WMATA Funding: Board of Trade Urges D.C. to Protect Metro Investment

Category: Statements & Testimonies

WMATA Funding: Board of Trade Urges D.C. to Protect Metro Investment

Posted on by Board of Trade

About This Testimony:

The Greater Washington Board of Trade submitted testimony urging the D.C. Council to protect the District’s full commitment to WMATA funding in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

The testimony emphasizes that Metro is essential economic infrastructure for residents, workers, employers, visitors, and the District’s long-term competitiveness, and calls for sustained investment to build on recent service, safety, and reliability improvements.

Submitted Testimony: 

DOWNLOAD HERE

Councilmember Allen, thank you for the opportunity to submit this written testimony regarding funding for WMATA. My name is Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. We represent hundreds of businesses and employers across the Washington metropolitan region. Our message is direct: Metro is not a budget line item. It is economic infrastructure as essential to the District’s future as its roads, its schools, and its public safety systems. It must be funded accordingly.

The Board of Trade has urged the Council to recognize that the District cannot cut its way to a stronger economy. Growth requires investment in the systems that make Washington, D.C. competitive. Metro sits at the center of that case.

Metro is the engine of the District’s economy.

Metro moves more than people; it enables the economic activity upon which the District’s tax base depends. Every day, Metro connects workers to employers, residents to opportunity, and visitors to the institutions that make Washington one of the world’s great cities.

For the more than 40 percent of D.C. households without a car, especially for residents east of the Anacostia River in Wards 7 and 8, Metro is not a convenience. It is the primary means of accessing jobs, healthcare, and education. Reducing Metro service is not an inconvenience for these residents. It is a barrier to economic participation. A growth strategy that leaves behind the residents most dependent on transit is not a growth strategy at all.

But Metro’s value extends far beyond those who depend on it most. A truly world-class transit system is one that every resident, regardless of income, neighborhood, or circumstance, chooses to ride because it is reliable, safe, and convenient. When a professional in Cleveland Park takes the Red Line instead of sitting in traffic on Connecticut Avenue, when a family in Petworth hops the Green Line to a Nationals game, when a Georgetown student commutes by bus rather than by car, Metro is doing exactly what great transit should do: giving everyone a better option. The goal is not a system that serves as a last resort for those with no alternative. It is a system that earns its riders across the full spectrum of the city and in doing so, reduces congestion, lowers emissions, and strengthens the case for sustained public investment.

For employers, Metro is workforce infrastructure. Law firms, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, retailers, and government contractors all depend on a system that reliably brings workers to their doors. As hybrid work has given workers greater flexibility about where they choose to live and work, transit reliability has become a decisive factor in recruitment and retention. When Metro underperforms, employers bear the cost in productivity, in narrowed labor pools, and in competitive disadvantage relative to peer cities.

Washington welcomed millions of visitors in past years, generating billions in economic activity and hundreds of millions in tax revenue. The vast majority rely on Metro to experience the city. A tourist from Reagan National who visits the Mall, the Zoo, and the Convention Center may take four or more Metro trips in a single day. Multiply that across millions of annual visitors, and the connection between Metro reliability and tourism revenue is unmistakable. Degraded service translates directly into a less attractive destination, and that damage compounds over time.

Station areas are also engines of commercial and residential development, generating property tax revenue that helps stabilize the District’s finances. Weakening Metro weakens this economic geography. The fiscal consequences extend well beyond the transit system itself.

The District must protect its funding commitment.

The District is one of three jurisdictions that fund WMATA through dedicated annual contributions. These are not discretionary line items. They are the foundation on which WMATA’s operating and capital plans are built. Reductions in the District’s contribution risk triggering service cuts, deferred maintenance, and capital delays, costs that would far exceed any near-term savings.

The Board of Trade strongly urges the Committee to protect the District’s full Metro funding commitment in the FY 2027 budget. We also encourage District leaders to champion a durable, dedicated regional funding mechanism in coordination with Maryland, Virginia, and Congress. The District should not solve this alone, but it must continue to lead.

Now is the moment to build on Metro’s progress.

WMATA has made meaningful strides. Ridership is recovering. On-time performance has improved. Safety investments are yielding results. The system is demonstrating that sustained, committed funding produces a better rider experience and a more reliable platform for the economic activity the District depends on.

