Testimony: Support for WMATA Operating and Capital Budget (MD)

Testimony in support of the MTA-WMATA Budget

Date: February 17, 2026
Position: FAVORABLE with AMENDMENTS

The Coalition for Smarter Growth strongly supports funding for WMATA. We support the proposed governor’s allowance with amendments that the State of Maryland provide:

Full operating funding contribution identified by WMATA in its proposed FY27 budget; and
Starting in FY28, the DMVMoves capital funding increase of $152M per year.

Our 29-year old organization advocates for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way to grow and provide opportunities for all. We work extensively in the MD suburbs of Washington, DC.

The WMATA Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess systems are foundations of the economy and affordable living in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. Maryland Metro stations and bus stop areas generate $2.6 billion in property tax revenue, house 1.1 million people, and include 481,000 jobs and 42,000 businesses.

Thousands of Maryland commuters and their families save in the range of $13,000 per year because they can take frequent and reliable Metro service to work and school instead of driving. Metro has also made our region more economically competitive by attracting and retaining cutting-edge companies and next generation employees. Vacancy rates for offices near Metro are significantly lower than in office parks, reflecting the desirability of Metro station locations.

Without timely action by the State of Maryland, DC and Virginia, inadequate capital funding for Metro will result in declining service reliability, worsening customer experience, and increased safety risk. These risks threaten worker commutes, transit-oriented business centers in Montgomery and Prince George’s, and household affordability that underpin the economy and make Maryland a desirable place.

The additional funding recommended by the DMVMoves Task Force represents reinvestment in Maryland’s infrastructure and a competitive, sustainable, and affordable transit-oriented future.

In summary, we ask for a Favorable with Amendments report.

Thank you.