Letter to WMATA and WMSC Boards Urging Dispute Resolution Process for Safety Technology Adoption

Letter to WMATA and WMSC Boards Urging Dispute Resolution Process for Safety Technology Adoption

Update: Following our letter to the WMATA and WMSC Boards, we’re pleased to see ATO formally approved for the Green and Yellow lines, a major step forward for safer, more efficient transit.

About This Letter of Officials: In this letter to the WMATA and WMSC Boards, the Greater Washington Board of Trade urges the establishment of a formal process for resolving disputes over proven transit safety technologies, citing the years-long delay in approving Automatic Train Operation. The letter highlights the risks this poses to Metro performance, regional mobility, and the economic competitiveness of Greater Washington.

Dear Chair Hart and Chair Santos,

The recent decision by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) to
approve Automatic Train Operation (ATO) on the Green and Yellow Metrorail lines is a
welcome and long-overdue step forward for our region. It’s a meaningful move toward
enhancing safety while restoring the speed, reliability, and consistency riders expect—
along with greater capacity and long-term cost savings for the system.

As Metro regains ridership and reconnects communities, modern tools like ATO are
essential. Riders depend on Metro to get to work, access essential services, and
participate fully in our economy. Expanding ATO will save time, improve the rider
experience, reduce operator fatigue, and enhance safety—benefits already
demonstrated on the Red Line. It also sends a strong signal to companies already
here—and those looking to invest—that Greater Washington is committed to modern,
efficient infrastructure that supports business growth and workforce mobility.

The long delay in approving ATO highlighted a deeper challenge: WMATA and WMSC
lack a clear process for resolving differences over proven safety technologies and other
issues. There’s no appeals pathway, no neutral third party, and no structured way to
quickly move forward when views diverge. That creates gridlock—and undermines
progress.

From a business standpoint, this kind of misalignment poses real risk. Metro is not just a
transit system—it’s essential for a competitive regional economy. It drives commerce,
lifts property values, and connects people to jobs, education, and opportunity. As the
federal government continues to evolve and decentralize, we need Metro to operate at
its full potential to attract talent, support innovation, and realize our economic promise.
In a world defined by speed, data, and disruption, delays in adopting safe, widely used
technologies don’t just slow trains—they slow the entire region.

It’s time for a fix. I call on the WMATA and WMSC Boards to establish a formal process
for resolving disputes—one that includes third-party mediation when needed, public
reporting of decisions, and a commitment to timely, evidence-based outcomes. The
DMV Moves initiative has already shown what’s possible when our regional bodies work
together with purpose.

If no progress is made by year’s end, the Greater Washington Board of Trade will
encourage leaders in the District, Maryland, and Virginia to amend the WMSC Compact
to require such a process. Many elected officials have already expressed concern about
the lack of coordination and transparency that marked the ATO decision.

We should not have to rely on legislative action. A shared commitment to better
governance—balancing strong oversight with a clear path to modernization—will move
the region forward and strengthen trust across the board.

Sincerely,

Jack McDougle
President & CEO
Greater Washington Board of Trade

Executive Leadership Roundtable Recap: Leaders Respond to a Changing Economy

On May 9 at our Downtown D.C. office, the Greater Washington Board of Trade convened a candid Executive Leadership Roundtable with Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. This session brought together senior executives from across the region for an exchange on national economic trends, regional business conditions, and the future of our workforce and markets.

Our members brought candor, insight, and urgency to the conversation, reflecting the realities of leading through disruption. While the economic data offers mixed signals, business leaders are navigating real-time volatility in pricing, hiring, trade policy, and consumer behavior. The conversation underscored that conventional playbooks no longer apply in the same ways, and leaders must adapt to a system defined by speed, decentralization, and growing complexity.

Several recurring themes emerged:

  • Persistent labor shortages—not just in volume, but in skills alignment
  • Rising operating costs and uncertainty around tariffs, housing, and energy
  • The growing impact of AI and automation across internal operations
  • A shared desire for better federal-local alignment in economic response
  • The importance of timely, trusted data to supplement lagging indicators

The conversation reinforced a critical truth: Greater Washington cannot afford to plan for the economy of the past. Across sectors, leaders are grappling with systems and structures that were built for another era. What’s needed now is not only new solutions, but new ways of thinking.