This progress is not an argument for complacency. It is an argument for continuity. The gains of recent years were hard-won, and they are not yet locked in. Sustained investment is what converts improvement into permanence. The Board of Trade urges the Committee to recognize that this is precisely the moment to reinforce success, to give WMATA the stable funding foundation it needs to extend these gains, complete critical capital projects, and deliver the level of service that residents, workers, and visitors deserve.

Conclusion

Councilmember Allen, Metro is central to every goal the District has set for itself: growing its economy, closing opportunity gaps, attracting residents and employers, and competing as a world-class city. Sustained investment in Metro is not separate from the District’s fiscal strategy. It is one of the core commitments that makes that strategy achievable.

A city that moves well is a city that works. And a city that works is better positioned to grow its tax base, support its residents, and sustain its finances over the long term. This is one of the most consequential economic investments the District can make.

Thank you.

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.  

Additional Advocacy Statements and Testimonies

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

Testimony: Board of Trade supports DMVMoves Task Force recommendations to secure sustainable funding for regional transit

Net Zero Energy Building Code Deadline: Board of Trade Supports D.C. Mayor’s One-Year Extension

Posted on by Board of Trade

About This Testimony: 

The Board of Trade submitted written testimony before the D.C. Council’s Committee on Transportation and Environment, including the committee’s chair, Councilmember Charles Allen, regarding the one-year extension of the Net Zero Energy Building Code Deadline proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The Board of Trade’s testimony supports Mayor Bowser’s proposed one-year extension of the Net Zero Energy Building Code deadline, framing it as a pragmatic pause rather than a retreat from climate goals. The testimony argues that more District-specific analysis is needed to understand the policy’s potential impacts on housing costs, energy bills, building feasibility, and electric grid readiness. It also raises concerns that accelerating building electrification without adequate infrastructure investment could create reliability challenges for the region. The Board urges the Council to use the additional year to develop impartial, independently verified data that can guide a more informed path forward.

Submitted Testimony: 

DOWNLOAD HERE

Chairperson Charles Allen and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on this important matter. 

I am writing in support of Mayor Bowser’s one-year extension of the Net Zero Energy Building Code deadline, as transmitted in the FY27 Budget Support Act, and I urge this Committee to allow that provision to advance through the markup process. 

A Pragmatic Pause Not a Retreat 

The Net Zero Energy requirement, which would ban natural gas in all new buildings and major renovations effective December 31, 2026, is sweeping policy with significant consequences for housing costs, energy reliability, and grid infrastructure. The Mayor’s request for a one-year enforcement delay is not opposition to the goal. It is a responsible call to build the evidentiary record this policy has never had: one that goes beyond BEPS compliance tracking to provide a clear, District-specific analysis of its costs, its feasibility, its impact on housing affordability and energy bills, and the readiness of our electric grid to absorb the load. That is a reasonable ask the Council should support. 

The DC Council Has Already Recognized the Burden of Compliance 

Earlier this year, the Council voted unanimously on legislation introduced by Councilmember Lewis George to exempt DC government buildings, projects, and contractors from the Net Zero mandate. That unanimous vote speaks for itself. Every member of this body recognized that the cost and feasibility burden of compliance is significant enough to shield the District’s own projects from it. If the mandate is workable, District government buildings should be subject to it. If they are not, we owe the private sector the same honest accounting before the deadline arrives. 

Grid Readiness Is Not a Minor Technical Detail 

Space heating is the single largest energy end-use in residential and commercial buildings in this region. Electrifying that load, even incrementally through new construction, will fundamentally change the demand profile on PEPCO’s distribution system, shifting the grid from its historical summer-peaking pattern to a new winter-peak one. The infrastructure investments needed to accommodate that shift have not been made, have not been funded, and are not reflected in DOEE’s implementation planning. 

The scale of what is being proposed should not be understated. During Winter Storm Fern, our regional gas system delivered 1.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas in a single day, the thermal equivalent of running 11 Calvert Cliffs nuclear reactors simultaneously. That capacity does not exist on the electric grid today, and PJM has documented significant and growing constraints on transmission capacity and generation adequacy across the region. Accelerating the electrification of building loads without commensurate grid investment does not advance our reliability goals. It threatens them. 

