Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 13, 2011

Metro welcomes Governance Work Group recommendations

Metro's Board of Directors today expressed appreciation for the Governance Work Group's recognition of its governance progress and committed to continuing the important reforms it began earlier this year.

"We have established a strong foundation on which to continue strengthening Metro's governance and we look forward to working closely with all of the jurisdictions to move further down our path of improvement," said Metro Board Chair Catherine Hudgins. "The recommendations provide us with important guidance to continue improving the regional governance of Metro, including the roles and responsibilities of the Board, as well as opportunities to strengthen safety oversight and enhance public engagement."

Earlier this year, WMATA's Board of Directors set out a governance work plan that sought to address modernizing Board leadership, strengthening governing structure, improving Board-CEO partnership and strengthening public dialogue. Since that time, the Board adopted its first-ever permanent bylaws, advanced work on a strategic plan, began a process for multiyear budgeting, and implemented a more robust orientation program for new Board members to inform them about their role and responsibilities. Also, the Board undertook the creation of a business plan that will provide a road map for the region, jurisdictions and management.

The Board also approved a new Code of Ethics to clarify the Board's duties to avoid all conflicts of interest, including actions that create an appearance of conflict, as well as to expand the definition of household members who must also avoid conflicts. The Code also formalizes the process by which Board members are recusing themselves from participating in matters when they have a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict.

News release issued at 11:07 am, December 13, 2011.