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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061526 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. Early Bird Registration Closes, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit in the News Vol. 11, Issue 16: June 13, 2026 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/956ff4b4c4b0/the-wsta-weekly-17996341?e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0215a8c9-44a7-2be0-30d1-b2a80c32f66a.png> Conference Earlybird Registation Ends Soon Monday, June 15, is the last day to register with our Early Bird Registation <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/2c8e6652-d073-90e1-f80b-b0a9089f27a6.png> ________________________________ <https://us.list-manage.com/VnC8LL_V31b?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Conference Session Titles Now Available A <https://us.list-manage.com/vpHjvTDbPpA?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> s partners continue to submit Conference Sessions, we are pleased to share the list of nearly 40 we have received so far. Please see below. We will soon have our tours organized and published, and finally, now that most of the sessions are in, WSTA staff will begin setting the agenda. * Accelerating Innovation Mobility: A multi-state view of public transportation * Beyond Traditional Outreach: Creative Approaches to Community Engagement * Boosting Morale Together * Center-Running BRT * Changing How We Learn: Transforming Culture, Empowering People * Charging Ahead: Lessons Learned on the Road to Electrification * Connecting Rural Washington * Consolidated Grants Workshop * Cool Heads, Safe Rides: Emotion and Conflict Management in Transit * From activities to impact: Team building that delivers * From Stories to Strategy: Mapping What Riders Need * Fueling the Workforce Behind Public Transportation * Grant guidebook in action: Your voice, your impact * Grant Technical Assistance: Frequently Asked Questions and Project Readiness * Honoring Shawn Yim’s Legacy: Moving complex transit safety challenges into coordinated actions * Lights, Camera, Safety! Turning DriveCam Footage into Better Operations * Managing Paratransit Customer Demand * Measuring access: Demonstrating the value of public transportation in Washington * Multimodal level of service: how to make sure transit is represented * Parts Without Borders: How Agencies Are Solving Problems Together * Peer Insights: Making Transit Performance Data Useful * Planning for the future: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation comprehensive mapping project * Planning for Your Future Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment Needs * Rideshare (Vanpool) Shark Tank: Pitching the Future of Commuting * Seattle World Cup: No car required * Serving the Spanish-speaking community (presented in Spanish with translation) * So you want to work with tribes. Now what? * Statewide planning: how we engage with tribes * Statewide sidewalk data! An overview of OS-CONNECT * The Ever-Changing Employment and Labor Laws - Update by Summit Law * Transit Asset Management Planning * Transits Incorporating Mobility on Demand: A Cost Comparative Analysis with WSDOT and UW * Unlocking the Power of CRM in Transit * Wait, where do I find that? * Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Information Session * Why we do what we do: The Public Transportation Division’s strategic vision * WSDOT Public Transportation Plan Update While we do not yet have details of sessions in a program, we do have a Program At-a-Glance that provides an outline of the conference flow. We do hope to have a detailed program in a few weeks. <https://us.list-manage.com/7vU2x0MMTf7?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule <https://us.list-manage.com/Kxm0MaQzLf1?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> to eliminate disparate-impact liability from its regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The agency maintained that the “amendments align the Department’s regulations with Title VI’s original meaning, avoid constitutional concerns, reduce compliance costs, and serve the public interests.” The final rule took effect yesterday. Federal Transit Administration * The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reminded <https://us.list-manage.com/RII75t40Fyk?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> stakeholders that it recently withdrew guidance document Circular 4704.1A, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients. In a press release, FTA offered that the action “removes a significant administrative burden for many large transit recipients by eliminating the requirement to submit comprehensive EEO program plans and documentation to the FTA for review and approval as well as FTA oversight through our Comprehensive Oversight Review process.” The agency noted that “it is important for all FTA recipients to understand that the withdrawal of this circular only affects transit recipient EEO reporting requirements to FTA; it does not change the underlying obligation to comply with all Federal nondiscrimination requirements, including those under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act and other applicable statutes.” House Appropriations Approves Some FY 2027 Spending Bills Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee approved several of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 spending bills. On Tuesday, the Committee advanced <https://us.list-manage.com/8GMJXa2eudH?e=850008 f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act in a 34-28 vote, and then voted 34-27 to advance <https://us.list-manage.co m/wmizh9eeIuo?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> the FY 2027 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. See our update <https://us.list-manage.com/1BFp48vWywR?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7 fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> from last week for a summary of both measures. The Committee also adopted several amendments to the bills, including an amendment that would restrict immigration officials from deporting an immigrant to a third country without a court order from an immigration judge in the Homeland Security bill. The Committee also released the FY 2027 Defense Appropriations Act. We have included a brief summary below for your consideration. Defense * Press Release <https://us.list-manage.com/15SIA9LX30K?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Legislative Text <https://us.list-manage.com/zj_4tDXBWJ0?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Summary <https://us.list-manage.com/vsg1Y5AGpM8?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Minority Materials <https://us.list-manage.com/tGXNvhuT068?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> The FY 2027 Defense Appropriations Act would provide a total of $1.07 trillion, an increase of $234 billion, according to the summary provided by Committee Democrats. It would provide $204 billion for active, reserve, and National Guard military personnel, a $10.9 billion increase from the FY 2026 enacted level. The proposed pay increases include a 7 percent increase in pay for all military personnel ranked E-5 and below, a 6 percent increase for E-6 to O-4 personnel, and a 5 percent increase for personnel ranked O-4 and above. It would also provide $397.9 million for Golden Dome for America, including $12.5 billion for Missile Defense Agency programs and $13 billion in Space Force programs. It would also prohibit funding for the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA). Congress * A new piece <https://us.list-manage.com/7uaUg5lWvLr?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> from Smart Cities Dive highlights a growing Congressional advocacy initiative by cities to avert a “fiscal cliff” for water infrastructure programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58). Authorizations for core programs administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF), Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program, and programs to address PFAS and lead service line (LSL) replacement, are set to expire with the expiration of the law on September 30, 2026. The National League of Cities (NLC) and other intergovernmental organizations hope that potential forthcoming standalone legislation from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee or the next Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) could serve as a reauthorization vehicle for these programs. We will continue to keep you updated. