Federal Advocacy
MTC is a strong advocate in Washington, D.C. for the Bay Area’s transportation priorities.
Photo by Maria Oswalt/Unsplash
Federal policy decisions have a big influence on the region’s transportation network.
MTC's advocacy work in Washington traditionally focuses on the overall federal transportation program, and on support for capital investment in Bay Area transportation projects.
Several recent funding bills came to pass in part through MTC’s advocacy efforts:
COVID-19 Relief Funding
Federal relief funds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic delivered almost $4 billion for Bay Area transit agencies. This money kept transit agencies running, and will help the Bay Area to invest and plan for a better public transit network in the future.
- American Rescue Plan Act (March 2021)
- Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (December 2020)
- CARES Act (April 2020)
Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST Act)
State and local governments were able to plan for surface transportation improvements with scheduled federal funding from the FAST Act.
New Starts
The Section 5309 Capital Investment Grant program — commonly referred to as New Starts — is the main funding source for rail and bus expansion projects nationwide.
Working Together on the Federal, State & Regional Levels
State legislators work on a range of policies that affect the Bay Area. MTC makes sure the Bay Area has a voice when state funding gets distributed.
MTC collaborates with cities, counties, transit agencies and other partners to compete together for federal and state funding.
MTC teams with many organizations to advocate for federal support of urban transportation. These include:
- American Public Transportation Association
- Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations
- Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors
- National League of Cities
- Transportation for America
- U.S. Conference of Mayors
These online resources make it easier to stay on top of what’s going on in Washington: