SWTA is excited to announce Ehren Bingaman, National Practice Leader, Transit at Burgess & Niple, as the keynote speaker for the 2026 SWTA Leadership Lab in Breckenridge! Ehren brings 30 years of public sector and public transit experience as an agency executive, consultant, facilitator, and national transit leader. On Tuesday, he’ll present “The Positivity Advantage: Mastering Patience, Presence, and Persistence to Lead with Impact,” exploring the qualities that can help leaders navigate challenges, lead through change, and make a meaningful impact within their organizations and communities. Ehren will also facilitate the SWTA Board Retreat on Sunday, helping kick off an exciting week of leadership and collaboration. Registration is open, the agenda is published, and we can’t wait to welcome Ehren—and you—to Breckenridge.

Meet Ehren, learn more about his keynote and register for the 2026 SWTA Leadership Lab

There’s an important development from Washington for SWTA Nation. The Senate-passed FY27 continuing resolution includes language delaying implementation of the proposed OMB federal grants rule — an issue SWTA advocated on behalf of our members. The measure also temporarily extends federal surface transportation authorization through December 11, 2026. However, the proposal does not continue the advanced appropriations funding levels provided under IIJA, leaving important public transit funding questions still to be resolved. With the House and Senate taking different approaches, Congress will return to negotiations in September. SWTA will continue monitoring the process and advocating for stable federal investment and practical grant policies for public transit agencies.

The 2026 SWTA Leadership Lab begins Monday with the Public Transit Legal Symposium, a full day focused on legal, legislative, regulatory, workforce, and public safety issues affecting transit agencies today. The lineup includes Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty discussing agency rights and responsibilities surrounding public safety, mental health, immigration issues, and gun violence; Katie Kachel of Blank Rome Government Relations LLC, John Lewis of TransPro Consulting, and Anne Smith, Executive Director of Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency, joining together for a panel on SWTA’s legislative efforts and how members can engage in regulatory reform; and Paiten Taylor Qualls of the Cherokee Nation Attorney General’s Office addressing the complexities of Tribal law and transit. The day will also examine hiring hurdles in today’s labor market, with additional speakers still being finalized. The Legal Symposium is included with the full Leadership Lab experience, and Monday-only registration is also available for professionals specifically seeking legal and regulatory training.

SWTA is proud to welcome Cardinal HR Solutions as a Friend of Leadership Lab Sponsor for the 2026 SWTA Leadership Lab! With a focus on workforce development, leadership training, HR strategy, change management, and helping organizations build stronger teams, Cardinal HR Solutions shares our belief that investing in people is essential to moving public transit forward. We appreciate their support of Leadership Lab and their investment in the transit professionals and future leaders who make SWTA Nation stronger.