The Board of Trade will continue to foster these executive-level dialogues, providing space for leaders to test assumptions, exchange strategies, and shape a more resilient, competitive region.

Mark your calendar: Our next Executive Leadership Roundtable with Tom Barkin will take place on October 17. Registration details will be shared soon—stay tuned.

​​Thank you to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for sponsoring this vital discussion that engages our members and partners in the region.

Agenda Watch: Leading Through the First 100 Days

The first 100 days of a presidential administration are typically seen as a critical window for shaping priorities and building momentum. But as we heard in our latest Agenda Watch session – hosted in partnership with K&L Gates – this administration isn’t waiting around. The pace is so rapid, you can barely compute the first 100 hours, let alone the first 100 days. 

Well over 100 executive orders have already been issued – marking a historic pace of presidential action. Senior officials were vetted and ready well before Inauguration Day. Federal agencies are moving quickly to execute an ambitious and sweeping plan to reshape the size, scope, and style of government. What may look chaotic on the surface is in fact a tightly coordinated and years-in-the-making strategy to act with speed and authority – especially in areas where congressional consensus is unlikely.

While much of the conversation centers on specific policy actions, what’s unfolding is part of a broader transformation—one that reflects a shift from the analog operating model of the past century to a digital-first, disruption-driven approach to governance. We’re witnessing the federal system being rewired for a new era: one defined by speed, decentralization, and real-time decision-making. The implications go far beyond politics—they challenge long-standing assumptions about how government functions, and how leaders outside of government must respond.

That’s why we launched Agenda Watch. This program is designed to help leaders in the Greater Washington business community stay ahead of these shifts—not just as observers, but as strategic actors. During our most recent session, we explored what these developments mean for the region and how leaders can adapt in an environment increasingly defined by volatility, speed, and structural change.

The Core Question: How do leaders navigate this moment of compressed change? 

Among the key takeaways from the briefing: 

  • This is more than politics—it’s structural. While many moves reflect a long-standing conservative vision for shrinking government, they also represent a shift in how executive power is being exercised – faster, more centralized, and more willing to sidestep traditional federal processes. 
  • Executive orders are setting tone and direction. Though not equivalent to permanent law, the early wave of executive actions is already reshaping policy implementation. They signal priorities, shift agency focus, and can lay the groundwork for future regulatory or legislative changes. Their volume and velocity are strategic. 
  • Engagement doesn’t equal endorsement—but it matters. Business leaders must navigate unpredictability with discipline. Staying engaged across the political spectrum is essential for understanding how decisions are being made, where there’s room to align, and when to proactively offer alternatives. 
  • National security—not just economic policy—is the driving lens. Decisions about AI, energy, workforce policy, and trade are increasingly shaped by geopolitical risk and the desire for U.S. self-reliance. That includes efforts to reduce dependence on China for critical materials, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and secure technological leadership. While these objectives are clear, their policy paths may feel contradictory or disjointed at times. 

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This goes beyond politics and policy—it’s about leadership in flux. 

For leaders across business, government, and the civic sector, the challenge isn’t just responding to change – it’s anticipating and absorbing it. The rules of engagement are evolving, but so are the expectations for how organizations show up, plan, and lead. 

As the session concluded, four guiding principles emerged to help frame decision-making in this climate: 

  • Acknowledge volatility as a constant
    Volatility is not episodic anymore – it’s systemic. Economic, regulatory, and political disruptions are happening in shorter, faster cycles. 
  • Balance long-term strategy with short-term agility
    You need both a long-term strategy and the flexibility to pivot. Resilience lies in the ability to move between the two without losing your direction. 
  • Embrace calculated risk to stay competitive
    Managing risk is no longer about avoidance – it’s about understanding, adapting, and acting. Those who take thoughtful risks will be better positioned to lead through disruption. 
  • Own your narrative—and ground it in shared outcomes
    Don’t let others define your organization’s values or voice. Ground your message in shared economic outcomes, practical problem-solving, and the ability to work across divides. 

