competitive and to sustain the federal government’s own economic and national security interests our shared infrastructure must evolve.

Investing in the American Legion Memorial Bridge (ALMB) is therefore a strategic imperative for both Maryland and the federal government. As the bridge approaches the end of its useful life in 2028, it represents not only a critical transportation asset, but one of the most important federal–state infrastructure partnership opportunities in the nation.

While Greater Washington is now the most congested region in the United States, with daily gridlock costing billions in lost productivity, the central issue is not simply congestion. Mobility is now a core economic and national competitiveness function. The efficiency with which people and goods move determines whether the region can support federal missions, attract private investment, expand workforce participation, spur innovation, and sustain long-term growth.

We Cannot Compete Through Congestion

Greater Washington’s roadway system is fundamentally constrained. Unlike most major metropolitan regions, which benefit from inner and outer beltways, the Capital Region relies on a single overburdened loop to serve both local and national travel demand. Every chokepoint now carries national economic consequences.

Relying solely on traditional public funding for multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments is neither feasible nor equitable. Competing with global hubs such as London, Toronto, and Houston requires demonstrating a willingness at both the state and federal levels to invest now, responsibly and creatively, in the systems that underpin long-term competitiveness.

A Unified, Multimodal Corridor Strategy

The solution is not piecemeal projects, but a unified, multimodal corridor strategy for the I-270 and I-495 system. Given limited physical space and a single Capital Beltway, the objective must be to maximize throughput.

This requires integrating highways, transit, and technologies where rail, bus, and roadways operate as a single ecosystem. Only through this level of integration can the region meaningfully reduce congestion, improve reliability, and support long-term economic growth.

In 2019, the Board of Trade and the Greater Washington Partnership convened the Capital Regional Transportation Forum, leading to the Capital Beltway Accord, a joint Maryland–Virginia commitment to address the ALMB bottleneck and pursue a coordinated corridor strategy.

The replacement and modernization of the American Legion Memorial Bridge is the linchpin of this system and a cornerstone of North–South regional connectivity. The South Side Project is equally critical, unlocking the eastern and southern Beltway, improving freight movement, expanding access to jobs and housing, and strengthening trip reliability across the metropolitan area.

Leveraging P3s and Federal Investment

These projects are too critical and too large to be delivered through state level public funding alone. Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), supported by strong federal investment, should serve as a core delivery mechanism for the corridor.

P3s enable faster project delivery, introduce private-sector innovation, transfer risk, and unlock substantial private capital while positioning Maryland to maximize federal investment and meet USDOT’s expectations for performance, cost discipline, and schedule certainty.

We recommend a Public-Private Partnership using a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) revenue-risk model to align federal priorities, state leadership, and private capital around long-term performance, accountability, and regional impact. This approach not only adds capacity to the corridor, but it introduces demand management in the form of dynamically priced express lanes, which offer reliable travel times for drivers when they need it and are willing to pay for it. This travel time reliability is also enjoyed by transit riders, as transit vehicles will use the express lanes at no cost.

By advancing a unified federal–state strategy that leverages private investment and modern delivery models, Maryland and the federal government can transform the region’s transportation system from a structural constraint into a national competitive asset.

Additional Advocacy Around This Topic

Letter of Support for Proposed I-495 Southside Express Lanes Project

Letter of Advocacy: Maryland and Virginia must Prioritize Reconstruction of American Legion Bridge

America’s 250th Regional Resources and Festivities Guide

Posted on February 2, 2026February 10, 2026 by Board of Trade

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone offers a moment to reflect on our shared past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead to the future we aspire to build for generations to come.

Across the Greater Washington region, the Semiquincentennial will also bring unique celebrations, events, and opportunities that highlight our nation’s history and showcase the strength, diversity, and innovation of our regional community.

Browse the resources and festivities below to get a full picture of how Greater Washington will mark this once-in-a-generation milestone.

Regional Resources & Festivities:

American250

America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

Learn More

Trust for the National Mall

Inspired by this monumental moment, the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service are building legacy restoration projects, civic learning opportunities and volunteer programs on the National Mall and at the White House and President’s Park.

Learn More

Our Shared Future: 250 – Smithsonian

The Smithsonian will celebrate the nation’s successes, contemplate the consequences of our history, commemorate the sacrifices of those who have worked to uphold the nation’s ideals, and ask Americans to commit to advancing our democracy and preserving our shared future.

