2026 DCQI Awards Program

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Recognizing the projects, partnerships, organizations, and industry leaders driving the future of transportation and infrastructure across the Washington metropolitan region.

The District of Columbia Quality Initiative (DCQI) is proud to launch the inaugural DCQI Awards Program as part of the 5th Annual DCQI Conference taking place on October 22, 2026 at the Westin DC Downtown.

These awards celebrate excellence in leadership, innovation, collaboration, and measurable infrastructure impact across the transportation industry.

DCQI Visionary Leadership Award

Honors a transportation leader whose vision, collaboration, and leadership have made a lasting impact on infrastructure, mobility, and regional transportation initiatives across the Washington metropolitan area.

Criteria: 

• Demonstrated leadership influencing regional transportation strategy, policy, or major initiatives  
• Proven ability to build partnerships across agencies, jurisdictions, and industry  
• Measurable impact on program delivery, funding, or long-term planning  
• Recognized as a trusted and respected voice within the transportation community  
• Commitment to advancing the future of transportation in the region 

DCQI Innovation in Mobility Award

Recognizes a project, initiative, organization, or team advancing transportation through innovative technologies, delivery methods, or forward-thinking solutions that improve the future of mobility and infrastructure.

Criteria: 

• Implementation of new technologies, tools, or delivery methods  
• Clear example of innovation solving a real transportation challenge  
• Demonstrated improvement in efficiency, safety, cost, or performance  
• Potential for scalability or replication across the region or industry  
• Collaboration among public and/or private partners (where applicable) 

DCQI Infrastructure Impact Award

Celebrates a transportation project or program delivering measurable improvements to mobility, accessibility, safety, or regional connectivity across the capital region.

Criteria: 

• Demonstrated impact on mobility, accessibility, safety, or congestion reduction  
• Clear, measurable outcomes (e.g., travel time, usage, safety metrics, connectivity gains)  
• Positive benefit to the traveling public and/or local communities  
• Alignment with regional transportation priorities or goals  
• Successful delivery through effective coordination and execution 

 DCQI encourages nominations from:

• Public agencies 
• Contractors 
• Engineering & design firms 
• Consultants 
• Suppliers 
• Technology providers 
• Regional transportation partners 

Both self-nominations and team/project nominations are welcome.

 Nomination Deadline: August 3, 2026

Award recipients will be recognized onsite during the 5th Annual DCQI Conference on October 22, 2026. at the Westin DC Downtown | Washington, DC

All nominations will be reviewed by a panel of transportation and industry leaders representing both the public and private sectors.

Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Laurie Lawler | llawler@mtbma.org