The Board of Trade will continue to provide tools, insights, and convenings to support our members in this shifting landscape. Through Agenda Watch and other programming, we’re committed to elevating nonpartisan analysis, amplifying regional priorities, and helping our members lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. 

​​Thank you to K&L Gates for sponsoring this vital discussion that engages our members and partners in the Greater Washington region. 

Letter of Support: ‘District of Columbia Fiscal Autonomy Act’ advancing to House floor

About this Letter of Support: Greater Washington Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle submitted a Letter of Support to the United States House of Representatives (including House Speaker Mike Johnson, and both Senate and House members that represent Greater Washignton) commending congressional leadership for advancing the District of Columbia Fiscal Autonomy Act to the House floor. This bipartisan legislation safeguards D.C.’s right to use its locally generated revenue, at no expense to the federal government. Its passage is critical to avoiding a $1.1 billion budget gap and maintaining funding for essential public services that support the District’s economic stability and the broader region’s prosperity.

Dear Mr. Speaker (Mike Johnson),

On behalf of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, I write to commend your leadership in advancing the District of Columbia Fiscal Autonomy Act to a floor vote this week. Your decision to move this legislation forward marks an important step toward restoring budget certainty and fiscal stability for our nation’s capital.

The Board of Trade has consistently advocated for the District’s ability to manage its locally raised revenues without Congressional interference. As outlined in our previous letters to Congress, we view local budget autonomy as essential to D.C.’s economic vitality, public service delivery, and long-term competitiveness as the hub of a dynamic regional economy.

We are also encouraged by the continued support of the region’s Congressional delegation, who have championed this issue on behalf of the District’s residents and businesses.

Bringing this legislation to a vote sends a strong signal about the importance of responsible governance and pragmatic leadership. Thank you for taking this step to advance a solution that promotes stability, preserves local control, and supports the broader regional economy.

Sincerely,

Jack McDougle
President & CEO
Greater Washington Board of Trade

Turning Vision Into Action: Spring 2025 Board Meeting Recap

At the Board of Trade’s Spring 2025 Board Meeting, 2025 Chair Jeremy Blank and President & CEO Jack McDougle opened with a clear message: the pace and complexity of change across our region is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Federal policy shifts, disruptive technologies, and rising economic pressure are creating real challenges for local governments, employers, and workers alike.

But amid that turbulence lies opportunity—and Greater Washington has the assets, talent, and leadership to shape what comes next. That’s why, throughout this year, the Board of Trade is focused on doing what we do best: bringing people together to think strategically, act collaboratively, and lead with purpose.

Our greatest strength is convening leaders across business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector—not just to respond to change, but to shape what comes next. We create space to share best practices, spark new ideas, and support business development across the region. While others are focused on immediate needs—which we support and value—we stay focused on the long game: improving the business environment, identifying trends, and helping leaders navigate what’s ahead.

We’ve made meaningful progress on that front, from Metro’s strong recovery to breakthrough conversations on regional transit integration, economic competitiveness, and public-private partnership. But at our Spring meeting, the focus turned toward the future.

Board Members Help Map Greater Washington’s Future

As part of the meeting, board members took part in a facilitated working session: Mapping Greater Washington’s Economic Future. The exercise challenged participants to imagine the region in 2035—either thriving or falling behind—and reflect on what made the difference.

The conversation was candid, energetic, and hopeful. Here are five key themes that emerged:

  • Regionalism remains the greatest challenge—and greatest opportunity. Collaboration across jurisdictions is critical to long-term success. New models of coordination, shared economic incentives, and bold leadership are needed to move forward as one region.
  • We need a clear regional vision—and a compelling brand. From placemaking to major global events, leaders emphasized the importance of setting bold goals and telling a stronger story about why this region is competitive, connected, and worth investing in.
  • The business community must lead the way. While government plays a role, private sector leadership is essential to drive workforce development, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic growth.
  • We have the assets—now it’s time to activate them. Whether it’s quantum research, underutilized federal real estate, or the talent pipeline coming out of our universities, our strengths are clear. Now we need alignment and execution.
  • We need clear long-term markers. Just as decisions decades ago led to Dulles and the Silver Line, board members called for bold, forward-looking bets that define where we want to be by 2040—and the steps to get there.

