- One word to describe yourself: Strategery
- Alma Mater: University of Colorado-Boulder
- Favorite hobby(s): Traveling and sports
- Fun fact about yourself: I have been to all 50 U.S. states
- Favorite station or stop that you have ever visited or frequent (and why): Visited – Tibidabo funicular in Barcelona. The funicular is fun to ride and the views at the top are incredible day or night.
- Favorite route you have ever ridden or frequent (and why): Ridden – St. Charles Streetcar line in New Orleans. It instantly takes you back in time and is very scenic. Frequent - CTA Brown Line – It is an elevated, curvy line that feels like a rollercoaster ride in a good way and there’s great views of Wrigley Field, many great city neighborhoods and downtown Chicago along the way.
Matt Ginsberg is co-founder of a transportation-focused, full-service government relations firm, Tai Ginsberg & Associates, LLC, which has gained influence among the elected officials and policy makers in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. Ginsberg has become a leading transportation lobbyist and is well-known by Members of Congress. His firm’s strategic expertise has played an integral part in the success of its clients in everything from preparing Congressional testimony on hot-button issues to helping clients, such Metra and others, navigate the complex process to acquire federal funding.
“He and his team are a tremendous asset for transit agencies seeking to modernize and keep up in uncertain times,” said Bruce Marcheschi, Metra COO and deputy executive director.
Ginsberg says he continues to be driven by seeing his clients’ successes in several game changing projects and “having contributed a little part” in those successes.
Outside of Washington, D.C., Ginsberg has earned the respect of many senior executives in the transit industry particularly concerning transit public policy matters. In addition to his work directly with transit agencies and commuter railroads, Ginsberg assists Uber's transit team with forging valuable partnerships in the industry, helping to be the bridge between new innovative technology and the traditional transit industry. Finally, Ginsberg manages the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association, whose member companies consist of freight and transit rail contractors.
“Very few people can say they are as accomplished as Matt is at such a young age--he runs two companies, is a known force on Capitol Hill and maintains relationships with many transit and public agency CEOs. In my experience, you know that if Matt is involved in a project, it will be accomplished very thoroughly, strategically and effectively,” added Marcheschi.
Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?
I started my career off working as a consultant on a challenging yet rewarding campaign cycle. Then, I worked on Capitol Hill in a congressional office and then finally wound up in the private consulting world at a transportation-focused firm in D.C. After gaining experience and a portfolio of clients, I broke off and started my own firm with another business partner and haven’t looked back. Starting any new business has its risks and rewards but the decision to hang our own shingle was the best professional decision of my career.
In my job, I have been fortunate to work on behalf of great clients including cities/local governments, innovative technology companies, transit agencies and everything in between. This has allowed me to gain great relationships in the industry, but it has also provided a unique perspective and understanding of the many policy challenges and issues that agencies face on a day-to-day basis.
While I did not initially seek out a career in this industry, over time I have come to appreciate the issues, the people and the value of transportation--and specifically public transportation--and its immense impact on government, business and politics.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My job is much more of an art than a science in a field where the sciences typically dominate. Nevertheless, I enjoy using my relationships to be a professional transit matchmaker of sorts for some clients and for providing that special sauce that helps get projects funded and delivered for others. Connecting people from all sides of the industry and political spectrum brings its own set of challenges but also makes it all the more rewarding. Over time, this job has given me great clients who have in turn become great friends and mentors.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
There are two distinct challenges that come to mind. First, convincing risk averse decision makers to take a risk. Second, persuading elected officials and bureaucrats to spend their limited dollars on transit projects and educating them about the value of investing in transit.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?
Having contributed a little part to several game changing projects and seeing those projects go from concept to reality. For example, creating the first of its kind first-mile/last-mile mobility project for job access, helping an agency navigate the cumbersome and nascent federal process for getting the first shared autonomous vehicle/shuttle on public roads or even getting funding to replace a 100-year-old bridge, these successes are very rewarding, and they fuel my drive to continue this work.
Best advice/tip/best practice to share from your area of expertise?
Never underestimate the power of networking. You never know what opportunities will come your way through the connections you make.
Why do you like being a part of the public transit industry?
I greatly respect public service and transit plays a critical role by providing a valuable public service. Transit itself is so impactful and important to everyone’s daily life. Whether you live in an urban or rural place, transit, or the lack thereof, factors in to where and how a community develops and grows. The quality of a city’s transit system is usually indicative of the quality of the city itself and there’s no better way to figure out what a new place is all about than by riding the local bus or train through town. I’ve seen firsthand how mobility projects have completely transformed neighborhoods and cities with transit as the anchor – it’s exciting to see!
