TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Media and Public Statement Policy
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ?
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider the adoption of Board Policy 455 - Media and Public Statement Policy. [Requested by President Shaw - 10/23/24; Director Walsh - 11/13/24] [Previously considered by the Board of Directors on December 10, 2025 and January 14, 2026.]
Staff Contact:
Robert Lyles, Media Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Manager
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
There is no strategic importance associated with this report. However, maintaining credibility and transparency in the District's official communications remains essential to engagement with riders, stakeholders, and the many communities served by the District.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this action.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Staff Report 25-525b presents amendments to proposed Board Policy 455 - Media and Public Statement Policy, first introduced at the December 10, 2025, Board of Directors meeting. At the subsequent public meeting on January 14, the Board approved a motion directing that the proposed language receive additional legal review, with particular attention to subsection: Communication on Official District Matters.
As a result of that review, the proposed amendment to the Policy clarifies the process for handling media inquiries when the request seeks an Official Statement on Official District Matters. The amended language requires any Individual who receives or initiates such an inquiry to immediately refer the journalist or reporter to, and notify, the General Manager, District Secretary, and Media Affairs Manager to ensure coordinated and consistent District responses.
The proposed amendment further codifies that the Policy does not restrict a person subject to this Policy (now collectively defined as an "Individual") from communica...
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