Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: COUNTYWIDE CALL FOR PROJECTS
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER:
A. DEOBLIGATING $3.42 million of previously approved Call for Projects (Call) funding, as shown in Attachment A, and held in reserve;
B. APPROVING changes to the scope of work for the City of Los Angeles Traffic Signal Rail Crossing Improvement Project (Call #F9309);
C. REALLOCATING:
1. $2,914,000 Call funds remaining in the City of Los Angeles Burbank Blvd. Widening – Lankershim Blvd. to Cleon Ave. (Call #8046), to the City of Los Angeles: 1) Magnolia Blvd. Widening (North Side) - Cahuenga Blvd. to Vineland Ave. (Call #F7123), and 2) Boyle Heights Chavez Ave. Streetscape Pedestrian Improvements (Call #F3643);
2. $437,200 Call funds in the City of Los Angeles LADOT Streets for People: Parklets and Plazas (Call #F7814), to the City of Los Angeles Boyle Heights Chavez Ave. Streetscape Pedestrian Improvements (Call #F3643);
3. $1,190,000 Call funds in the City of Los Angeles: 1) Main Street Bus Stop and Pedestrian Improvements (Call #F1609), and 2) Main Street Pedestrian Enhancements (Call #F3630), to the City of Los Angeles Magnolia Blvd. Widening (North Side) - Cahuenga Blvd. to Vineland Ave. (Call #F7123); and
4. $2,265,143 Call funds in the City of Santa Clarita Railroad Avenue Class I Bike Path (Call #F9513), to the City of Santa Clarita 13th Street/Dockweiler Drive Extension (Call #F7105);
D. AUTHORIZING the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or their designee to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements/or amendments for previously awarded projects; and
E. RECEIVING AND FILING time extensions for 62 projects shown in Attachment B.
Issue
ISSUE
Each year the Board must recertify funding for prior Call projects in order to release the funds to project sponsors. The Board must also approve the deobligation of lapsing project funds after providing project sponsors with the opportunity to appeal staff’s preliminary deobligation recommendations to the Metro Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The Board must also approve major changes to the project scope of work for previously approved Call projects. Staff have evaluated the proposed changes and found that they are consistent with the intent of the original scope of work. The Board must also receive and file the time extensions granted through previously delegated Board authority.
Background
BACKGROUND
The Call, an existing competitive grant program dating back to the early 1990s, programmed $4.7 billion (close to 1,400 projects) in a variety of transportation funds, such as federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ), Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP), and local Proposition C 25% funds, to local jurisdictions for regionally significant projects that are often beyond the financial capabilities of local sponsors. The last Call cycle, including all funding commitments and project scopes of work, was approved by the Metro Board in September 2015.
The Call process implements Metro’s multi-modal programming priorities and the adopted Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Since the adoption of the last Call funding commitments in 2015, the Metro Board has reinforced annual authorization and timely use of funds policies. Specifically, Board policy calls for the consideration of the deobligation of funding from project sponsors who have not met lapsing deadlines or have formally notified Metro that they no longer wish to proceed with the project (cancellation). All projects are subject to a close-out audit after completion. Once the project sponsor concurs with the audit findings, remaining funding, if any, is proposed for deobligation. All proposed deobligated funds included in Attachment A are due to project savings or cancellation requested by the project sponsors and would not be involuntarily deobligated by this proposed Board action, as further described in the attachment. The deobligated funds will be held in the reserve. Currently, there are $13.3 million in reserve, not including the proposed deobligating amount in this report.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
This report summarizes the 2025 annual review and recommendations.
Staff have been actively working with the local jurisdictions to prioritize and expedite project implementation to meet the Call funding commitments. Quarterly Progress/Expenditures reporting are required on all active projects.
Annually since August 2020, Metro staff also reported completed assessments of the past and current recipient performance in project delivery (2007 to 2015 Call cycles). Staff updated the table as of June 30, 2025 (see Attachment E, table 1), which shows that 101 active Call projects totaling $230.55 million are yet to be fully implemented. Since July 2024, project sponsors have completed 22 projects, which include bottleneck intersection improvements, signal, bikeway, and pedestrian improvements, and transit capital projects, with total expenditures/obligations of $63.75 million. Remaining projects across numerous jurisdictions throughout Los Angeles County focus on multimodal improvements and support for the region’s mobility needs and support of safe, sustainable, environmentally friendly improvements. Most of the remaining 2007 and 2009 Call projects are under construction or in the process of obligating the construction funds. Four projects were significantly delayed due to right-of-way acquisition, but they are now near the construction phase. Overall, approximately 17 Call projects are expected to be completed within 12 months. Staff will continue working with the project sponsors to advance the delivery of all projects within two years.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Appeals
Projects with significant delays are notified of the potential deobligation and the project sponsors’ right to appeal. In May 2025, project sponsors who were required to appear at the Metro Call TAC appeals were notified. On June 4, 2025, the TAC heard sponsor appeals on the proposed deobligation of funding from eight projects (Attachment C). The TAC recognized the progress made to the projects and recommended extensions to 2026 for all eight projects. Staff concur with these recommendations, as these projects are preparing to start construction within the next 6 to 12 months and cities’ commitment to deliver these projects within the revised schedule provided at the TAC appeals.