Learn More

DC 250

From monumental events and historic exhibitions to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Washington, DC already has an incredible lineup of ways to honor 250 years of American independence in 2026. Stay up to date with special programming and need-to-know info so that you can make the most of this unforgettable milestone.

Learn More

VA 250

Established by the General Assembly in 2020, VA250 serves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the Independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Learn More

Maryland 250 Commission

In observance of America’s 250th anniversary, Maryland is looking back at its state’s contributions to American history through the eyes and experiences of fellow Marylanders. This commemoration is for every one of us, from the Chesapeake Bay to the mountain peaks out west. Attend events, get involved, give back, and gain perspective.

Learn More

Mount Vernon 250

In spring 2026, Mount Vernon will unveil a revitalized George Washington exhibit. This updated space will focus on why Washington matters today and how the decisions he made in his lifetime continue to impact us in the 21st century.

Learn More

Daughters of the American Revolution

In celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary, the Daughters of the American Revolution are privileged to present this special event, which will underscore the immense contribution of women veterans and spotlight the impact they have made throughout our nation’s history.

Learn More

Freedom 250 Grand Prix

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., will recognize the historic milestone of America’s independence and celebrate the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America’s motorsports industry.

Learn More

About the Greater Washington Board of Trade

Testimony: Support for Maryland’s Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026

Posted on February 2, 2026February 24, 2026 by Board of Trade

About this Testimony:

This written testimony was submitted by Greater Washington Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle in support of Maryland Senate Bill 0281 and House Bill 0386, collectively known as the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026. The testimony outlines why strengthening regional coordination, funding predictability, and accountability is essential to sustaining a safe, reliable, and modern Metro system—one that underpins economic competitiveness, workforce access, and quality of life across Greater Washington. It highlights Metro’s ongoing capital needs, the economic benefits to Maryland, and the shared responsibility required among Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia to ensure long-term system performance and stability.

Written Testimony Submitted:

DOWNLOAD HERE

February 10, 2026

My name is Jack McDougle, and I am President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Founded in 1889, the Board of Trade is the region’s leading business organization, bringing together employers, civic leaders, and other key stakeholders to advance inclusive economic growth and regional competitiveness.

We are in strong support of SB0281 / HB0386, the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026, and we commend Maryland’s continued leadership in sustaining a safe, reliable, and regionally coordinated Metro system. This legislation is an important step in ensuring that our region’s core transit infrastructure remains a competitive asset that supports economic growth, workforce access, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Greater Washington remains one of the most congested regions in the country, a challenge intensified by the transformation of the federal government and the rise of disruptive technologies. These forces are reshaping where and how people work, redefining talent markets, and increasing the urgency of investing in modern, high-performing transit. Mobility is no longer simply a transportation issue; it is a fundamental economic and quality-of-life imperative. The cost of inaction is steep: congestion drains billions in productivity, constrains business growth, and weakens our ability to compete for talent and investment.

The Board of Trade supports the approach taken in this legislation to strengthen predictability, accountability, and regional coordination in the funding of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The bill appropriately reinforces shared responsibility by conditioning Maryland’s investment on comparable commitments from regional partners, while improving how capital grant amounts are calculated and incorporated into the State budget. These provisions reflect the reality that Metro is a regional system whose long-term success depends on coordinated action across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Over the past 18 months, the Board of Trade actively participated in the DMV Moves regional process, working alongside business leaders, labor, and public-interest organizations to develop consensus recommendations on Metro’s long-term capital funding and accountability framework. Those discussions reinforced a clear conclusion: sustained, dedicated capital funding paired with strong oversight is essential to maintaining safety, state of good repair, and system modernization, especially signaling and automated train operations (ATO).

Metro’s capital needs are substantial and ongoing. Funding certainty enables long-term planning, efficient project delivery, and continued progress on railcar procurement, bus garage reconstruction, escalator and station reinvestments, railyard upgrades, and other systemwide improvements. At the same time, employers and taxpayers rightly expect transparency and measurable performance which are goals this legislation advances.

From an economic standpoint, Metro is a critical engine for Maryland. Thousands of Metro employees live in the state, and the capital program supports jobs, small and disadvantaged businesses, and economic activity throughout Maryland. Reliable transit expands access to employment, reduces congestion on state roadways, and underpins the competitiveness of the Greater Washington economy.

As policymakers consider broader revenue and funding questions, we encourage evaluating options through a regional competitiveness lens. Funding mechanisms should be assessed for their impacts on job creation, business location decisions, and the long-term strength of the tax base that ultimately supports transit investment. Approaches that inadvertently discourage high-growth sectors or reduce the region’s attractiveness for investment risk undermining the economic benefits that improved transit is intended to deliver.

The Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026 represents a balanced, forward-looking approach that reinforces accountability, strengthens regional partnership, and provides the stability Metro needs to continue improving safety, reliability, and performance.

For these reasons, the Greater Washington Board of Trade respectfully urges the Committee to issue a favorable report on SB0281 / HB0386.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jack McDougle

President & CEO

Greater Washington Board of Trade

GWBOT January 2026 Newsletter

Posted on January 22, 2026February 19, 2026 by Board of Trade

The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This January newsletter highlights a variety of engagements we have had across Greater Washington with members and public officials, as well as meaningful updates on the priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!

Read our January 2026 Newsletter here

2025 Year in Review and 2026 Outlook

Posted on December 16, 2025January 30, 2026 by Board of Trade

A YEAR OF CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGE

In 2025, the Greater Washington Board of Trade played a pivotal role in guiding our region through a year of consequential change. As federal transformation, technological disruption, and new economic pressures reshaped the landscape, we focused on opportunities, collaboration, and data-driven action.

You’ll see that reflected in our work, charting a more sustainable future for regional transit, standing up shared data and talent tools, and supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. These are core ingredients of a competitive economy and a stronger story for Greater Washington.

This progress is possible because of you. To our officers, executive committee, board of directors, committee chairs, regional partners, and all our members—thank you. Your leadership, engagement, and commitment power this work and strengthen our community as a whole.

As we look to 2026, the Board of Trade remains focused on helping define a more unified voice; accelerating progress on mobility, energy, and capital; and building the systems and solutions that will define our next chapter.

LEADING REGIONAL PROGRESS

In partnership with our members and community, the Board of Trade advanced a wide range of work across the region this year. The examples below are a snapshot of that progress, not an exhaustive list, illustrating how we are helping to shape regional systems, align decision-makers, and move practical solutions forward for Greater Washington.

STRATEGY IN ACTION

This year, the Board of Trade didn’t just set strategic priorities; we moved them. We were deliberate about aligning our policy work, programming, and public voice so they reinforced one another and pushed the region in the same direction; advancing a shared agenda around transit, talent, innovation, technology, and resilience.

IMPACT THROUGH ENGAGEMENT

Our impact in 2025 shows up in who engaged, how often, and what we did with that engagement. Members used Board of Trade platforms as working rooms; testing ideas, sharpening priorities, and advancing regional solutions. At the same time, our media and digital channels carried that work beyond the room, amplifying the region’s story and giving business a stronger, more consistent voice in the public conversation. The metrics on this page reflect that story of depth, breadth, and growing influence.

This year, welcomed 29 new member organizations, representing strong momentum heading into 2026.
Achieved an outstanding 91% retention rate, far surpassing association benchmarks, and had over 90% of member organizations engaged in at least one program, demonstrating deep commitment across our regional network.
Delivered a robust slate of over 120 programs, events, and gatherings—including the Mid-Winter Dinner, Fall Business Classic, Annual Meeting, and TD Bank Morning Star Series—alongside executive roundtables, policy engagements, themed salons, and professional forums.
Programming aligned leaders around key regional priorities: economic competitiveness, transit funding, workforce pipelines, public safety, AI transformation, and more.
Reached 100% of the adjusted 2025 sponsorship forecast, ensuring delivery of high-quality programming amid shifting market and political conditions.
Positioned the Board of Trade as a trusted voice through op-eds in the Washington Business Journal, major partnerships with WTOP, and media coverage across Axios DC, FOX5, CBS/WUSA9, Washingtonian, and more.
Website enhancements drove a 46% increase in total users, 74% growth in direct traffic, and stronger inbound engagement from prospective members.
Established the Board of Trade Foundation governance structure and onboarded trustees.
Maintained a positive financial trajectory, improved AR, modernized IT systems, and reduced bank fees by 50%.

2025 New Members

2025 Sponsors

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

As we carry the momentum of 2025 into the year ahead, the Board of Trade remains focused on strengthening the critical business infrastructure our region depends on and modernizing the regional economy. In 2026, that means putting more weight behind solutioning and strategy in areas such as securing dedicated funding for Metro, addressing energy and technology policy challenges, and advancing the capital, investment, and business conditions that allow employers to innovate, grow, and stay rooted here.

