DC Candidate Transportation Forum and Social

Sunday, March 1, 2026 - 2:00pm
Josephine Butler Parks Center

Join the Bike, Walk & Bus PAC, DC Transportation Equity Network, DC Families for Safe Streets, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Greater Greater Washington, Washington Parks and People, and Washington Area Bicyclist Association to hear from qualifying Washington, DC Mayoral and At-Large Council candidates running in this year’s primary election and special election.

The DC Candidate Transportation Forum will take place on March 1st from 2pm-4:00 pm at the Josephine Butler Parks Center (2437 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20009) followed by a community social at Franklin Hall (1348 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009) from 4-6:30pm.

During the forum, you will get to hear directly from Mayoral and At-Large Council candidates about their vision for the District’s transportation future and actions they would prioritize to improve transportation. Come to learn where candidates stand on:

Achieving a multimodal transportation system that serves all residents
Improving bus and train access and reliability
Making walking safer in every neighborhood for everyone
Expanding a Low Stress Network for biking

The event will include moderated panels for both the qualifying mayoral candidates and another for the qualifying candidates for at-large seats on the DC Council.

2:00pm: Mayoral Candidate Panel at the Josephine Butler Park Center
3:00pm: Council Candidate Panel at the Josephine Butler Park Center
4:00pm: Community Social at Franklin Hall

Confirmed attendees

Mayoral candidates

Ward 4 councilmember Janeese Lewis George
Gary Goodweather

At-large majority party

DC Shadow Representative Adeoye Owolewa
Kevin Chavous
Candace Tiana Nelson
Lisa Raymond

At-large minority party

Former at-large councilmember Elissa Silverman

Watch a recording of the March 1 DC Candidate Transportation Forum.

The 501c3 organizations list here do not endorse or work on behalf of candidates, or express any view for or against any candidate.

Hear from candidates for DC Mayor and At-Large Council seats about transportation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How should I get to the event?
- We encourage you to use public transportation, biking, or walking or rolling to get to the Josephine Butler Parks Center and to Franklin Hall. Limited street parking is available.

How can I submit my transportation-related questions for the candidates?
- Please share any questions you would like us to consider when you register for the event. The event hosts will review all suggestions as we prepare for the candidate panels.

Will this event include endorsements for candidates running for office?
- No. The sole purpose of this Candidate Transportation Forum is to host a public, unbiased, non-partisan forum to educate voters. Several host organizations are 501(c)(3) organizations and cannot engage in biased or partisan activities.

How can I get more involved or learn more about the co-hosting organizations?
- Find more information about the cohosting organizations:

Is the Josephine Butler Parks Center accessible?
- Yes, the forum will be hosted on the ground floor which is accessible via a ramp. (Attendees will not need to access the upstairs ballroom which is only accessible by stairs.)

Is Franklin Hall accessible?
- Yes, the entrance and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

By registering for this event you agree to follow WABA's Code of Conduct.

More about The DC Low Stress Network

Bike lanes are most effective when they connects to other bike lanes, protected bike lanes, even more so.

WABA works with teams of grassroots volunteers across the District to demand a network of low-stress places to bike. A network where you, your kids, nephews, nieces, or grandkids, can all get where you need to go safely, easily, happily on bikes.

More about Elections

WABA is a 501(c)3 and does not endorse candidates.

During election seasons, WABA invites all candidates for office to complete surveys about their views on transportation, which we share on our website. We also host candidate forums in some races to allow members of the public to meet candidates and ask questions about biking and transportation.

More about Getting Active & Involved

Check out upcoming events in DC’s Wards 7 and 8 that celebrate outdoor resources and opportunities to active! Get involved with upcoming projects to help you get around by walking, biking, or taking transit. Explore a park, trail, or neighborhood, including Anacostia Park and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Oxon Run Park and Trail, Marvin Gaye Trail, and more!

More about Complete Streets

Complete Streets are streets designed to accommodate all users, and that prioritize historically underinvested modes of transportation like transit, walking, and biking. An incomplete street might lack adequate sidewalks, low-stress bike infrastructure, or safe and comfortable access to transit.

Effective Complete Streets policies change the way a jurisdiction plans and builds transportation infrastructure—sidewalks, low stress bike infrastructure, and transit should be included in any new or rebuilt street by default, rather than as an add-on when there's space or demand.

While most regional jurisdictions have a Complete Streets policy of some sort, they lack teeth and permit transportation departments to continue to build streets that put cars first and squeeze other modes into the margins.

More about Advocacy

WABA fights for a region where biking, walking and transit are the best ways to get around.

We educate policymakers and organize grassroots advocates for to speak up for safer places to bike and walk; and for laws and policies that protect people who are walking and biking, reduce dangerous driving, and facilitate changes to the built environment.

More about Outreach

WABA runs a variety of outreach programs that create opportunities for people across the region to join the bicycling community.