Project Completed: Mar 16, 2024
The transportation sector is at a moment of real change.
Across the country, agencies and policymakers are navigating rising project costs, evolving federal priorities, and growing pressure to expand access, improve system performance, and maintain safety and state of good repair. At the same time, new tools, technologies, and approaches are reshaping how transportation systems are planned, funded, and delivered.
These are not isolated challenges—they are interconnected forces redefining what it takes to move people and goods effectively.
Policy is shifting—and the decisions being made now will shape the system for years to come.
Over the past year, Eno engaged directly on the issues shaping the system—from understanding the drivers of project costs and capacity constraints, to exploring opportunities to expand transportation choices, to explaining the federal policy landscape. Through research, convenings, analysis in Eno Transportation Weekly, and engagement with industry leaders, Eno contributed to the conversations and decisions shaping the future of transportation.
At the same time, this moment demands strong leadership.
Eno’s programs continue to support professionals at every stage of their careers—from emerging leaders to senior executives—equipping them with the skills, perspective, and networks needed to lead through complexity and change. As the system evolves, so too must the people responsible for guiding it.
Eno’s work sits at the intersection of policy and people.
Eno’s role at this moment is clear: engaging on the issues shaping the system and investing in the leaders who will shape what comes next. We invite you to explore this year’s work and be part of what comes next.
We are grateful to our partners, participants, supporters, and broader community who make Eno’s work possible. Your engagement strengthens both the organization and the industry we serve.
Table of Contents
Diane Woodend Jones
Board Chair
Paul Wiedefeld
Interim President and CEO
Independent Policy Research & Analysis
Costs are rising. Complexity is increasing. The landscape is shifting.
Transportation organizations are operating in a more complex and uncertain policy environment.
Costs are rising, federal priorities are shifting, and long-standing assumptions about funding, delivery, and system performance are being tested. At the same time, leaders must navigate workforce challenges, evolving technologies, and changing travel patterns while continuing to make critical investment decisions and deliver the services communities depend on.
This is where Eno focused its work.
Over the past year, Eno engaged these challenges through research, data analysis, and industry convenings—bringing an independent, nonpartisan perspective to the issues shaping transportation. Eno helped clarify where current approaches are working, where they are falling short, and where there are opportunities to improve how projects are planned, funded, and delivered.
Through its research, webinars, and analysis in Eno Transportation Weekly, Eno contributed to a more grounded understanding of how agencies can navigate federal programs, strengthen their networks, and deliver major transportation investments for their communities.
Understanding Why Costs Are Rising
Eno has established a strong presence as a provider of critical information about how transportation agencies and teams can efficiently deliver critical projects. Eno built on that foundation in 2025, updating existing products such as Eno’s construction cost database and providing new analysis on the data, management skills, and project delivery practices that will produce better outcomes.
The FTA’s Capital Costs Database Analysis Study
In June, Eno issued a new report on the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Capital Cost Database accompanied by interactive graphs. The FTA’s database contains cost components of federally funded transit projects over the last 40 years. The report, funded by the FTA, highlights the database’s usefulness, potential, and limitations. It also includes a set of interactive graphs that summarize information in the database.
Webinar: Rising Construction Costs: Implications for Reauthorization
Rising Construction Costs: Analyzing the Contributors to Cost Escalations and the Impact on Federal Transportation Infrastructure Investments
One pressing question for Congress as we head into a reauthorization is why the funds made available in the IIJA didn’t go as far as anticipated. In August, Eno released a report that explored the drivers of rising construction costs that also examined the growing divergence between cost indices and what it means for agencies.
Understanding Federal Policy Priorities
In 2025, major shifts in priorities reshaped the federal policy landscape for funding and regulations. Eno’s policy team kept subscribers up to date with the latest information on administration announcements and paired with in-depth analysis.
Changing Administration Policies
Eno Transportation Weekly articles provided updates on the Trump Administration’s approach to federal grants and the freezing of federal funds, Air Traffic Control, regulatory changes for permitting and commercial drivers licensing, advisory panels, and more. Eno also delved into court decisions on congestion pricing, freight brokerage, and environmental reviews.
Happening on the Hill
Eno also kept track of legislative affairs, covering hearings, legislative proposals, mark-ups, reauthorization debates and appropriations fights. In a Special Edition of ETW, Eno staff and other contributors also shared their own big ideas for future reauthorizations.
More Highlights from ETW: 2025 Most Read Articles
Expanding Transportation Choices
Better choices help commuters and companies ensure that transportation is affordable and able to withstand disruptions. Eno’s policy research explored ways that transportation networks can become more multimodal, competitive, and resilient.
Freight Rail for the 21st Century: Opportunities for Mode Shift to Improve Efficiency and Resiliency
In July, Eno published a whitepaper for policymakers that explored the benefits of expanding freight rail alternatives to shipping and identified commodities and routes where greatest opportunities exist as well as the federal programs and policies that could support mode shift.