The Ask Is Simple 

Support the Mayor’s one-year extension. Use that year to do the work that should have been done before this deadline was set: rigorous, District-specific analysis of cost, feasibility, grid readiness, and housing impact. Good climate policy requires good data. What this moment calls for is impartial, independently verified data; analysis that all parties, including this Committee, can trust. We are committed to supporting that effort and stand ready to work with research partners to help produce it. The Council deserves more than dueling projections; it deserves a rigorous, credible foundation on which to make this decision. A one-year pause to get this right is not a step backward; it is the responsible path forward. 

Thank you. 

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.  

Additional Advocacy Statements and Testimonies

Letter of Support: Enable Enhanced Broadband Deployment for Improved Connectivity in Prince George’s County

Testimony: Board of Trade supports DMVMoves Task Force recommendations to secure sustainable funding for regional transit

Support for D.C. Mayor’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Posted on by Board of Trade

About This Testimony:

The Greater Washington Board of Trade submitted written testimony before the D.C Council’s Committee of the Whole regarding Mayor Bowser’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

The testimony emphasizes that Washington, D.C. is at a pivotal economic moment as shifting demand patterns, lower office utilization, slower population growth, and changes in the tax base create both fiscal pressure and an opportunity to redefine the District’s economic model. The Board of Trade urges the Council to focus on long-term growth, competitiveness, fiscal discipline, and policies that expand opportunity rather than relying on broad-based tax increases or short-term budget fixes.

The testimony also calls for a multi-year fiscal framework, a comprehensive review of the District’s competitiveness, streamlined permitting and approvals, reduced regulatory burdens, and stronger performance standards for core services such as public safety, transportation, permitting, and education.

Submitted Testimony:

DOWNLOAD HERE

Chairman Mendelson, members of the Council. My name is Jack McDougle, President and CEO. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on the Mayor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

Established in 1889, the Greater Washington Board of Trade is the region’s longest-standing business organization. We convene leaders across business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector to advance policies and partnerships that drive economic growth, innovation, and opportunity. We are committed to a fiscally sound, economically competitive, and forward-looking District of Columbia.

The budget before you arrives at a pivotal moment, not only because of the fiscal pressures it reflects, but because of the opportunity it presents. Washington, D.C. is undergoing a structural economic transition. Demand patterns are shifting, office utilization remains below prior levels, population growth has slowed, and the composition of the tax base is changing in real time. These dynamics are creating near-term fiscal strain and urgency for the District to redefine its economic model and sharpen its competitive position.

The District has the assets to compete at the highest level: a mission-driven workforce, proximity to federal policy, and a strong base in technology, professional services, and emerging industries. The question is not whether D.C. can grow; it’s whether policy choices will enable that growth or constrain it.

Too often, fiscal discussions focus on closing short-term gaps through one-time measures or incremental tax increases. That may balance a budget, but it does not position the city for long-term success. This moment calls for a different lens, one grounded in economic aspiration and competitiveness. Delivering for residents, particularly those most vulnerable, requires a growing economy that expands opportunity rather than redistributes within a constrained base.

At its core, the choice before the Council is straightforward: manage through extraction by raising costs on a constrained base or expand the base through growth by making D.C. more competitive.

Align Fiscal Strategy with Long-Term Growth

The District’s fiscal challenge is structural and will not be resolved through temporary measures. Recent budgets have relied on fund balance drawdowns and tax increases to sustain spending, neither a substitute for structural alignment. One provides one-time relief; the other increases the cost of living and doing business, often at the expense of the growth needed to sustain the very programs residents rely on.

A growth-oriented fiscal strategy requires discipline: aligning recurring expenditures with sustainable revenues while prioritizing investments that expand the economic base. We recommend adopting a multi-year fiscal framework establishing a clear path to structural balance, with defined milestones and transparency.

Make Competitiveness a Core Budget Principle

The District operates within a highly competitive regional and national landscape. D.C.’s tax burden is already high relative to neighboring jurisdictions and many peer cities causing households and businesses to increasingly explore other options. Additional increases would directly impact decisions about where to live, work, and invest.

The experience of other cities is instructive. In New York City, reliance on a narrow base of high-income taxpayers has increased revenue volatility. In Seattle, targeted business taxes are influencing long-term investment decisions. In San Francisco, cumulative high costs and regulatory friction have contributed to weaker demand and slower recovery. As the Brookings Institution Metro Monitor notes, the Washington region has lagged peer regions in delivering broadly shared growth, underscoring the need to expand the economic base, not simply redistribute within it.