This work is only possible in true partnership with you. Membership is a platform, not a product; its value comes from how actively it is used. Being in the room is step one. We call you to lean in further, by lending expertise and talent, sharing data and examples from your organizations, and investing in the initiatives and discussions that move the needle.

To stay engaged in this consequential moment, we encourage you to connect with our team about where your organization can lead or contribute, participate in the strategy conversations most relevant to your priorities, and explore opportunities to collaborate.

As we look to 2026, we know the path won’t be simple, but it is full of opportunity. And as we have for more than 136 years, the Board of Trade stands ready to lead with purpose, partnership, and optimism for the future of Greater Washington.

Welcome 2026 Board Officers

Board members contribute to the Board of Trade’s success in several ways: they weigh in on strategic decisions; assist with the recruitment, retention, and onboarding process of members; lend resources and make connections to bring projects closer to their goals; and attend and support board meetings and other Board of Trade events throughout the year.

Join Us!

To get involved, connect with our team to explore ways to engage your entire organization. Follow our work—subscribe to our newsletters, connect on X, LinkedIn & YouTube, and visit our newly revitalized website for insights, initiatives, and member highlights. Our events have seen unprecedented demand this year—selling out repeatedly—so be sure to secure your spot early and join these powerful conversations and engagements.

Not yet a member? Please consider joining us! As a member, as partners for change, or both, the Board of Trade is open for business and eager to team with any organization committed to our common goal of a Greater Washington region.

Connection Through Innovation: Highlights from the 2025 Capital Region Transportation Forum

Posted on December 15, 2025December 15, 2025 by Board of Trade

How can the Capital Region build a transportation system that keeps pace with growth and innovation? That was the central question we aimed to answer at the 2025 Capital Region Transportation Forum, hosted by the Greater Washington Partnership and the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Held on December 2nd at George Washington University’s Jack Morton Auditorium in Washington, DC, the 8th annual forum brought together regional leaders and transportation stakeholders from across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Attendees examined the region’s most pressing transportation challenges—from funding and governance to emerging technologies and data-driven planning—while exploring strategies to create a more connected, efficient, and forward-looking system.

A Closer Look at the State of Metro

Randy Clarke, WMATA’s General Manager and CEO, opened the forum with a State of Metro address highlighting both the system’s recent progress and the work still ahead to modernize and stabilize operations. He pointed to significant improvements in reliability, ridership, and safety, advancements that helped Metro earn recognition as the nation’s top transit system and achieve a 60% boost in reliability since 2022. Clarke also underscored the agency’s looming capital funding challenges, stressing the need for a sustainable, predictable regional funding solution to maintain this momentum and support Metro’s essential role in workforce mobility and economic growth. Looking forward, he outlined a vision for a modern, dependable transit network built on long-term investment, regional alignment, and a shared commitment to delivering a world-class transit experience.

DMVMoves: From Strategy to Action

A panel discussion on DMVMoves explored the region’s ongoing efforts to align governance, secure sustainable funding, and strengthen transit operations across jurisdictions. Moderated by Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the conversation featured Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill and Capitol Transportation Consulting Principal and DMVMoves facilitator, Nick Donohue.

The panelists highlighted the progress DMVMoves has made over the past year, culminating in a proposal for $460 million in new annual capital funding for Metro beginning in FY28, and underscored Metro’s criticality to residents, employers, and our greater region. They emphasized that addressing the region’s transportation challenges will require sustained, long-term collaboration that extends beyond the conclusion of the DMVMoves initiative.

Designing a Future-Ready Mobility Network

The forum concluded with a forward-looking conversation on how technology, data, and evolving innovation are reshaping the future of transportation. Moderated by Patrick McKenna, President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation, the panel brought together Laura Schewel from StreetLight Data and Matthew Walsh from Waymo.

Panelists shared insights on how real-time data, autonomous vehicles, and public-private partnerships, such as Transurban’s new 495 Express Lanes, can support smarter planning, more efficient use of resources, and better outcomes for commuters and communities alike. The discussion emphasized that the future of mobility depends not only on technology, but also on leadership that is willing and able to adapt to policies and investment strategies to match and enable innovation.

From transit reliability and funding to advanced mobility solutions, the path forward for the region’s transportation systems requires regional coordination, sustainable investment, and bold leadership.

The Greater Washington Partnership and the Greater Washington Board of Trade thank our speakers, partners, and participants for contributing to a dynamic and solution-driven conversation. Together, we are working to shape a transportation system that supports a stronger, more connected Capital Region.