Improving Agency Governance and Capacity
Through research and consulting work, Eno provided agencies with analysis to improve coordination, funding, and governance. In October, the Illinois state legislature passed the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Transit Innovation, Integration, and Reform Act that will raise approximately $1.5 billion for public transportation, building on recommendations made by Eno. Tom Kotorac, senior vice president at the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, said, “Eno’s rigorous analysis and research, especially through the Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) Plan, helped prove the case that Chicago’s path to a world-class transit system wasn’t just more funding, but a modern governance system that unifies and integrates investment, planning, and operations for our entire metropolitan region.”
Colorado Accountability Committee
Eno worked with the Regional Transportation District in Denver to produce recommendations to improve their approach to agency recruitment, retention, compensation, hiring, and training. According to Kelly Blynn, the governor’s liaison to the Colorado Accountability Committee,
“Having the national perspective and expertise on workforce retention from Eno Center was invaluable for helping understand how RTD’s peers are tackling very similar challenges, how RTD has been making strides in addressing the issue locally, and identifying additional best practices from their peers they could try out.”
The People Behind Major Transit Projects
In this paper, Eno demonstrated how talented and experienced managers are essential to keeping large transportation projects on schedule, controlling costs, and meeting stakeholder expectations. At a follow-up webinar, three accomplished transit agency executives discussed the challenges project managers face and the skills, experience, and support needed to succeed.
How Great Managers Deliver High-Stakes Transportation Projects
Convening Executives and Thought-Leaders
As the agencies and policymakers look for opportunities to learn and share ideas, Eno brought people together in roundtables, webinars, and advisory panels.
In webinars on AI, Inland Waterways, and freight rail, Eno connected transportation stakeholders with experts to share updates and information.
This year, Eno also hosted in person roundtables and advisory panel discussions on intercity passenger rail, autonomous vehicles, transit bus procurement, and supply chain resilience.
Developing Transportation Leaders
From emerging professionals to senior executives
Transportation leaders are navigating increasing complexity—rising costs, evolving technologies, workforce challenges, and shifting federal priorities. Delivering projects and services today requires not only technical expertise, but the ability to operate across agencies, modes, and stakeholder groups.
At the same time, leadership expectations are evolving. Leaders must be agile, able to adapt to changing conditions, and capable of making decisions in environments defined by uncertainty and competing demands. They must also be able to collaborate effectively—building alignment across organizations and sectors.
This is where Eno focused its work.
Emerging Leaders
Sustaining the transportation sector requires a deliberate investment in the next generation of leaders. Emerging professionals are entering a field defined by increasing complexity, evolving technologies, and growing expectations around performance and delivery.
Eno’s approach focuses on identifying high-potential leaders early and equipping them with the skills, context, and connections needed to succeed. By bringing participants together across agencies and perspectives, these programs help build both individual leadership capacity and the relationships that will shape the field over time.
Leadership Development Conference (LDC): Building the Next Generation of Leaders
The Leadership Development Conference (LDC) is Eno’s signature, highly selective program for graduate students preparing to enter the transportation field. Each year, a small cohort of Eno Fellows is chosen from top programs across the country and brought to Washington, DC for an immersive experience focused on policy, leadership, and the future of the industry.
Through direct, off-the-record conversations with national leaders and policymakers, Fellows gain a rare, behind-the-scenes understanding of how transportation decisions are made—while building relationships with peers who will go on to shape the field alongside them.
LDC serves as a critical entry point into the profession—introducing emerging leaders not only to the complexity of the sector, but to the network and perspectives that will define their careers.
“It was a thoughtful and impactful way to close the program, having a small group discussion with Patrick. We need more leaders who are willing to share their time and insights, and Patrick demonstrated exactly that. It made the session feel personal and intentional.”
“The simulation was one of the most challenging but educational exercises I’ve had to do! It was very fun to learn the legislative process, while playing a character. This was a great component of the Eno LDC program and I highly recommend it for future years.”
“Huge impact in being able to meet representatives and leaders from agencies that are in charge of different aspects in transportation. I deeply enjoyed these sessions and engaging with these leaders on important discussions.”
Mid-Career Leaders
Mid-career professionals often face the most significant transition in their leadership journey—moving from technical expertise to broader organizational and strategic responsibility. This shift requires new skills, expanded perspective, and the ability to lead teams and initiatives in more complex environments.
Eno’s programs are designed to support this stage by strengthening leadership capacity, deepening cross-sector understanding, and preparing participants to take on greater responsibility. As demand for these skills grows, Eno continues to expand its offerings to meet the needs of this critical segment of the workforce.
Mid-Manager Training: Building Leadership Capacity at a Critical Career Stage
Mid-career professionals play a pivotal role in transportation organizations—translating strategy into execution, leading teams, and managing increasingly complex projects. Yet this stage often comes with limited formal leadership development opportunities.
Eno’s mid-manager training programs are designed to address this gap. The Transportation Mid-Manager (TMM) program provides a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and decision-making, while the relaunch of TMM2 in 2025 expands this offering to support continued growth for professionals taking on broader responsibilities.
Together, these programs equip participants with the skills, perspective, and peer network needed to lead effectively in complex, real-world environments—strengthening both individual performance and organizational capacity across the sector.
