MWCOG

Bike to Work Day May 15 Register for Free Today!

Put a new spin on your commute! Bike to Work Day is May 15, 2026. The first 18,000 who register and participate can pick up a free T-shirt and other goodies at one of more than 100 pit stops around the DC-MD-VA region. Register today for free at biketoworkmetrodc.org

Starting Fall 2026, Metro is proposing two U-Pass options:

• Universal model: $1 per day with full student participation
• Opt-In model: $1.75 per day with a 33% minimum participation requirement

More flexibility for universities = More affordable transit for students

As the region recovers from the Potomac sewage spill, do your part to prevent more sewage overflows. Don't flush any wipes, even wipes labeled "flushable." They don't dissolve and can clog pipes.

An image of a drinking glass with the text "Your Water is A-OK."

Our region's drinking water from the Potomac River is not impacted by the sewage spill.

TPB FY 2027-2028 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program projects table

The TPB approved over $12 million in federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program funding today for seven small-scale projects in Virginia that will support safe walking, transit access, and ADA accessibility. Learn more about the projects: bit.ly/3ZJlQfC

Looking for “the one?” 💙

Skip plastic and fall in love with tap water. It’s affordable, tested around the clock, and good for the environment, unlike single-use plastic bottles that create waste. Skip plastic and choose the one that treats you, your wallet, and the planet best.

Protect your pipes and keep wipes out of the toilet. This week, wipes led to a clog in two DC Water pumps during a high‑flow period. To protect our infrastructure and waterways, always toss wipes, even “flushable” ones, in the trash. Learn more at protectyourpipes.org/ #protectyourpipes

COG agrees - partnership is key to making our region the strongest in the country. We applaud our three executives for meeting today and look forward to future collaborations to benefit the 6M people that call our region home.

DMVMoves outreach is going strong. COG and WMATA testified in Annapolis yesterday, and our regional transit vision continues to earn endorsements. Let's keep moving forward, together.

How has your commute changed? The 2025 State of the Commute dashboard is live! Do you take transit, carpool, drive alone—and how satisfied are you with your commute? Explore trends by income and jurisdiction to see how metropolitan Washington moves:
mwcog.org/commutedata

A graph showing the unemployment rate in the Washington MSA compared to the U.S. rate

The unemployment rate for Washington’s MSA rose to 4.5% in Nov 2025. This surpasses the U.S. rate—a rare occurrence, and it’s the highest level since August 2021, during the pandemic.

📊Explore COG’s economic trends dashboard for more: bit.ly/3LW3kgI

The 2025 State of the Commute report highlights a shift back to the office. Telework rates fell from 65 % in 2022 to 48 % in 2025. COG’s Commuter Connections can help these returning commuters with our free services and incentive programs.

More: mwcog.org/commutedata

An image of a river with text overlay that reads "Additional Funding Secured: Washington Region Secondary Water Source Feasibility Study included in FY26 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill"

COG applauds the passage of $1.8M in federal funding for the regional secondary water source study last week. We thank our Congressional Delegation for its leadership and look forward to continuing work with the US Army Corps of Engineers - Baltimore and our partners to advance this vital effort.

An image of a pipe with ice bursting from it. A text overlay reads "Protect your pipes this winter."

When temperatures drop, insulate exposed pipes, seal air leaks around doors and windows, and keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate. Let faucets drip during extreme cold to help reduce pressure and prevent freezing. 🚰❄️
protectyourpipes.org/frozen-pipes

Winter Salt Week kicks off today!🧂After the snow melts, don’t forget about your leftover salt. Sweeping and storing it for next time helps keep it out of storm drains and local streams and rivers. A few minutes of cleanup can protect our region’s water! bit.ly/4bkY1BJ #WinterSaltWeek2026

A Snow Emergency will go into effect Saturday at noon.

And remain in effect until Tuesday at 9:30AM.

That means residents need to move their vehicles out of Snow Emergency Routes as soon as possible to give our snow teams space to plow.

🌨️

✅ Stock your vehicle with a winter weather emergency kit
✅ Adjust your travel plans to arrive to your destination before the storm
✅ Stay weather alert by following TheMDTA, Maryland Transit Administration, MD State Highway Administration and Maryland Department of Emergency Management.

Winter Storm Planning Timeline infographic set against a snowy night background. Header: "The day before." Text: Forecast accuracy continues to improve, so keep checking the latest. Three items follow: Adjust plans; Have multiple ways to receive warnings; Bring pets indoors and ensure they have water.

A significant, long-duration winter storm will bring widespread heavy snow, sleet, & freezing rain to a large part of the U.S. through Monday. Widespread travel disruptions, prolonged power outages, and vast tree damage is likely.

Bookmark weather.gov/safety/winter more winter weather safety tips.

🚰With snow in the forecast, remember to protect your pipes from freezing and use winter salt responsibly. Too much salt can wash into our rivers and streams, affecting drinking water, wildlife, and local infrastructure. #WinterSaltSmart #ProtectYourPipes

❄️📌Inclement weather is expected to affect our region this weekend. It’s best to stay off the roads during a snow event, but if you must travel, make sure your vehicle is winter ready. 🚗

📌Check your car's antifreeze, oil, battery, defroster, heater, wipers and washer fluid level.
📌Make sure your gas tank is full and tires have adequate tread and air pressure.
📌Pack extra warm clothing in case of emergency and be sure to have an ice scraper handy.

In response to changes regarding funding for homeless services, the COG Board issued a letter to HUD urging immediate action to ensure continued funding and to prevent disruptions for those at risk of or receiving homelessness services. Learn more at bit.ly/49nRjcR

The COG Board approved $500,000 in Housing Affordability Planning Program (HAPP) grants yesterday.
Supported by the Amazon Housing Fund, these eight projects will advance our housing and transit goals. 🏠🚆

Congrats to new COG Board Chair Reuben Collins and to Vice Chairs Charles Allen and Alyia Gaskins!
They'll help advance regional COG priorities like:
1. Sustainable funding for Metro
2. Regional ticket reciprocity
3. Workforce development

📰https://bit.ly/4sHElOH

The COG Board has approved its 2026 Policy Committee Chairs. We're grateful for their commitment to bringing leaders together on the region’s challenges. Read more: www.mwcog.org/newsroom/202...

Please join us in welcoming Krystal Oriadha, Prince George’s County Council Chair, as a new member of the COG Board of Directors! January’s COG Board of Directors meeting is live. Tune in: www.mwcog.org/events/2026/...

Graphic showing the headshots of Reuben Collins, Charles Allen, and Alyia Gaskins

The COG Board has approved its officers for 2026! Charles County Commissioner Reuben Collins will serve as the first-ever Board Chair from Charles County. He is joined by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and DC Councilmember Charles Allen as Vice Chairs. Watch/listen at www.mwcog.org/events/2026/...

January’s COG Board Meeting starts at noon. Agenda items include election of COG Board and committee leadership, 2026 legislative priorities, HAPP grant approvals, and a briefing on HUD’s plans related to homeless services funding. Watch live: www.mwcog.org/events/2026/...

2025 was a year of next-level collaboration at COG, and it wouldn't have been possible without our dedicated members and partners! Check out how our region came together as we look forward to continuing this important work in 2026. bit.ly/3Z0XH3z

🚨More #DMVMoves momentum: the transformative plan for regional transit has now been endorsed by Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties. Read about what local and state leaders are saying as we move toward implementing the plan's recommendations. dmvmoves.org/inthenews/