Katie Kraft is a seasoned expert in federal regulatory and compliance issues related to public transit. With a deep background from her former high-level role in the transit industry, she offers clients strategic advice on a range of topics including federal public sector procurement, competitive solicitations, project delivery, Title VI, Section 13(c) labor protection, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise requirements.
She is particularly adept at helping clients navigate the implications of the Buy America Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021), which strengthened domestic preference requirements for federal infrastructure funding. Katie supports both public agencies and private companies in meeting these requirements
Katie has a proven track record of addressing intricate legal issues before federal courts, private arbitrators, and administrative bodies. Her appellate work, often involving significant constitutional issues, showcases her exceptional writing skills—she has authored influential briefs in appellate and Supreme Court cases impacting the transportation sector.
Clients value Katie’s thoughtful, level-headed approach and her ability to manage high-pressure situations effectively. She draws on her experience as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which provides her with a unique perspective on the pressures faced by transit agency leaders. Her comprehensive legal advice considers not just the letter of the law but also its practical implications for transit operations, projects, and activities.
experience
- Represented the State of California in its successful challenge to the U.S. Department of Labor’s denial of Section 13(c) certification to California transit agencies based on the State’s enactment of pension reform legislation.
- Represented a cruise line association in testing local municipal passenger fees against the limits on such fees set by the Tonnage Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Achieved favorable decision limiting municipality’s use of fees.
- While in-house, played a direct role in managing daily legal operations for an agency with a $4.7 billion budget, more than 12,000 employees, and a capital improvement program with 6-year investments totaling $12.3 billion. Advised on legal issues in every area of the agency’s activities, including procurement, capital project delivery, safety oversight, labor and employment, and ethics.
- Served as a key member of WMATA’s senior management team responding to unprecedented operational, fiscal, health, and safety challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- WTS-DC, chapter of WTS International
- Immediate Past President (2024-2025)
- President (2022-2023)
- Vice President (2020-2021)
- Recognitions Committee Chair (2017-2019)
- Transportation Research Board
- Chair, Standing Committee on Transit and Intermodal Transportation Law (2024-2027)
- Saint Louis University, Recipient of the Helen Mandeville Prize in English, 2003
- Saint Louis University, Recipient of the James D. Collins Award for Excellence in Student Academic Achievement in English, 2003
With three kids and a 130-pound Newfoundland, I don’t have too much downtime, but when I’m not working, I like to stay active. I’m a bit of a fitness buff.