James Corless

The committee convened a special meeting to approve an amendment to a grant-funded capital project for storm water pump station improvements in the City of Sacramento, pivoting the scope to include parallel trunk storm drain improvements to address capacity issues. Following the special meeting, the committee moved into a regular meeting where they discussed a proposal to submit a grant application for a factory-built housing regional pilot program. This initiative aims to reduce housing construction costs by exploring industrialized construction methods, with SEIKOG serving as a regional convener for workshops and pilot project case studies.

The committee meeting focused on the adoption of the 2026 regional trail network implementation strategy, which outlines a framework for supporting local agencies in advancing trail projects. Key discussion topics included the establishment of a regional trails working group, the distribution of technical assistance, and plans for recurring funding for trail projects. Members also discussed challenges related to interacting with railroad agencies and the impact of funding limitations and inflation on local agency trail development projects.

The directors convened for a regular meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved procedural adjustments to accommodate remote participation for several directors due to adverse weather conditions, including a discussion and vote regarding an action to expand the use of remote participation provisions under the Brown Act. Directors received a special presentation on local jurisdiction highlights from the 2025 blueprint, demonstrating interactive tools available for community engagement. The presentation detailed how to access story maps showcasing project highlights across various jurisdictions. Discussions also involved the collaboration between agency staff and local jurisdiction staff on advancing these blueprint projects. The meeting also included time for public comment, though none was offered on the agenda items.

The committee meeting centered on initiating the 2026 Federal Funding Cycle, which includes Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAC) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds. Key actions included adopting the federal funding estimate, approving the program budget, and authorizing staff to open the call for projects. The discussion provided context on the transition from a four-county to a six-county performance-based federal funding framework, necessitated by a corrective action from FHWA. Funding projections for FFY 28 through 30 total approximately $230 million, allocated across three core programs: Next Generation Solutions in Air Quality/Clean Air, System Performance, and System Preservation. The committee also discussed the structure of the funding allocation, specifically a 65/35 split for STBG funds between System Performance and System Preservation programs, which was previously board-approved. The board ultimately approved the funding estimates, budget, and authorization to open the call for projects. The next agenda item noted was the 2027 Regional Active Transportation Program Policy Framework.

The meeting of the Policy and Innovation Committee commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included a presentation on the draft budget and Overall Work Program (OWP) for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The discussion covered the purpose, timeline, and major work plan activities of the OWP, which implements the metropolitan transportation plan and the blueprint. The budget overview detailed revenue sources, expenditure forecasts, and the planned use of fund balance, including a proposed $250,000 for the pension trust to smooth the CalPERS unfunded liability payment and $500,000 for the first phase of the household travel survey. The committee also discussed the impact of potential delays in federal transportation reauthorization on funding. A resolution was passed to approve an updated salary schedule, effective July 1, 2026, which includes a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The committee recommended releasing the draft budget and OWP for public comment and approving the updated salary schedule.