“I appreciated how the facilitators deftly balanced activity and presenting content, and they always created an organic environment in which to learn, be vulnerable, and participate. The vibe was always thoughtful and engaging and drew all of us out of ourselves and into the room. I have been in many of these types of ‘spaces’ – facilitated learning sessions etc – and this experience ranks among the best. Thank you!”
“TMM was the best leadership training experience that I have had the pleasure of participating in. From the team that helped facilitate and run the experience to the cohort themselves. It isn’t always easy to bring a diverse group of people into a room and hope that they will feel safe enough to really let their guard down to work on themselves, but the SF cohort did that. The friendships and connections made will see me far beyond my current position and role.”
“This program is highly recommended for any upcoming managers in the public transit community.”
AirMAX: Developing Aviation Leaders Through Real-World Collaboration
AirMAX brings together rising leaders from airports across the country to tackle shared challenges, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional connections. Through immersive host weeks, participants engage directly with executive leadership, explore operational strategies, and collaborate on real-world projects.
Participants consistently point to the program’s practical application and peer exchange as defining strengths—creating space to test ideas, refine leadership approaches, and bring new strategies back to their organizations.
“As I leave this seminar, my commitment for the next 30 days is to lead by example, intentionally aligning my actions with CDA’s mission and values. I will foster collaboration, promote accountability, and keep purpose at the core of every initiative to help build a more unified, service-driven, and equity-focused organization.”
“I will apply intentional leadership by creating space for deeper collaboration and reflection within my team. Inspired by the AirMAX sessions, I plan to implement more purposeful check-ins that not only track progress but also strengthen team alignment, morale, and shared accountability. It’s a small shift that I believe will lead to more engaged and empowered outcomes.”
“[T]he Mock Pitch session was both engaging and practical. It provided a real glimpse into the process of presenting and evaluating business ideas in an airport environment. Observing how our cohort communicated our problem statement to industry leaders and the response to feedback reinforced the value of preparation, confidence, and strategic alignment when promoting new initiatives.”
Eno/MAX: Building Leaders Through Cross-Agency Partnership
Eno/MAX connects high-potential transit professionals across agencies to learn from one another, share best practices, and strengthen leadership capacity across the industry. The cohort model creates a unique environment where participants gain both technical insight and leadership perspective.
Participants consistently highlight the depth of the experience—not only in skill-building, but in the relationships formed across agencies that extend well beyond the program.
“The EnoMAX program was by far and away the most in depth, extensive, professional development program I have been a part of. I got more hands-on, detailed, step-by-step guidance than I have in any other program.”
o “I’ve been in transit for 25 years and the MAX program has been by far the most comprehensive experience in my career.”
“[T]he Mock Pitch session was both engaging and practical. It provided a real glimpse into the process of presenting and evaluating business ideas in an airport environment. Observing how our cohort communicated our problem statement to industry leaders and the response to feedback reinforced the value of preparation, confidence, and strategic alignment when promoting new initiatives.”
Senior Leaders
At the senior level, leadership extends beyond organizational management to shaping systems, policy, and long-term direction. Leaders must navigate competing priorities, align strategy with execution, and make decisions with far-reaching impact.
Eno’s executive programs provide a forum for experienced leaders to engage with peers, explore emerging challenges, and refine their approach to leadership in a rapidly evolving field. By creating space for candid exchange and strategic reflection, these programs strengthen decision-making at the highest levels.
TSE AGILE: Advancing Leadership at the Executive Level
At the executive level, leadership requires navigating system-wide challenges, aligning policy and operations, and making decisions with long-term impact. Leaders must balance competing priorities while guiding organizations through uncertainty and change.
TSE AGILE brings together senior transportation leaders for an intensive, peer-driven experience focused on strategic leadership, adaptive thinking, and real-world application. Through candid discussions, expert insights, and engagement with fellow executives, participants refine their approach to leadership while gaining perspective on the challenges shaping the field.
The program creates space for experienced leaders to step back, engage with new ideas, and strengthen their ability to lead at the highest level.
“Very great team. Really appreciate the knowledge and guidance you both showed through the program. You enlightened us and inspired us. Thank you so much.”
“The grouping of topics for self awareness, building relationships, developing talent, and strategic leadership was most impactful.”
“Great program. Made me reflect on missteps in my past and how I want to handle those situations in the future.”
Connecting Leaders Across the IndustryAgenciesAirportsCareersthe Nation for over 100 Years
Across Eno’s programs and policy work, connection is a constant. Through leadership cohorts, alumni engagement, and industry convenings, Eno brings together professionals from across agencies, modes, and sectors.
These relationships extend beyond individual programs—supporting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and more effective decision-making across the transportation community. This network is a core part of Eno’s impact, strengthening both leadership development and the broader field.
Inside Eno
Your Support Keeps Us Independent
Thanks to the generosity of partners and subscribers across the transportation industry, Eno continues to deliver excellent research and analysis and top-notch professional development programs. In all our endeavors, Eno focuses on our mission, is guided by our core values, and values transparency about our funding, as demonstrated by the Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. We do not seek or accept financial support that would undermine those values or compromise our commitment to remain unbiased and independent.
Below is a breakdown of Eno’s program expenses and revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.