Testimony: Montgomery County Delegation Joint House and Senate Priorities Hearing
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:
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:
- A regionwide commitment to $460 million in annual, dedicated, bondable capital funding for Metro beginning in FY 2028.
- 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
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