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GVF kicked off its 35th anniversary with the first signature event of the year, the 2025 Advocacy Breakfast, featuring 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 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 2025 Event Sponsors, and reflected on GVF's 35th Anniversary and how the country and industry have evolved since GVF's founding in 1990.
GVF's Deputy Executive Director, Maureen Farrell, unveiled GVF's 2024 Annual Report and introduced GVF's 2025-2026 Legislative Priorities.
Maureen introduced Eric Frary, Chair of GVF's Advocacy Committee, who moderated the State Panel. The State Panel featured PA State Senator Amanda Cappelletti, and PA State Representatives Mary Jo Daley, Joe Webster, Joe Ciresi, Paul Friel, and Greg Scott.
State Senator Amanda Cappelletti discussed her work on the PA Senate appropriations committee and how the federal funding SEPTA receives will affect the rest of the state. Senator Cappelletti stated,
"There does seem to be some understanding that we need to find public funding for transit. Whether we can come to an agreement on what that looks like, how that money gets used, and finding real support for SEPTA by helping people understand the impact that SEPTA has on our economy is yet to be seen." - PA State Senator Amanda Cappelletti, GVF Board Member
Representative Mary Jo Daley continued the conversation, focusing on her role as the chair of the House Tourism Committee and the concerns that the transportation infrastructure, including transit and EV charging, in the region will not be ready for the influx of visitors for the America 250 celebration, the MLB All-Star Game, and the World Cup. Representative Daley also discussed how the protected bike lane infrastructure that she sponsored passed the House and is now waiting for a vote in the Senate.
Representative Joe Webster, Vice-Chair of GVF's 422 Corridor Coalition, also discussed the need for improved public transit, comparing the 21 public transit stations in progress in Maryland to the failed KOP Rail project. He also focused on the need for a state-wide plan for autonomous vehicles that considers the ethical component of sharing the roads.
Representative Joe Ciresi continued to advocate for a train from Pottstown into Philadelphia, reiterating that transit is critical for economic development and important for tourism.
Representative Paul Friel focused on the need to rethink school transportation, noting that the funding formula has not changed since 1971 despite the many changes to education and infrastructure in the last 50+ years.
Representative Greg Scott discussed the need to make changes to the gas tax to include electric vehicles to help fund transportation infrastructure and how PennDOT can continue to focus on the environmental justice component of transportation.
The County Commissioners Panel was moderated by Pam Sarne McCormick, Vice-Chair of GVF's Advocacy Committee and featured all six commissioners from Montgomery and Chester County. The Commissioners discussed local projects that have a day to day impact on people who live and work in Montgomery and Chester Counties.
In Montgomery County, Neil Makhija, Chair, who recently joined the SEPTA Board of Directors, reiterated that this is an important time for SEPTA. Vice-Chair Jamila Winder, GVF Board Member, emphasized Commissioner Makhija's point on the importance of reliable transit and discussed additional county projects, such as the mixed-use development approved in Norristown, and the results of a trail access and equity study. Tom DiBello highlighted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Keim Street Bridge that was happening that afternoon, and how this long overdue project will help residents travel more easily between Montgomery and Chester Counties.
In Chester County, Chair Josh Maxwell praised the work that has been done to improve the trail network, including work on the Circuit Trails and improving connectivity within the Boroughs in Chester County and how that work is approaching the goal of a trail network that connects Philadelphia to Lancaster. Vice-Chair Marian Moskowitz, GVF Board Member, is a long-time train advocate and serves on the boards of both SEPTA and the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. Commissioner Moskowitz discussed the progress that has been made, but also that there is a concern about the consistency of federal funding. Eric Roe wrapped up the Commissioner Panel by reaffirming the group's commitment to walkability, safety, and expanding the trail network.
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.
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