The Board of Trade will use these insights to shape our year-round programming and guide the Potomac Conference, a collaborative regional strategy effort with our partners at the Council of Governments, the Consortium of Universities, and the Greater Washington Partnership. As we look forward, one thing is clear: no single organization or jurisdiction can build this region’s future alone. It takes real collaboration—and a shared commitment to something bigger than any one entity.

What’s Next: Organizational Momentum and Member Engagement

Membership engagement and growth remain strong, with new organizations joining the Board’s mission to lead regional progress. Sponsorship and strategic investment continue to reflect deep support from across the business community, while financial stability and operational strength provide a solid foundation for long-term impact. The Board of Trade’s programming and advocacy efforts are also gaining momentum—bringing together business and civic leaders to assess federal policy shifts, hosting high-level conversations like the upcoming Tom Barkin Roundtable and Agenda Watch 2025, and amplifying the business voice through increased visibility in media and policy circles.

The Spring Board Meeting made one thing clear: our region’s future depends on the actions we take today. With growing momentum, a clear strategy, and the deep engagement of our members, the Board of Trade is proud to lead this work—and help build a more competitive, connected, and forward-looking region.

As always, we’re grateful to our members for their leadership, participation, and support. Together, we’re not just responding to change—we’re helping shape what comes next for Greater Washington.

Building Greater Washington’s Future—Together

Across the region, leaders are asking: what will it take to make Greater Washington a globally competitive, inclusive, and future-ready economy? One thing is clear—no single organization or jurisdiction can answer that question alone. Our region’s success depends on deep collaboration, clear vision, and bold, long-term strategy.

That’s the driving force behind the reimagined Potomac Conference—not just a one-day convening, but a year-round initiative led by the Board of Trade in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, and the Greater Washington Partnership. Together, we’re aligning efforts across sectors to activate the region’s full economic potential.

Over the past several months, that work has accelerated. Through roundtables, executive lunches, one-on-one conversations, and formal convenings, we’ve engaged regional chambers, economic development leaders, nonprofits, academic institutions, and business executives to surface shared priorities and begin building a more unified path forward. Across all of these forums, one message is clear: Greater Washington’s future depends on a stronger collective voice and coordinated action.

At our Spring Board Meeting, members took part in a facilitated exercise—Mapping Greater Washington’s Economic Future—to explore where the region might be by 2035 and what decisions today could help us get there. The discussion underscored both the urgency and opportunity of the moment. Themes like the need for deeper regionalism, bold long-term bets, and business-led action were echoed in other forums as well.

In April, we met with regional chamber executives for a frank dialogue on economic pressures and policy uncertainty. Despite differing local contexts, there was unanimous agreement that collaboration is essential. The group is now drafting a joint letter to the Governors of Maryland and Virginia and the Mayor of D.C. to reinforce a united regional business agenda.

Economic development leaders (CEDO) are also shaping the strategy from the ground up. With deep jurisdiction-level knowledge, they’ve helped identify three region-wide priorities: attracting growth-stage capital, aligning industry cluster strategies, and strengthening education-to-workforce pipelines. Their next working session will begin turning those ideas into actionable plans.

At the same time, the Board of Trade continues to serve as a strong advocacy voice for the region’s business community. Whether it’s advancing workforce and mobility solutions, supporting local fiscal authority, or pushing back on federal overreach, we’re engaging where it counts—testifying before the D.C. Council, submitting letters to Congress, meeting with elected officials, and mobilizing member input to shape smart, business-forward policy. This unique capacity—to both convene and advocate—allows us to translate insight into action and ensure the voice of regional business is heard and heeded.

Together, these efforts are informing the long-term vision of the Potomac Conference and helping to establish the building blocks of a more competitive, resilient region.