We urge the Council to hold the line on new broad-based tax increases and undertake a comprehensive review of the District’s competitiveness across tax and regulatory policy. Competitiveness should be a standing principle in fiscal decision-making.

Remove Barriers to Growth

Expanding the tax base requires removing barriers to housing, business formation, and economic activity. Housing production is slowed by lengthy permitting timelines, uncertain entitlement processes, and high regulatory costs, limiting population growth and demand. Businesses face similar friction in starting, scaling, and operating in the District.

The District should prioritize:

  • Streamlined permitting and faster approvals
  • Greater predictability in zoning and entitlement
  • Reduction of unnecessary regulatory and cost burdens

These are high-impact, low-cost reforms that can materially improve the District’s growth trajectory and expand access to opportunity across communities.

Improve Core Service Performance

Competitiveness is not defined by cost alone; it is defined by performance. Public safety, transportation, permitting, and education shape how residents and businesses experience the city. When these systems underperform, they disproportionately affect communities that rely most on consistent, high-quality services.

The District should establish clear performance standards, measure and publicly report outcomes, and align budgets with demonstrated results. Improving service delivery strengthens both competitiveness and equity and is central to a growth strategy that works for all residents.

Conclusion: Define the Next Economy

The decisions made in this budget will shape the District’s economic trajectory for years to come. This is not simply about closing a fiscal gap, it’s about defining the next phase of D.C.’s economy.

We urge the Council to take the long view: focus on growth, strengthen competitiveness, and align fiscal policy with clear economic aspirations. A growing economy is the foundation for delivering sustained opportunity and support for all residents.

The Greater Washington Board of Trade stands ready to partner with the Council and the Executive in advancing this work. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony. We welcome any questions.

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.  

Additional Advocacy Statements and Testimonies

Testimony to DC Council: Board of Trade Supports Bill for RFK Site Redevelopment

Letter of Support: ‘District of Columbia Fiscal Autonomy Act’ Advancing to House Floor

Letter of Support: Fully Autonomous Vehicle Legislation (SB670) in Virginia

Posted on by Board of Trade

Update: This proposed comprehensive framework bill for commercial autonomous vehicles in the state has been postponed for a second year. The Board of Trade will continue to support legislation that brings safe and logical next-generation mobility solutions to Greater Washington. 

About this Letter of Support: 

In its letter of support for SB670, the Greater Washington Board of Trade urges Virginia lawmakers to advance a clear regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles. The Board argues that the bill will help position Virginia as a leader in next-generation mobility by supporting innovation, economic growth, public safety, and long-term regional competitiveness.

Submitted Letter of Support:

DOWNLOAD HERE

March 2, 2026

Dear Chair Delaney and Vice Chair Reid:

I write to express our support for SB 670 as it comes before the House Transportation Subcommittee on Innovation.

Autonomous vehicle technology is no longer experimental. It is already operating in major U.S. markets, including Phoenix, San Francisco, Austin, and Las Vegas, under structured regulatory frameworks. States that provide clear, predictable rules are attracting investment, research partnerships, and high-skilled jobs in advanced mobility. Those that hesitate are watching that innovation and capital flow elsewhere.

Virginia is well positioned to lead. The Commonwealth’s strengths in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, logistics, and advanced research make it a natural hub for
next-generation transportation systems. What is needed is regulatory clarity. SB 670 provides that framework while maintaining appropriate oversight and public safety.

Concerns about safety and workforce impacts deserve serious consideration, but they are best addressed through thoughtful policy, not delay. Properly regulated autonomous systems have the potential to improve safety, enhance traffic flow, and increase efficiency. AV deployment will also create new opportunities in fleet operations, software engineering, systems maintenance, and infrastructure modernization. The question isnot whether this technology will advance, but where the economic benefits will accrue.

As our region works to diversify beyond federal reliance and build a stronger digital-era economy, transportation innovation is directly tied to competitiveness. SB 670 signals that Virginia intends to shape the future of mobility rather than react to it.

We appreciate your leadership and thoughtful consideration of this measure and stand ready to serve as a resource as it moves forward.

Respectfully,

Jack McDougle

President & CEO

Greater Washington Board of Trade

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

Posted on by Board of Trade

 

The American Legion Memorial Bridge has been in use since 1962 and is in need of major updates to accommodate our growing region.

