TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: AC Transit’s 2026 Federal & State Advocacy Programs
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider the adoption of AC Transit’s 2026 Federal & State Advocacy Programs.
Staff Contact:
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The annual state and federal advocacy programs help the District track regional, state, and federal policymaking 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, 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:
Each year, the AC Transit Board of Directors adopts state and federal advocacy programs to guide the District’s legislative, policy, and funding efforts in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. The attached draft 2026 programs reflect both ongoing priorities and emerging issues for the coming year. These programs were developed with input from Boardmembers, District staff, the General Manager’s Access Committee (GMAC), external advocacy organizations, and partner agencies.
Feedback from the October 22, 2025, Board of Directors’ meeting has been incorporated into the draft State Advocacy Program. Under the heading, “Advocate for transit-supportive laws, regulations, actions, and policies that…”, key revisions include:
• Item #10: “Ensure safe, accessible transportation for all users while minimizing District risk and liability.” The phrase recommended to the Board on October 22 was, “Ensure all transit riders can safely access and use public transportation.”
• Item #15: “Improve street safety to reduce traffic-related incidents/accidents.” Staff had recommended removing similar language but restored it based on feedback received from the Board on October 22.
These recommended amendments preserve the District’s flexibility to effectively advance its policy and funding objectives.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
This report recommends areas of emphasis to guide federal and state advocacy efforts. There are no disadvantages.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
This report reflects the District’s ongoing priorities and emerging issues for the coming year. The Board may add or emphasize additional items as desired.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report 25-411, Draft 2026 Federal & State Advocacy Programs
ATTACHMENTS:
1. FINAL DRAFT: 2026 Federal Advocacy Program
2. FINAL DRAFT: 2026 State Advocacy Program
3. Adopted 2025 Federal Advocacy Program
4. Adopted 2025 State Advocacy Program
Prepared by:
Steven C. Jones, External Affairs Representative
Approved/Reviewed by:
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience