2026: A Year of Unprecedented Change in DC Local Politics

As the District prepares for its most significant political shift in over a decade, DCST is positioning itself to ensure that transportation remains a top-tier priority for the next generation of leadership.

• New Executive Leadership: For the first time in 12 years, D.C. will elect a new Mayor following Muriel Bowser’s decision not to seek a fourth term.

• Legislative Turnover: 7 out of 13 Council seats are up for election. With incumbents like Anita Bonds retiring and Kenyan McDuffie resigning to run for Mayor, the legislative body will see a significant influx of new voices.

• Federal Representation: After 35 years, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is retiring. The race for this non-voting Congressional seat is highly competitive, with local leaders like Robert White and Brooke Pinto vying for the role.

DCST will act as a transportation and land-use thought-leader to ensure that, as new leaders take office, they are equipped with a consensus-driven transit agenda.

• DCST 2026 Transportation Agenda Publication: A public-facing framework focusing on Affordability and Economic Development as the pillars of D.C.’s future growth.

  • Timeline: May 2026

• Mayoral Candidates Forum: A high-profile public event where candidates will respond to the DCST Agenda and share their unique visions for mobility.

  • Timeline: May 21, 2026

• Policy “Deep Dives”: Post-primary, DCST will transition into technical work on specific policy verticals to support the 2027 transition.

  • Timeline: June - December 2026

• New Innovations in Transportation: DCST has studied Autonomous Vehicle (AV) policy for DC, as well as regionally managed toll lanes and road pricing, micromobility, and curbside management innovations.

• Budgetary Advocacy for Infrastructure that Promotes Economic Development: DCST has consistently advocated for infrastructure investment that promotes economic development, including funding for streateries and public space permitting reforms, key road safety projects, including the DDOT Bus Priority Program, K Street Transitway, protected bicycle lanes, and sidewalks, while supporting the expansion of bus-only lanes.

• Dockless Bike-Share Principles: In 2018, DCST partnered with dockless bike-share companies to create a joint statement of principles, establishing guidelines for parking, data sharing, and safety standards to ensure smooth integration of these services. DCST also advocated for 20,000 Dockless Bikes in DC to meet demand for more mobility options.

• Safety and Enforcement Changes: The coalition has advocated for the importance of seeing ticket reciprocity from MD and VA drivers for the citations issued for bad behavior in DC, for keeping Automated Traffic Enforcement (traffic cameras) legal and exempt from congressional intervention, and for using revenues from ATEs to provide funding for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to prioritize safety improvements over revenue collection.

• Bus Priority and Congestion Management: DCST strongly supported WMATA’s Better Bus Network redesign, has worked on optimizing bus routes, improving curbside management in business districts, and exploring congestion pricing to reduce emissions and improve safety.

• Regional Transit Collaboration: The coalition has participated in studies for enhanced, car-free transportation alternatives, such as the Georgetown Transit Enhancement to Metrorail Study.

• Advocacy for Transportation Equity: DCST has integrated equity into its goals, focusing on connecting vulnerable residents to opportunities through improved transit and infrastructure.