OAAA & State Associations
OAAA hosted state outdoor advertising associations for a National Conference in Washington, DC. Executive Directors and Presidents from 10 states gathered for working sessions on current industry trends, legislative challenges and opportunities, and association governance and best practices. Attendees participated in an advocacy day on Capitol Hill and met with program office staff at the Federal Highway Administration.
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Nominations – Update
We continue to monitor Trump Administration nominations at federal agencies that touch our industry.
DOT Deputy Secretary
Steven Bradbury was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as Deputy Secretary at U.S. Dept. of Transportation. Bradbury is a former U.S. DOT General Counsel and attorney at the U.S. Dept. of Justice.
FAA
Bryan Bedford was nominated to be the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Bedford is CEO of Republic Airways, a regional airline carrier based in Indiana. Republic provides regional service for United, Delta, and American. Bedford’s nomination will go through the Senate Commerce Committee.
FHWA
Sean McMaster was nominated to be the next Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). McMaster is a former professional staff member on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and worked at U.S. DOT as Deputy Chief of Staff to then Secretary Elaine Chao. His nomination will go through the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works (EPW).
Maryland Ad Tax
Maryland state leaders signed off on an annual budget that initially included a broad 2.5% business-to-business (B2B) tax, covering a broad range of services, including outdoor advertising. OAAA signed an advocacy letter in very strong opposition to the proposal. While the advocacy campaign was effective in beating back the MD advertising tax, we need to keep a close watch on similar budget considerations in other state legislatures.
Spring Legal Report
Association Counsel Allen Smith authored a Spring Legal Report covering recent Federal District Court cases that continue to define local sign ordinance and First Amendment related claims. Members can access these semi-annual reports here.
Published: April 7, 2025