The following is a statement by COG Board of Directors Chair Kate Stewart in response to the WMATA financial update to be presented on Thursday, September 28. Stewart is a Montgomery County Councilmember.

"Our region’s economy and quality of life depend on a reliable, sustainable Metro system. State, local, and federal leaders need to prioritize ensuring we avert the fiscal cliff facing the system and work together to find a long-term, sustainable funding solution.

“COG’s leadership appreciates Metro's work to develop an updated estimate of its funding needs for FY 2025 and provide options for policymakers to consider. While proposals such as using state of good repair funds as one-time strategy for operations may allow us more time to develop solutions, using these funds present their own challenges and underscore the need to address the system’s longstanding structural issues. These are some of the critical conversations that COG is elevating as we expeditiously chart a path forward."

COG, as the association of 24 area jurisdictions representing about 6 million residents, is committed to providing regional leadership to meet the challenges Metro faces. To help address the system's looming deficit, COG convened regional leaders and focused on Metro at its annual retreat this summer, advocated for an increased return to the office for the federal workforce, and created new work groups where area leaders can collaborate and craft solutions. COG's Chief Administrative Officers Committee work group on Metro’s cost structure, which includes local city and county managers, chief financial officers, and state representatives, is closely coordinating with the transit agency to review the latest fiscal information and will be issuing a preliminary report and recommendations later this fall.

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Metro seeks more money while weighing three options to close budget gap (The Washington Post)
Metro warns of potential layoffs, service cuts as $750M budget gap looms (NBC4)