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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030126 - 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. WSTA Wins Award, TNLI Executive now Open, State Legislative Update, Thank You Sponsors, Register for Committee Mtgs, Federal Updates, and Transit Jobs Vol. 11, Issue 7: March 1, 2026 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/836c049bbe09/the-wsta-weekly-17994041?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0215a8c9-44a7-2be0-30d1-b2a80c32f66a.png> WSTA Wins National Award <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/5553dd4c-3349-bf83-487a-77d651aa762d.png> Last week in Savannah GA, WSTA received top honors at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) AdWheel Awards, earning First Place for our Transit is Why Campaign. WSTA won Best Educational Comprehensive Campaign by Businesses and Non–Service Operating Organizations. The award recognized WSTA’s statewide Transit is Why campaign — a coordinated effort across print, social, and electronic media designed to reach every corner of Washington. From urban centers to rural communities, and from west to east of the Cascades, the campaign highlighted the essential role public transit plays in connecting people, supporting local economies, and strengthening communities. Because WSTA received First Place, the campaign now advances to a final round of judging for one of 15 Grand Awards. Winners will be announced at APTA TRANSform & EXPO, October 4–7, 2026, in Chicago. Accepting the award on behalf of WSTA were: * Amy Asher, General Manager of Mason Transit Authority and WSTA’s immediate Past President, who championed the effort during her term. This marked the first educational campaign in the Association’s 45-year history. * Samantha Codi Walker, Creative Director at PointNorth, the firm WSTA partnered with to design, implement, and manage the campaign from the ground up. We are grateful for PointNorth’s creativity and continued support. Visit PointNorth https://www.pointnorthportfolio.com/ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=086a0cc3e4&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Justin D. Leighton, WSTA Executive Director, who drew on his background as a former high school teacher and political campaign manager to lead the initiative with a strategic and comprehensive approach. Also, congratulations to our members who also won awards: Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, and Ben Franklin Transit. See APTA's press release by CLICKING HERE. <https://watransit .us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c3807006b1&e=7ccb4f03e2> While the Transit is Why campaign has officially concluded, the work of telling transit’s story never stops. When the time is right, WSTA will once again point its compass toward the next opportunity to elevate public transportation across our state. In the meantime, we invite you to visit the campaign website to explore the videos and content and follow us on social media to stay connected. Website <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2e7125466f&e=7ccb4f03e2> | LinkedIn <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2 ef2a8361&id=48dfbd1802&e=7ccb4f03e2> | Instagram <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=58966de5cc&e=7ccb4f03e2> | Facebook <https://watransit.us12.list- manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ccf2065b23&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/6b154703-0933-38bc-e59c-f962837c6698.png> Thank You Point North: <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fd790d68-1336-0550-2c28-185ae782a422.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/15ee5cc3-55ab-e8e2-25c2-026e3e1f474f.png> Registation Now Open Attendees must have GM/CEO Approval to Attend WSTA is excited to announce registation is now open for its biennial TNLI Executive track program. This intense learning program will take place at the Alderbrook Resort April 22 - 24th. Becaue this trianing is greated towards indivudals who either seek to be or are in Exective level roles, we ask that you recive your GM/CEO support before applying. Executive Bootcamp: Preparing for the Enterprise The path to executive leadership requires a fundamental shift in perspective—moving from managing teams to leading the enterprise. This transition demands a unique level of strategic vision, presence, and stamina. For 2026, we are introducing TNLI Executive Bootcamp, a premier, immersive development experience designed for leaders who are ready to prepare for the highest levels of organizational responsibility. Download Program Flyer by CLICKING HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=aeb9c9ba79&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5d10d152b9&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/723df378-2e8a-6d24-f2a1-f33286c2c39f.png> By Mike Shaw, WSTA Lobbyist Budgets: Last Sunday, the House and Senate unveiled their supplemental budget proposals. The following day, Monday, the legislative chambers released their supplemental transportation budgets, with the House Transportation Committee holding a hearing on the bill, HB 2306, later that afternoon. House transportation budget materials can be found here: https://fiscal.wa.gov/statebudgets/202 6proposals/ht2026supp <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=48d111b7fb&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Senate Transportation Committee held its budget hearing on Tuesday. The senate transportation budget proposal can be found here: https://fiscal.wa.gov/statebudgets/2026proposals/st2026supp <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2347eceda0&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The senate proposal differed from the House proposal by relying on bonding to pay for state maintenance and preservation. Both budgets took from program Z, the local projects section, but the House took a much larger amount, $227M, than the Senate, $100M, to help fund those state maintenance and preservation projects. Regarding transit, both budgets did the following: 1. Fixing last year’s language regarding the world cup 2. Brought forward funding for Skagit Transit to ensure they don’t lose nearly $20M in federal funding. 3. Provided funding for King County Metro to mitigate traffic congestion due to the Revive I-5 project. The House transportation budget also contained funding for pilot programs for community and technical college transit passes using language submitted by WSTA and King County Metro. Moreover, both budgets were amended in committee to allow King County Metro to retain and use $10M for electrification of its central campus. Yet, the transfers of money from the multi modal accounts in the back of each budget was concerning as the account continues to be used as a slush fund for non-transit/pedestrian uses like pavement and ferries. The Senate passed its budgets off the Senate floor on Friday, and the House is vote its budgets out on Saturday. Budget negotiations will begin in earnest on Monday. Legislative Hearings and Deadlines: The 2026 session has less than 2 weeks remaining. Last Wednesday was the last policy committee cutoff, and Monday, March 2nd, is the last fiscal committee deadline. The focus will shift to floor action, and they will have only 4 days to vote on the bills from the opposite chamber. After next Friday, they will sort through those bills that survived the various deadlines and reconcile changes to bills made in the opposite chamber – that means each chamber must decide whether to concur with amendments, recede from amendments or seek a conference where they can essentially rewrite the entire bill, which is then subject to an up or down vote. During this reconciliation period, we will wait to the budget negotiators can reach agreement by the March 12th end of the regular session. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/053b9f0e-9c77-d684-779c-a17686eaaf7f.png> There are Vendors Booth and Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1de2260f26&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> Registation and Information Now Available WSTA Operations Committee March 4-6 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7a36dd93b5&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Roadeo Steering Committee March 11 Ellensburg, WA Email will be sent to Cmt. TNLI Meet and Greet March 18 Virtual WSTA HR Roundtable Committee March 19 - 20 Bellingham, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0e12d03f2b&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 25 Ellensburg, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=42a38f846b&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Maintenance & Facilities Committee March 31 Tulalip, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4db2a5c560&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Spring Maintenance Forum April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f0f4c728fe&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 1 April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA Info sent to Fellows WSTA Marketing and Communications Committee April 22-23 Olympia WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a0cad58b06&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA TNLI Executive April 22-24 Union, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0849f4280b&e=7ccb4f03e2> Must have GM/CEO Approval to attend WSTA Transit Planners Committee April 30 - May 1st Richland, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9e56cc2726&e=7ccb4f03e2> For WSA Meetings and Events Beyond April, please see WSTA's 2026 Master Calendar CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5b67bc071d&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> 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=06a49596b8&e=7ccb4f03e2> an additional $390 million worth of awards under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. This Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding will be allocated to 34 projects in 19 states and Puerto Rico to replace, rehabilitate, purchase, construct, and lease buses and related equipment and facilities. In a press release, FTA stated that the funding would support the delivery of approximately 200 new buses and the construction or rehabilitation of 11 bus maintenance facilities. * FTA extended <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6579952cee&e=7ccb4f03e2> the deadline for agencies that were required to submit their Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs on March 1, 2026. The extension comes as the agency works to review its EEO Requirements and Guidelines Circular to conform with recent Executive Orders. Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Request for Information (RFI) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=df796839ea&e=7ccb4f03e2> soliciting input from stakeholders on unmet infrastructure needs in rural and Tribal communities. The Department seeks opportunities to provide services and technical assistance under the Rural Opportunities to use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative to address those challenges. Responses are due to the agency 60 days following its recent publication. * DOT issued updated guidance <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b8a97c523e&e=7ccb4f03e2> on Multimodal State Freight Plans and State Freight Advisory Committees in accordance with Executive Orders and Secretarial Orders from the Trump Administration. The guidance became effective on Tuesday. * The Senate confirmed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c430e78815&e=7ccb4f03e2> Ryan McCormack to serve as Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy yesterday in a 57-33 vote. Mr. McCormack has served as the agency’s Deputy Chief of Staff since last January. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * The Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCSA) provided <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=45336d5554&e=7ccb4f03e2> a review <https://watransit.us12.list- manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=16754b632c&e=7ccb4f03e2> of previously-implemented and forthcoming agency actions intended to “strengthen safety and integrity on America’s roads.” During his State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump also called on Congress to pass legislation entitled Delilah’s Law to bar “any state from granting commercial driver’s licenses to illegal aliens.” <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=3a037664fe&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 ________________________________ Procurement & Contracts Administrator C-TRAN Salary Range: $7,253.00 - $10,880.00 The incumbent will perform regular and recurring work situations, with occasional variations from the norm, involving a high degree of complexity, and will contribute to the development of new priorities and objectives that govern the work of procurement. Contacts may contain confidential/sensitive information necessitating discretion at all times. Provides oversight and direction to management and vendors during the procurement process. Work is performed independently with limited direction from the Manager of Procurement and Contracts and considerable judgment is expected to be exercised in the execution of duties. Actions have a significant impact on benefits or costs in time, money, or public/employee relations. Errors can lead to bid protests, grant sanctions, audit findings, and adverse public information. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=32b34c4fc9&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=3e1bf6f0d7&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=62df551312&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=533f5244d0&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=d0baca3751&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * I-5 construction pushes more Seattle-area commuters onto public transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4cbae1992a&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KING * Sound Transit OKs property acquisitions for Ballard, West Seattle light rail extensions <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9dc0d95ed4&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KING * Retired Link vans boost transportation access for five regional nonprofits <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=796bb44aca&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Leavenworth Echo * Sound Transit pushes debt fix as $35B shortfall threatens projects <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=67945c4308&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Axios Seattle * Seattle Transit Measure: Performance Since Passed (2020 to Now) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ec1e86cd41&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Transit Blog * County Commissioner Scott Brummer serving temporarily as Lewis County Transit director after departure of Nylander <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id =740b73d6e7&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Centralia Chronicle * Ben Franklin Transit installing heaters at transit centers <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b5550c8256&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KAPP * Intercity Transit Authority approves installation of digital signs at Olympia Transit Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2a7e7cdafb&e=7ccb4f03 e2> . The JOLT News * Credit card ‘Tap to Pay’ starts Monday on Seattle-area ORCA transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0cd76ae39c&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Times (pdf included) ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ea2d19524b&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8514e3edc0&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9c52f9ddef&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2194a49c9b&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d90ddcf0ed&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=eb3d1c0db2&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b650fa515a&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=712efeafa2&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=58558d90ca&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9e4eadd229&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3b2f60cc99&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=010c96701d&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=187098c05d> or unsubscribe from this list <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&t=b&e=7ccb4f03e2&c=187098c05d> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=187098c05d&e=7ccb4f03e2>