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 and funding decisions have a big influence on the region’s transportation network.

MTC's advocacy work in Washington traditionally focuses on ensuring Bay Area priorities are reflected in federal transportation policy and supporting a robust overall federal transportation program. MTC also advocates for funding and policies that support Bay Area regional priority projects.

MTC’s advocacy priorities include the following:

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)

The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H. R. 3684) — known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) — allocates roughly $1 trillion for infrastructure investment over five years, and reauthorizes the core federal surface transportation program.

BART workers performing track maintenance.
Surface Transportation Law

The BIL includes a five-year authorization of the core federal surface transportation program. MTC distributes federal transit funds through the Transit Capital Priorities program and flexible highway funds via the One Bay Area Grant program.

Road maintenance crews laying fresh tar on a road in San Francisco's Crissy Field.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Grants

Bay Area surface transportation projects can compete for more than $100 billion in U.S. Department of Transportation BIL competitive grants. MTC’s Bay Area Infrastructure Grants Strategy charts a five-year path for maximizing the Bay Area’s share of these grants.

A new BART train at Antioch station.
Capital Investment Grant Program

This is the major funding source for rail and bus expansion projects nationwide. MTC advocates for robust funding levels in Washington, and plays a critical role in developing consensus among Bay Area transit partners about which projects should pursue this highly competitive grant.

A construction worker stands in front of the tunnel boring machine in the tunnels that will become the Muni Central Subway in San Francisco.

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.

Working Together on the Federal, State & Regional Levels

State Advocacy

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.

Regional Leadership

MTC collaborates with cities, counties, transit agencies and other partners to compete together for federal and state funding.