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Joint WMATA Governance Review Task Force

The Joint WMATA Governance Review Task Force established by the Greater Washington Board of Trade (BOT) and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has agreed to recommend to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) improvements in the transit agency’s governance to ensure the highest performing and sustainable transportation system for the Washington metropolitan area.

The Task Force is comprised of area business leaders, former elected and appointed officials, plus elected officials currently serving on the COG Board of Directors. The Task Force committed to examine governance models used in other regions and identify opportunities for improved decision-making by the WMATA Board. The Task Force expects to complete its study and release its findings and recommendations in late summer – early fall.

The Task Force held its initial, organizational meeting on June 11, 2010. It held an open meeting and forum on July 1. Staff summaries of the meetings are available below.

As one of its first actions, the task force invited a broad range of stakeholders and the public to an open meeting and forum on July 1 to comment on the Task Force’s goals and assist in identifying critical governance issues and best practices for the Washington area. Comments received to date are available below. (The Task Force continues to accept public comments on WMATA governance.)

At subsequent meetings, the Task Force anticipates inviting representatives of other regional transit authorities or similar organizations to provide information on governance models. The Task Force may invite stakeholder and public input at future meetings, as well.

The BOT and COG supported a similar public-private study partnership in late 2004 and early 2005 when they jointly created a Metro Funding Panel. The panel’s recommendation, to create a federal dedicated source of funding matched by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia funding, was subsequently approved by Congress and signed into law by the President in 2008.

Mission, Roster, and Participation Guidelines

Task Force Mission Statement

Task Force Roster

Task Force Participation Guidelines

Upcoming Meetings and Meeting Summaries

Meetings summaries will be posted for both open meetings and work sessions.

September 17, 2010 Meeting (open meeting at COG - 8:30a - 11:30a)

August 27, 2010 Meeting (work session)

August 26, 2010 Meeting (work session)

August 23, 2010 Meeting (work session)

August 3, 2010 Meeting (work session)

July 19, 2010 Meeting (work session)