Elected Officials Speak at GVF's 2026 Advocacy Breakfast

GVF Board President, Bob Hart

GVF's first signature event of the year, the 2026 Advocacy Breakfast, featured state and county elected officials. Two panels provided insight on mobility and transportation infrastructure in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The overall themes of the conversation focused on the allocation of federal and state funding for our transportation systems, improving transit in the region and fully funding SEPTA, the influx of tourism during 2026 for America250 and the World Cup, and how the economy in southeastern Pennsylvania affects the rest of the state.

GVF Executive Director, Rob Henry

GVF Board President, Bob Hart, General Manager of the King of Prussia Mall, welcomed attendees and introduced GVF's Executive Director, Rob Henry, who thanked GVF's 2026 Event Sponsors, partners, elected officials, and guests for attending the event.

GVF's Deputy Executive Director, Maureen Farrell, unveiled GVF's 2025 Annual Report and thanked GVF's Advocacy Committee for their work advancing TDM priorities and GVF's Legislative Priorities.

GVF Deputy Executive Director, Maureen Farrell

Maureen introduced Casey Moore, the new Chair of GVF's Advocacy Committee, who moderated the discussion with PA State Representative Matt Bradford, Majority Leader, and the State Panel. The State Panel featured PA State Senator Amanda Cappelletti, and PA State Representatives Tim Briggs and Greg Scott.

Casey Moore, GVF Advocacy Committee Chair

PA State Representative, Matt Bradford, Majority Leader, delivered the keynote address, detailing transportation priorities that the Pennsylvania House of Representative hopes to advance during this budget year. He thanked GVF for continuing to advocate for accessible transportation,

PA State Representative Matt Bradford, Majority Leader

“I’m grateful to GVF for their advocacy and ensuring that everyone has ample, safe transportation options to navigate our communities. GVF does an amazing job of bringing all sectors together with the common goal of finding a long-term public transportation funding solution,” said Bradford. “To grow our workforce, economy and general quality of life, we must have a strong, accessible transportation infrastructure. We must work together – lawmakers and stakeholders – to explore more sustainable solutions to support our transportation systems, from mass transit to our roads and bridges.”

Casey Moore moderates the State Panel.

The state panel, which consisted of Senator Amanda Cappelletti, Representative Tim Briggs, and Representative Greg Scott, detailed the importance of working together to advance transportation priorities for the region, including contacting your elected officials about specific issues in your district, and discussing transportation priorities with family members and neighbors to educate others about why issues like funding transit and improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure benefit the entire region.

County Commissioners Panel, Moderated by Rob Henry. From L to R: Rob Henry, Jamila Winder, Chair, Montgomery County Commissioner; Neil Makhija, Vice-Chair, Montgomery County Commissioner; Tom DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner; Marian Moskowitz, Vice-Chair, Chester County Commissioner

The County Commissioners Panel was moderated by Rob Henry and featured Jamila Winder, Chair, Montgomery County Commissioner; Neil Makhija, Vice-Chair, Montgomery County Commissioner; Tom DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner; and Marian Moskowitz, Vice-Chair, Chester County Commissioner. The Commissioners discussed local projects that have a day-to-day impact on people who live and work in Montgomery and Chester Counties.

Both Montgomery and Chester Counties are actively working to make improvements on roads, bridges, and transit, including advocating for SEPTA funding, and working with the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to obtain funding to restore rail service along the 422 corridor. In addition, both Counties have made strides to expand the trail network over the past year, including obtaining funding and beginning construction on the Gulph Road Trail Connector.

When asked about key takeaways from GVF's Advocacy Breakfast, the elected officials reiterated the importance of communicating transportation priorities with your elected officials. The more constituents call and email about a particular issue, the more likely it is to be discussed and acted upon.

Founded in 1990, GVF is a not-for-profit organization inspiring mobility choices for ALL. For more information about GVF or to learn about the benefits of partnership, visit www.gvftma.com.