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HomeMy WebLinkAbout112625 The WSTA WeeklyALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Applications Now Open for TNLI Emerging 2026Leadership Symposium, 2026 Calandar, Federal Updates and Tarnsit Jobs Vol. 10, Issue 32 Noevember 26, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/854be1f2690a/the-wsta-weekly-17992528?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> Deadline Approaching 2026 Applications Now Open <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fe3813e0-182a-647e-cce6-3c7ebae8a2e8.png> Applications for the 2026 TNLI Emerging Program are now open. Due to FIFA 2026 being held in town in June and July 2026, everything WSTA is doing is being moved up a few weeks to avoid meetings during that time, and that means it's time to start applying for the 2026 program. Today, the 2025 Fellows concluded their presentation at our annual Leadership Symposium <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8a36502ce9&e=7ccb4f03e2> , and we are already underway in the search for the next class. Click the link below to go to the TNLI website, download the syllabus, and click the link for the application. Be sure to prepare all your application materials before submitting, and double-check the in-person events, as those are mandatory and can not be made up in any other way. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f654ea0133&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/e2339b26-b1d6-421d-b365-4ea027ec26ba.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration * Pursuant to a recent decision in the case of California v. Duffy, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id= a80962c79d&e=7ccb4f03e2> an amendment <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4ecff2401b&e=7ccb4f03e2> to its Master Agreement affirming that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will not “include any grant conditions requiring cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement in any grant agreements presented to recipients for signature on or after November 4, 2025. To the extent any such conditions are included in any grant agreement that was executed or presented for signature prior to November 4, 2025, DOT will not enforce those conditions, the conditions have no legal effect, and the conditions should be considered stricken from the agreements.” A press release from the agency on the amendment adds that “DOT reserves its rights to appeal the order.” Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration * The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2ffd62b0ff&e=7ccb4f03e2> approximately $2 billion worth of awards through the Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program) and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program (Bus Program). The agency allocated Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 funding to 165 capital projects in 45 states and Washington, D.C that will replace, rehabilitate, purchase, construct, or lease buses and related equipment and facilities. In a press release, the agency estimated that “the funds will deliver 2,400 buses built with American parts and labor” and offered that the selected projects would “help modernize America’s bus infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, and help people travel more efficiently and affordably” while creating “good-paying jobs in both rural and urban communities across the country.” See a state-by-state list of selections <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=028627d539&e=7ccb4f03e2> for Bus Program and Low-No funding. We extend our congratulations to our colleagues at the City of Fresno, the City of Madison, and Pierce Transit for receiving awards. * <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/016cfec5-5dae-8363-f1b1-512805496acd.png> * Transit stakeholders responded to POLITICO’s reporting <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fa1adbe265&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) had submitted two policy proposals that would dramatically reduce federal funding for transit projects to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review or for Members of Congress to consider for potential inclusion in the next surface transportation reauthorization. The first proposal would reportedly eliminate the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Transit Fund (HTF), while the second would allegedly prohibit states from flexing highway formula funding to FTA to support public transportation projects. In a statement, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) argued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ff77b94d52&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the proposals would be “reckless,” and Transportation for America (T4A) added <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=832c9146b5&e=7ccb4f03e2> that they would “take away travel options from everyday Americans” and “erode the significant local and national economic benefits of transit.” * FTA requested <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3a69784a80&e=7ccb4f03e2> public comments on a proposed rescission of the National Transit Database (NTD) Weekly Reference (WE-20) reporting requirement. The agency argues in a Notice that, “Although the WE-20 reporting requirement provided important data as the country recovered from the pandemic, it is not required by statute, and [...] no longer offers sufficient value relative to the administrative burden on transit agencies.” FTA will accept feedback on the proposal through December 2, 2025. Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) withdrew <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=323181132e&e=7ccb4f03e2> a Biden-era rulemaking that would have required airlines to provide passengers impacted by significant flight disruptions with compensation. In a Notice published on Monday, the agency argued that the rulemaking was inconsistent with statutory authority provided by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-63) and would “impose significant costs on airlines, and potentially consumers.” The Department noted further that major U.S. passenger air carriers also generally reimburse passengers during significant flight disruptions voluntarily. * CQ reports <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1970e25a87&e=7ccb4f03e2> that some sponsors have expressed confusion about the status of their projects in the wake of an Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued by DOT in early October requiring the recertification of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) based on new criteria. New guidance <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1183ff649a&e=7ccb4f03e2> on the IFR issued by the Department in recent weeks states that “contracts with a DBE goal that were let and executed prior to October 3, 2025 are not required to be modified.” However, groups such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCE) still argue that “‘immediate implementation, absence of transitional guidance and lack of procedural clarity’” could result in “‘disruption, administrative overload, and inconsistent treatment across states.” A group of 88 House Democrats led by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen and House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez sent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=141e016b7c&e=7ccb4f03e2> a letter <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click? u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=98232f1db1&e=7ccb4f03e2> to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging the agency to “tread carefully with the Department’s plans for the program,” warning that an approach that “seeks to punish minority- and women-owned small businesses will add chaos, cost, and delay to transportation projects and will have ripple effects throughout the construction industry.” Local Infrastructure Hub * The Local Infrastructure Hub (LIH) will host a webinar next week featuring Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird to highlight local projects funded through Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) competitive grant programs. The virtual session <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5ecf29c3b8&e=7ccb4f03e2> will take place this Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). <https://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Executive_Action_Update_650x200_Final_3009955.png> Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation: Since January 20, President Trump has issued almost 100 Executive Orders, Memoranda, and Proclamations to carry out his Administration’s policy goals and agenda. Many of these directives, together with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) actions, directly impact the public transportation industry. These Executive Orders and other directives pause some transportation funding; terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; impose new tariffs; and establish priorities for DOT competitive grants. APTA’s Executive and Regulatory Actions Tracker <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b795494f2f&e=7ccb4f03e2> provides real-time updates and summaries regarding the President’s Executive Orders and other Administration actions that impact the public transportation industry. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Claims Specialist 1 / Administrative Assistant Washington State Transit Insurance Pool Salary Range: $71,990 to 91,592 Annually The position works in the claims department of a public entity risk pool and provides claims handling, management, support, and administration. Work is performed following established office procedures and general directions. If you are a person that wants to make a positive difference in your state and community, have a positive attitude, can analyze unique events, is organized and task-oriented, thrives in a fast-moving and ever-changing environment, has strong customer/claimant-service and interpersonal skills, and a professional demeanor, this could be your new workplace! Telecommuting is currently available. WSTIP’s office is in Olympia, Washington. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a174fb2075&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=07748c0c67&e=7ccb4f03e2> If you are a transit agency and have an opening - please use the submit button on the website. Attention Transit Vendors Please sign up for the WSTA Vendor Email Distribution List to be the first to know. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f83d5ca3d0&e=7ccb4f03e2> *If you are not a vendor please do not sign up <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/1877cd28-850f-4d18-987c-7fcdc524d617.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/16fd6fee-3218-4d70-b1fe-2056df0f1434.gif> WSTA pays an annual membership to the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), which allows our Transit Agency members access to their services. Check out what is new with MRSC. Available for WSTA Transit Members: Ask MRSC - Ask MRSC Archives <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1d1c204cd6&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ Ask Transit WSTA's partn <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/d4f5e03c-25b5-4812-8415-e6065dfea42a.png> er, the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (WSTIP), provides an "Ask Transit" tool, which allows agency employees to ask a question, and staff will work to research that question and respond back. . Click Here to Ask Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=22449da3c1&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Shuttle service between Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula isn’t just a holiday thing this year <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bf30afab51&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Gig Harbor Now * Officials weigh major change to long-planned West Seattle light rail <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=91eec3503a&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KING * Snohomish County transit agencies get $24M for bus upgrades <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0bd5c5e611&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * WTA says it won’t renew bus pass contract with WWU <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ce1a60e538&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Cascadia Daily News (pdf included) * Sound Transit to test more frequent trains before 2 Line opens <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c56a19d1cb&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * Sound Transit testing faster run times on the 1 Line Monday and Tuesday <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2c3a38c3f2&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KIRO Newsradio * Explore Sound Transit's expansive transit network across the Puget Sound region <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b75234521d&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Tacoma News Tribune via Yahoo * Debate over representation on Clark County transit board reaches possible resolution <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b614a916d9&e=7ccb4f03e2> . OPB * Vancouver, Clark County representation on C-Tran board boosted after state threatens funding <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=22e9ea9fc9&e=7ccb4f03 e2> . The Columbian (pdf included) * Executive Braddock announces upgrades to Metro’s Access paratransit service, improving freedom and flexibility for riders with disabilities living in rural communities <https://watransit.us12.list- manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=84caf7ec33&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Metro Matters ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=75b5a43759&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=567895ad4f&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=acacdf420b&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4223e35f82&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9cfe0a7c55&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e1725752ae&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e5b524d4d0&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c1808140b3&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a07de8c9cf&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=50b03cc095&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=47796b9935&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6e92ba0fec&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2629 12th Court SW Olympia, WA 98502 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/profile?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&e=7ccb4f03e2&c=3abf44d080> or unsubscribe from this list <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&t=b&e=7ccb4f03e2&c=3abf44d080> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3abf44d080&e=7ccb4f03e2>