TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Monthly Legislative Report
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the Monthly Legislative Report and approving legislative positions, if necessary.
Staff Contact:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs & Community Relations
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The Monthly Legislative Report helps the District track state, regional and federal legislation to ensure alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan and the specific goal of having strong public and policymaker support. Policy decisions at all levels of government can positively or negatively affect District operations and revenues and, as such, are important to track and influence as needed.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Federal Legislative Update
Both the House and Senate are on recess until after the election.
ZEBU
On October 3, 2024, the District celebrated the launch of its Zero-Emission Bus University, or ZEBU. This occasion marked a trifecta of accomplishments: 1) a cumulative $40.5 million award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) from the 2023 and 2024 Low-No grant cycles 2) the unveiling of ZEBU and all that it will offer in workforce development to both AC Transit and the public transit industry as a whole, and 3) the unique first-in-the-nation partnership between AC Transit and Chabot College to allow our maintenance trainers to be official instructors of record for the college who are able to grant academic credits. This event featured FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, Assemblymember Liz Ortega, the Chancellor of Chabot-Las Positas College and the president of Chabot College, and representatives for both ATU International, Jamaine Gibson, and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 192 President LaTrina Meredith. Those in attendance included staff from federal and state elected offices, along with a variety of local elected officials, staff from regulatory and funding agencies such as the California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, and Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), along with other people within the industry.
California Transit Association Federal Legislative Committee
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations has been appointed to the California Transit Association’s Federal Legislative Committee. The Federal Legislative Committee is responsible for reviewing legislation introduced at the federal level and providing technical assessment and policy advice.
State Legislative Update
The 2024 state legislative session ended on August 31st and the Governor had until September 30th to act on all pending bills. The Board was provided with a summary of legislative actions relevant to the District prior to the District’s October 23, 2024 Board meeting. The California legislature is now on recess until December 2, 2024, when they will reconvene for an organizational session and swearing in ceremonies.
California Transit Association State Legislative Committee
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations has been appointed to the California Transit Association’s State Legislative Committee. The State Legislative Committee reviews legislation introduced by the State Legislature and provides technical assessment and policy advice.
Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)
On October 24, the District was notified by the State Transportation Agency, CalSTA, that our bid for a grant from the state’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) was unsuccessful.
Regional Transportation Revenue Measure Update
As of the writing of this staff report, there are no new updates on the Regional Transportation Revenue measure since the update to the Board on October 23, 2024. The Revenue Measure will be discussed at the November 8, 2024, joint Legislative Committee of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Association and Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Staff will provide a verbal update during the November 13, 2024, Board meeting.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
Providing monthly updates to the Board ensures the Board is aware of pending legislation and the potential impact it may have on the District. The adoption of favorable legislation by policymakers helps further the District’s goal of having strong public and policymaker support.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
No alternatives were considered as this report provides an update of monthly legislative activities.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report No. 23-420a: Adopted 2024 Federal and State Advocacy Programs
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2024 Federal Advocacy Program
2. 2024 State Advocacy Program
Prepared by:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations
Approved/Reviewed by:
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Aimee Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer