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Report regarding approval of a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter of support urging the Governor and California State legislators to prioritize a multi-year funding package for transit agencies across California (Sharon Ranals, City Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter of support urging Governor Newsom, State Senators Becker and Weiner, and Assemblymembers Ting and Papan to prioritize a multi-year funding package for transit agencies across California to prevent severe service cuts, adapt to changing travel patterns and regrow ridership.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
A campaign by a regional and statewide coalition is seeking funding from state budget sources to prevent severe cuts to public transportation and help regrow ridership that has been impacted by the pandemic and changing travel patterns. The economy, quality of life, and equity in South San Francisco all depend on a well-functioning public transportation system. Transit agencies in the Bay Area and California are currently at risk of hitting a fiscal cliff as federal Covid relief funding runs out and ridership is growing back but more slowly. Public transportation is also foundational to the state’s climate strategy. Attached is a copy of a letter which was signed by over 100 agencies which outlines the issues and budget implications.
The Governor’s January budget proposal included $2.7 billion in General Fund reductions, partially mitigated by $500 million from state transportation funds, to maintain $12.8 billion of transportation investments. The Governor’s May budget Revision maintains this overall level of funding, but also includes an additional fund shift. This does not address many of the transit shortfalls associated with public transit operating costs and capital improvements, despite calls from legislative leaders to bolster funding. While the state’s transit agencies have benefitted from large infusions of capital dollars, both state and federal, post-pandemic ridership trends have resulted in significant operating challenges for many of the state’s transit agencies, particularly as federal relief dollars begin to run out. Transportation advocates suggest shifting a small portion of the capital dollars to cover operations.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Support for funding transportation agencies aligns with the City’s strategic planning goals of building and maintaining a sustainable city.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter of support urging Governor Newsom, State Senators Becker and Weiner, and Assemblymembers Ting and Papan to prioritize a multi-year funding package for transit agencies across California to prevent severe service cuts, adapt to changing travel patterns and regrow ridership.
Attachments:
1. Coalition request to protect Public Transit in the 2023-24 State budget