The Committee on Transportation and the Environment of the District of Columbia convened on June 10, 2025, to conduct a budget oversight hearing focused on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). The meeting, led by Ward 6 Council Member and Chairperson Charles Allen, took place in Room 500 of the historic John A. Wilson Building and was also accessible via Zoom.

Chairperson Allen opened the session at 11:15 AM, outlining the purpose of the hearing, which was to receive testimony regarding DDOT's budget and its implications for the district's transportation network. He highlighted DDOT's mission to provide a safe, sustainable, and reliable multimodal transportation system for all residents and visitors. The proposed operating budget for FY 26 is set at $175.9 million, reflecting a 5.1% decrease from the previous fiscal year. This budget supports 796 full-time equivalent positions, a reduction of two from FY 25.

Director Sharon Kirschbaum of DDOT presented the budget, emphasizing the need for strategic investments amid various budgetary pressures. She noted that the budget includes significant funding for safety and mobility projects, with over $77 million allocated for capital projects aimed at improving roadway safety and reducing fatalities. The budget also supports the ongoing deployment of bus lane enforcement cameras and enhancements to DDOT's permitting systems.

Kirschbaum discussed the challenges facing the district's streetcar system, which has not met its original connectivity goals. She indicated that discontinuing the current streetcar service could allow for a reimagining of transit options that better serve the community's needs. The budget proposes $56.5 million for bus priority projects, aimed at improving bus speeds and efficiency across all eight wards.

In addition to transportation improvements, the budget allocates funds for urban forestry initiatives, including the planting and maintenance of 8,000 trees annually to enhance the district's urban canopy. Kirschbaum emphasized the importance of these investments in promoting sustainability and resilience against climate change.

The hearing concluded with a commitment to continue discussions on the budget and its implications for the district's transportation infrastructure. The committee plans to review the testimony and make recommendations as part of the budget approval process.