 

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

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

Posted on 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

The Greater Washington Board of Trade Thanks Mayor Muriel Bowser for Her Leadership in D.C.

Posted on by Board of Trade

Statement from the Board of Trade regarding Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement:

The Greater Washington Board of Trade deeply appreciates Mayor Muriel Bowser for her years of dedicated public service and leadership. Over three terms, she guided the District through some of the most consequential periods in its modern history — including a global pandemic, a shifting federal landscape, and a period of profound economic and social change.

Mayor Bowser has been a steadfast partner in advancing Greater Washington’s competitiveness, from strengthening small businesses and supporting innovation to investing in infrastructure, sports, education, housing, and community priorities. Her contributions have positioned D.C. and the region for continued growth and opportunity.

As the District enters a new chapter, the Board of Trade remains committed to working collaboratively with the Mayor, the Council, regional leaders, and the business community to ensure stability, accelerate revitalization, and build a thriving future for all who live and work here.

See more from our conversation with Mayor Bowser from this past July:

Investing in What Works: Mayor Bowser on Building a Smarter, Stronger DC

Testimony: Montgomery County Delegation Joint House and Senate Priorities Hearing

Posted on by Board of Trade

About this Testimony: 

This testimony outlines the Greater Washington Board of Trade’s support for strengthening long-term, coordinated Metro funding and advancing policy solutions that protect the region’s mobility, workforce access, and economic competitiveness. It emphasizes the importance of timely action across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. to ensure WMATA remains safe, reliable, and financially sustainable for the businesses, workers, and communities that depend on it.

Video of Testimony:

Written Testimony Submitted:

DOWNLOAD HERE

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

My name is Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

Greater Washington remains one of the most congested regions in the country—a challenge amplified by the transformation of the federal government and the rise of disruptive technologies. These forces are reshaping our economy and communities and accelerating the need for a transit system built for a digital, fast-moving world.

If we don’t respond proactively, congestion, inequities, and economic fragmentation will only deepen. And while all jurisdictions face challenges and competing priorities, we must invest boldly in transit to stay competitive, attract talent and capital, and drive inclusive growth.

The cost of inaction is steep. Gridlock drains billions in productivity, constrains business expansion, and weakens the region’s ability to compete for innovation and investment.

For the past 18 months, I chaired the Community Stakeholders Advisory Committee for DMVMoves, which brought together business, labor, and public-interest organizations across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The initiative produced two key recommendations as Randy Clarke discussed earlier:

  1. A regionwide commitment to $460 million in annual, dedicated, bondable capital funding for Metro beginning in FY 2028.
  2. A regional bus strategy aligning service standards, fares, and corridor planning across agencies.
    Together, these form the backbone of a modern transit strategy that drives economic growth and regional connectivity. If we fail to act, we risk missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a more connected, competitive, and equitable future for Greater Washington.
    Where transit is strong, economic vitality follows.

Together, these form the backbone of a modern transit strategy that drives economic growth and regional connectivity. If we fail to act, we risk missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a more connected, competitive, and equitable future for Greater Washington.

Where transit is strong, economic vitality follows.

Thank you, 

Jack McDougle

President & CEO

Greater Washington Board of Trade

Testimony: Board of Trade supports DMVMoves Task Force recommendations to secure sustainable funding for regional transit

Posted on by Board of Trade

About this Testimony: 

Jack McDougle, President & CEO of the Board of Trade, speaking as Chair of the Community Partners Advisory Group, delivered strong support for the DMVMoves Task Force’s draft recommendations to secure sustainable funding and regional coordination for transit across the Greater Washington area. New capital funding would generate $460 million annually in dedicated, bondable capital for Metro beginning FY2028, addressing long-standing funding gaps to keep the system safe and modern. Furthering modernization and financial stability for Metro is important for growing our economy and workforce to meet the future needs of this region.

Video of Testimony: 

Written Testimony Submitted: 

DOWNLOAD HERE

October 30, 2025

Dear members of the DMVMoves Task Force, 

Thank you for your leadership and tremendous work that has gone into this process. I’d also like to thank my fellow advisory committee chair, Bryan Hill; the members of both advisory committees; and Clark Mercer and his team at COG, especially Kanti and Monica—for guiding this effort. And thank you as well to Nick Donohue for his thoughtful leadership, technical expertise, and steady facilitation. 

I want to recognize WMATA — General Manager Randy Clarke, his leadership team, and especially Tom Webster — for their responsiveness and for the significant progress they have delivered. Being named APTA’s Transit Agency of the Year reflects real improvement in safety, reliability, and customer experience. Without that progress, we would be having a very different conversation today. 

I’m Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, and it’s been a privilege to chair the Community Partners Advisory Group. Our committee brought together business, labor, community advocates, and nonprofit leaders. We debated tough issues, and while we didn’t agree on every priority, we reached meaningful consensus around the need for integrated, reliable, and sustainably funded transit across the region. 

This effort is especially urgent as the federal government restructures and disruptive technologies accelerate. Our region must be able to compete for talent, investment, and innovation in a rapidly changing economy. 

If we can’t move people, we can’t move opportunity. That’s why the recommendations before you matter. They provide $460 million per year in new, bondable capital beginning in FY2028—growing three percent annually—to keep Metro safe, modern, and efficient. Securing durable, dedicated capital funding is something this region has struggled to achieve for decades, and reaching consensus on this framework is a milestone worth celebrating. 

The recommendations also set a path to align our 14 transit providers into a seamless regional network—fare policies, service guidelines, training, and priority investments. That’s how we move from a collection of systems to a coordinated platform that supports riders and drives economic growth. 

We’ve heard thoughtful feedback urging us to go further. Continued work on dedicated operating funding, stronger bus-priority implementation, accountability for delivery, workforce transition strategies, and regional studies of tools like congestion pricing and land value capture are all important next-phase conversations. Nothing in these recommendations precludes that work. In fact, they create the structure required to do it responsibly. 

But we must act now. The upcoming legislative sessions present a narrow window to secure long-term stability. If we allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good, we risk losing momentum, weakening public confidence, and slowing economic recovery. Not supporting these recommendations would take us a step backward and push us farther from the work many want to pursue next. 

From the business community’s perspective, this is about competitiveness and quality of life. Metro and our local transit systems support over $25 billion in annual economic activity, connect nearly a million daily trips, and underpin our ability to attract and retain talent and capital. Failing to act would cost far more—in congestion, lost productivity, and diminished trust in our region’s future. 

This plan is not the end of the journey; it is a beginning. We strongly support continuing a community advisory body as COG leads this next phase, with clear milestones, transparent reporting, and regional accountability. That is how we convert recommendations into results. 

Greater Washington has the assets, the talent, and the vision. Now we need the resolve. Let’s move forward together—because when our region moves, our economy moves, and our people thrive. 

Thank you, 

Jack McDougle 

President & CEO 

Greater Washington Board of Trade 

Statement: Board of Trade Applauds Thoughtful Transportation Planning Board Action on I-495 Southbound Plan

Posted on by Board of Trade

About Statement:

The Board of Trade applauds the Transportation Planning Board’s decision this week to defer action on the I-495 Southside Express Lanes project — a step that reflects real progress toward a coordinated, forward-looking transportation strategy for our region.

Official Statement:

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October 15, 2025

This week’s vote by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Transportation Planning Board (TPB) to defer action on the I-495 Southside Express Lanes project reflects real progress and a responsible approach to one of our region’s most complex transportation challenges. We thank the TPB and its members for keeping the project moving forward by allowing additional time to refine details, address legitimate concerns, and strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions.

The express lanes proposal offers a critical piece of regional infrastructure that must be viewed in the context of the entire Capital Beltway, including the American Legion Bridge, to ensure we are building a cohesive system that advances sustainable growth, mobility, and environmental goals. Projects of this scale demand careful planning, meaningful public engagement, and coordination among Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia to deliver real value for the people and businesses of Greater Washington.

At the same time, we must act with urgency. Our competitiveness depends on how quickly we modernize the infrastructure that connects our communities, employers, and talent. Deliberation should not become delay. This pause should be used productively to build consensus and align priorities so implementation can proceed efficiently once the path is clear.

The Board of Trade supports leaders across all jurisdictions working together with renewed focus, transparency, and speed. Our region’s success depends on a seamless, connected transportation network. We commend the TPB for its principled leadership and commitment to regional collaboration. Working together, we can turn this pause into momentum and advance a stronger, more holistic solution that moves people and goods safely, reliably, and competitively for decades to come.

More 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. Learn more about the Board of Trade and its mission at www.boardoftrade.org.

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