During its December meeting, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) voted unanimously to elect its 2017 officers, including City of Rockville Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton, who will serve as TPB Chairman.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as Chairman of the TPB in 2017,” said Newton. “As a regional, long-range planning board, the TPB has a unique responsibility for thinking across jurisdictional boundaries and decades into the future. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues from across the metro area to address our region's long-term transportation needs.”

Newton has served on the TPB for five years, including one year as Vice Chairman. Newton is also a member of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors. District of Columbia Councilmember Charles Allen and Arlington County Board Vice Chairman Jay Fisette will serve as Vice Chairmen of the board.

“In my coming term as First Vice Chair, I look forward to continuing to push for increased focus on transportation equity and environmental justice," said Allen. "As a regional body, TPB has the opportunity to not only guide overall regional transit planning, but also make meaningful changes to meet the needs of historically disadvantaged communities.”

"Smart transportation investments are critical to ensure our region’s economy and quality of life,” said Fisette. “I want to ensure that the TPB is an effective forum for local and state leaders to make these decisions together."