2025 Annual Report
Team COTA is the foundation of every improvement, innovation and achievement. In 2025, COTA invested in its workforce through professional development, recognition and community building, creating a culture where employees can grow, lead and thrive.
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Employee Resource Groups
COTA's five Employee Resource Groups — BELIEVE, WISE, VERG, PACT and PRIDE — continued to advance inclusion, engagement and professional development throughout the year.
From community service to professional growth, these groups put COTA's values into action every day.
PARTICIPATES IN AN ERG
Investing in Growth
In 2025, COTA expanded its tuition reimbursement program through new partnerships with Franklin and DeVry universities, offering tuition-free degree opportunities for all full-time and part-time employees. Through Franklin University's U-LEARN Program and DeVry University's Career Empowerment Grant, employees can pursue associate, bachelor's or graduate degrees with all out-of-pocket costs, including textbooks, covered.
Additionally, COTA offers a $100 a month tuition stipend to all eligible employees. This helps team members focus on their careers while reducing the financial burden on them.
These programs reflect COTA's ongoing investment in workforce development and provide flexible, accessible pathways for employees to advance their education and careers while working.
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REIMBURSEMENT
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Recognition and Leadership
Looking Ahead
In September 2026, COTA will host the Latinos in Transit (LIT) Conference in Columbus. The 10th annual conference will coincide with Columbus' Latino Heritage Month Parade and Festival, bringing together transit professionals and diverse communities from across Central Ohio. COTA President/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler, a board member of LIT, will use the opportunity to showcase the LinkUS initiative and the people driving mobility transformation forward.
*Preliminary, unaudited data that is subject to revision.
Team COTA's work extends far beyond the workplace. See how COTA connected with communities, launched new initiatives and delivered measurable impact across Central Ohio.
