TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, 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.
Staff Contact:
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The Monthly Legislative Report tracks state, regional, and federal legislation to ensure alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan and its goal of maintaining strong public and policymaker support. Policy decisions at all levels can impact District operations and revenues, making ongoing monitoring and engagement essential.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Federal Update
District representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this month to participate in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Annual Legislative Conference. In meetings with our Bay Area Congressional delegation, the District’s representatives advocated for dedicated transit funding in the surface transportation reauthorization bill and ensuring all Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) give transit operators a vote on their boards. Each member of our House delegation was also asked to join the bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus, which advocates for greater federal bus transit investment.
As reported last month, the District submitted three “earmark” projects for funding through the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process. Congressman John Garamendi submitted our $1 million request for districtwide security enhancements to the Appropriations Committee, as did Congressman Eric Swalwell. Additionally, Representative Lateefah Simon submitted our $2.1 million request for Tempo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) safety improvements on International Boulevard in Oakland. The District sincerely appreciates Representatives Garamendi, Simon, and Swalwell for their support in submitting these projects on the District’s behalf. A decision on whether these projects receive funding is expected after Congress acts on the FY 2027 appropriations bill.
State Update
State revenues continue to come in slightly above forecast, with February exceeding projections by $154 million and year-to-date revenues now $7 billion above estimates. However, these gains are overshadowed by looming fiscal pressures, including the significant loss of federal funds from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and the potential revenue impacts of the ongoing stock market downturn tied to the conflict with Iran.
The Governor will submit an update to his FY 27 proposed budget, known as the “May Revise,” in mid-May. The District’s state advocate will offer an update to the Board shortly thereafter.
Staff recommend the Board adopt the following legislative positions.
SUPPORT H.R. 3449, the Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act. This bill would create a new federal grant program for public transit agencies to expand and improve operations, including innovative service and service to areas of persistent poverty, authorizing $20 billion annually for fiscal years 2025-2028, subject to appropriation. The bill is co-sponsored by four members of the District’s Congressional delegation: Representatives Swalwell, Simon, Khanna, and Garamendi. The Board supported an earlier version of this bill in 2024.
SUPPORT S. 3455, the Moving Transit Forward Act of 2025. This bill would give transit agencies more flexibility to use their federal formula grants to improve service, safety, and security. It would allow these funds to cover equipment, facilities, planning, capital projects, and ongoing safety and security costs. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Schiff and is consistent with the Board-supported Rapid Intervention & Deterrence for Enhanced Rider (RIDER) Safety Act led by Representative Simon, which similarly seeks to increase federal investment in transit safety.
SUPPORT AB 2168 (Wicks) Active Transportation Program Guidelines. This bill updates the state’s Active Transportation Program (ATP), which funds walking and biking projects. It adds improving access to public transit as a core goal and expands eligibility to include projects in transit-rich and infill areas. AB 2168 gives higher priority to projects that invest at least half of their transportation improvement funds in walking and biking, and adds new criteria focused on safety, access to transit, disadvantaged communities, and community input. The bill also directs the California Transportation Commission to update program guidelines to encourage the use of State Transportation Improvement Program funds for larger, more impactful active transportation projects - especially those that enhance transit access. To ensure accountability, AB 2168 requires penalties for applicants that previously received ATP grant funds but failed to use them on time.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
No alternatives were considered as this report provides an update of monthly legislative activities.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Monthly updates keep the Board informed of pending legislation and its potential impact on the District. The adoption of favorable legislation by policymakers helps further the District’s goal of having strong public and policymaker support.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report No. 25-411a: Adopted 2026 Federal and State Advocacy Programs
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Federal Update
2. State Update
3. Matrix of State Legislation
4. 2026 Federal Advocacy Program
5. 2026 State Advocacy Program
Prepared by:
Steven C. Jones, Director of Legislative Affairs & Community Relations
In Collaboration with:
Maria Henderson, External Affairs Representative
Approved/Reviewed by:
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
Paul Kincaid, Assistant General Manager/Chief Executive Officer