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration * The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a temporary exemption <https://us.list-manage.com/AH_fHc5cQFI?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> of certain regulatory requirements pertaining to security training programs for the over-the-road bus (OTRB) owners and operators that are providing new or modified fixed-route service to the World Cup. The exemption is effective from June 10, 2026 to July 31, 2026. Congress * The Senate, Commerce, Science, and Transportation (CST) Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety held a hearing <https://us.list-manage.com/LbIOV01HH4j?e=850008f825&c2 id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> to examine barriers to innovation in transportation safety. During the hearing, Subcommittee Chair Todd Young argued <https://us.list-manage.com/aF2gkdRrsp2?e=85 0008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> that technologies such as autonomous vehicles (AVs), train inspection portals, and vehicle to everything (V2X) technologies are promising but continued development is “locked behind outdated rules and red tape.” * Full Committee Chair Ted Cruz provided an update that the CST Committee is “hard at work” toward the development of a surface transportation reauthorization bill and indicated that an AV framework could represent a key component of the measure. * The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Views and Estimates <https://us.list-manage.com/EtFsFy9IcRX?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76dab a0> . The bipartisan document highlights the Committee’s priorities for the coming fiscal year. * Those priorities include the surface transportation reauthorization, a new Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), “continued efforts to strengthen the Nation’s ports, waterways, and transportation networks,” and “oversight of the Department of Transportation and the Administration’s efforts to modernize the national airspace and its air traffic control (ATC) system.” The Committee also approved an updated Subcommittee Roster to reflect the addition of Florida Representative Clay Fuller to the Majority. U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service * A federal judge from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia vacated <https://us.list-manage.com/bYMgZ5ipKqr?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> guidance <https://us.list-manage.com/Sg6J7JbIFdf?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) last August clarifying the definition of “beginning of construction” for the purposes of the phase-out of the Section 45Y Clean Electricity Production Credit and Section 48E Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit for wind and solar facilities mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 117-169). The guidance had stated that “beginning of construction” in relation to credit eligibility may only be established by a Physical Work Test and eliminated a previous Five Percent Safe Harbor where it could be established through spending of at least five percent of a project’s total cost. However, for taxpayers pursuing wind and solar projects in their communities, some energy attorneys caution <https://us.list-manage.com/e4xVOqOFoiw?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> that “given the short timeline before the July 4 beginning of construction deadline, the remand to the IRS for further review, and the potential for an appeal of the ruling and possible procedural and substantive grounds on which it may be overruled, it is not advisable to rely on the Five Percent Safe Harbor for such projects.” <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Information Technology Manager Pierce Transit Salary Range: $165,919.57 - $209,941.19 We are recruiting an Information Technology Manager to lead the Information Technology department, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. This role ensures the secure, reliable, and efficient operation of all agency technology systems, including networks, telecommunications, integrated applications, and cybersecurity, that support public transit services. The IT Manager oversees technology strategy, critical systems, budgeting, and resource allocation; sets strategic goals; and recommends effective technology solutions aligned with business needs. This position provides senior-level technical expertise across multiple disciplines, fosters innovation, and integrates people, processes, and technology to achieve agency goals, while coaching and developing staff and facilitating effective collaboration. <https://us.list-manage.com/4PBPNZjrVbq?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://us.list-manage.com/6ovSMklRPVQ?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> 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://us.list-manage.com/E_B1733Yqah?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> *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://us.list-manage.com/A9AspZ48sJ0?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ________________________________ 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://us.list-manage.com/14UPNEMv6SP?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> <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://us.list-manage.com/UjceTMVa85J?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> 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/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Seattle World Cup: What to know about riding light rail, buses, ferries <https://us.list-manage.com/JahnbLrfP6U?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Seattle Times (pdf included) * C-Tran opts to condemn properties needed for Purple Vine construction <https://us.list-manage.com/aS7ZrXZJNRM?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . The Columbian (pdf included) * Seattle-area light rail ridership hits No. 1 in U.S <https://us.list-manage.com/bvvUgiZffLm?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Axios Seattle * Creating a safer Metro: Our Behavioral Health Support program <https://us.list-manage.com/6XWrTxONViz?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Metro Matters * Hop on public transit to win prizes during Ride Transit Month <https://us.list-manage.com/m807eAXZsIf?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . The JOLT News ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://us.list-manage.com/enCaXVvWrch?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Latest Issue <https://us.list-manage.com/3qnSh1widQo?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6d a3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Metro Magazine News <https://us.list-manage.com/21E0ywfPyup?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * National RTAP <https://us.list-manage.com/MpQn1DUPM3I?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Transit Talent <https://us.list-manage.com/QvSYzC3FZwK?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://us.list-manage.com/VMKqF6MqTgo?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * T4America <https://us.list-manage.com/17TBFQlzzxm?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * CTAA News <https://us.list-manage.com/xbVlUghYYag?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://us.list-manage.com/SqvBXaGgFxi?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ________________________________ <https://us.list-manage.com/jRVLAhPtx9A?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> <https://us.list-manage.com/1ChxJTr5cfj?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://us.list-manage.com/rgO_ySQJ2cE?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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