This is the work of regionalism—not flashy, but foundational. It’s technical, behind the scenes, and at times slow. But it’s also powerful. Because when we align our voices, share data, and commit to a common direction, we unlock what’s possible for Greater Washington. We look forward to continuing this work—with you.

GWBOT April 2025 Newsletter

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

Read our April 2025 Newsletter here

TD Bank Morning Star Speaker Series: Strategic Leadership & Emotional Intelligence Workshop

The Board of Trade kicked off its 2025 TD Bank Morning Star Speaker Series with an energizing workshop centered on “Strategic Leadership & Emotional Intelligence,” held April 23 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. The interactive event set the tone for the year’s programming with a deep dive into emotional intelligence as a cornerstone of effective leadership.

The featured speaker, Dr. Irvine Nugent, an internationally recognized expert on emotional intelligence and nonverbal communication, brought his decades of experience to life with an engaging, hands-on session that encouraged participants to reflect on how they show up as leaders. Drawing from real-world scenarios and guided exercises, attendees explored how empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation can elevate not only individual performance but also team cohesion and organizational outcomes.

“Leadership is not just about strategy; it’s about connection,” Dr. Nugent emphasized. “And connection starts with understanding yourself and others.”

Attendees were invited to explore emotional triggers, practice mindfulness techniques, and engage in peer-based activities that fostered vulnerability and trus, which an approach that mirrors the “Unexpectedly Human” ethos that TD Bank weaves into its community partnerships.

The overarching takeaways from this immersive workshop with Dr. Nugent helped leaders:

  • Assess and enhance self-awareness, adaptability, and decision-making
  • Foster trust and collaboration to lead high-performing teams
  • Engage in peer-driven exercise to refine leadership presence

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The Morning Star Speaker Series is designed to go beyond traditional lectures. Each session offers immersive, skills-based experiences tailored to empower regional leaders. This year’s lineup reflects a commitment to holistic leadership development, combining personal growth with practical tools that attendees can immediately apply in their organizations.

These programs aim to equip business leaders with the self-awareness and agility needed to thrive in today’s evolving regional economy.

Stay connected with the Board of Trade to register for future sessions and learn how the Morning Star Speaker Series continues to inspire and elevate leadership in Greater Washington.

Upcoming sessions in the 2025 series include:

  • June 2025 – Leadership Decision-Making Through Culinary Teamwork: An interactive kitchen experience that simulates high-pressure decision-making and team dynamics.

  • Fall 2025 – NextGen Leadership Storytelling: A workshop exploring the art of authentic storytelling to strengthen executive presence and professional influence.

​​Thank you to TD Bank for sponsoring this vital speaker series that engages our members and partners in the Greater Washington region. 

From the Classroom to Congress: Don Beyer discusses the future of Artificial Intelligence

The Board of Trade hosted a dynamic and thought-provoking fireside chat on artificial intelligence featuring Virginia Congressman Don Beyer and Jamil Jaffer, Founder & Executive Director of the National Security Institute at George Mason University.

The conversation focused on the future of AI policy, innovation, and the balance between rapid technological advancement and the need for safety, trust, and governance. Congressman Beyer — who is currently taking graduate-level courses on AI at George Mason University to understand the field better — spoke about his commitment to informed policymaking and his sponsorship of the bipartisan CREATE AI Act, which seeks to expand access to AI research tools across the country.

The conversation also explored critical issues such as national security (including how AI technology is increasingly being integrated into our defense systems), the importance of balanced federal oversight that supports both developers and end users, and the potential implications of AI on key sectors like infrastructure and financial markets.

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Congressman Beyer has been involved in AI policy issues at the congressional level for some time now. He discussed his leadership in advancing the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and his ongoing work with the House Task Force on AI. Beyer has also been a part of other AI-focused Congressional bodies, including the AI Caucus and the AI Working Group.

In a truly engaging moment, both students and business professionals had the opportunity to ask Congressman Beyer direct questions about the implications of AI for industry, public policy, and workforce development. The exchange highlighted the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration as the technology continues to evolve.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important conversation on one of the most transformative technologies of our time. Stay tuned for more events at the intersection of innovation and policy.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING THIS EVENT

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