Project Scope of Work Changes
The City of Los Angeles – Traffic Signal Rail Crossing Improvement Project (Call #F9309) was programmed through the 2015 Call. As approved, the project includes traffic signal upgrades, installation of battery backup systems (BBS), traffic surveillance cameras, pedestrian countdown signals, and automated pedestrian signals (APS), replacement of obsolete controllers, and upgrades to railroad preemption interconnects and advanced preemption at various highway-rail grade crossings. Originally, the project proposed safety enhancements at 75 locations. City is requesting to revise the scope of work by reducing the number of locations to 46. Of the 29 removed locations, 24 are outside of Metro’s jurisdiction and have since received similar enhancements. To support Metro’s ongoing safety efforts and ensure continued signal functionality during power outages, the City proposes to use existing funds to replace end-of-life equipment and enhance safety measures along various LRT/BRT corridors. The revised scope includes the procurement of additional BBS units to ensure sufficient backup inventory, the procurement and installation of No Left Turn, No Right Turn, and “TRAIN” and “BUS” LED signs, and controller cabinet upgrades. These strategic investments aim to improve safety and reliability across Metro’s transit corridors. Staff have evaluated the proposed change in scope and found that it is consistent with the intent of the original scope of work. While this does provide for improved safety, this project will likely increase Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). Metro will maintain its funding commitment of $4,179,000 and the City will maintain its local match commitment of $1,044,850 (20%). In addition, the City is committed to covering any future project cost overruns, if occur.
Reallocate Call Funds
1. The City requested to cancel the Call remaining grant amount of $2,914,000 in Proposition C 25% funds for Burbank Blvd. Widening – Lankershim Blvd. to Cleon Ave. (Call #8046), and reallocate the funds to the following Call projects:
1) Magnolia Blvd. Widening (North Side) - Cahuenga Blvd. to Vineland Ave. (Call #F7123), in the amount of $1,724,000 (with City’s local match commitment of $1,707,015) to fulfill the funding gap. This project is nearing its construction phase and experiencing a funding shortfall. Project is located in the North Hollywood area of the City of Los Angeles, between Cahuenga Boulevard and Vineland Avenue on Magnolia Boulevard. The project consists of pedestrian and safety-related improvements such as curb extensions where appropriate, enhanced left turn protection at select locations, new landscaping, additional safer crossings with the introduction of pedestrian hybrid beacons, enhanced sidewalks, and ADA-compliant access ramps. The project will likely decrease VMT.
2) Boyle Heights Chavez Ave. Streetscape Pedestrian Improvements (Call #F3643), in the amount of $1,190,000 (with City’s local match commitment of $1,178,276) to fulfill the funding gap. This project is under construction and is experiencing a funding shortfall due to escalating construction costs. The project is located in the community of Boyle Heights in the City of Los Angeles on East Cesar Chavez Av, between Brittania St and Evergreen Ave. It will fund 0.8 miles of pedestrian enhancements by installing sidewalk replacements, six curb extensions, nine pedestrian lights, and maintenance of existing street trees and tree wells. The project will likely decrease VMT.
2. The City requested to cancel the Call grant amount of $437,200 in Local Transportation Funds for LADOT Streets for People: Parklets and Plazas (Call #F7814), and reallocate the funds to Boyle Heights Chavez Ave. Streetscape Pedestrian Improvements (Call #F3643), with City’s local match commitment of $109,300 to fulfill the funding gap.
3. The City requested to cancel the following two Call projects:
1) Main Street Bus Stop and Pedestrian Improvements (Call #F1609), in the amount of $528,000 in CMAQ funds; and
2) Main Street Pedestrian Enhancements (Call #F3630), in the amount of $662,000 in CMAQ funds.
And reallocate the above funds to Magnolia Blvd. Widening (North Side) - Cahuenga Blvd. to Vineland Ave. (Call #F7123), in the amount of $1,190,000 (with City’s local match commitment of $297,500) to fulfill the funding gap.
4. The City of Santa Clarita requested to cancel the Call grant amount of $2,265,143 in Proposition C 25% funds for Railroad Avenue Class I Bike Path (Call #F9513) and reallocate the funds to 13th Street/Dockweiler Drive Extension (Call #F7105), with City’s local match commitment of $970,776 to fulfill the funding gap. This project will construct a Class I bike facility across the railroad tracks at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue, along Arch Street to the intersection of 12th Street and Dockweiler Drive. The project will connect the community to the Newhall Metrolink station, improving access and mobility. The project will likely decrease VMT.
STBG/CMAQ Corrective Action Update
A portion of the funding for the Call is from the federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program and CMAQ Improvement Program funds. Federal CMAQ and RSTP funds were previously programmed by Metro for the benefit of the Call recipients but in April 2021, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued corrective action to Caltrans on the administration of the STBG and CMAQ Improvement Programs. The findings require Caltrans to ensure that sub-recipients of STBG and CMAQ funds throughout the state are administering these programs in compliance with federal program guidance and regulations. Subsequently, in August 2022, FHWA and FTA jointly issued a corrective action to SCAG, requiring a review of Caltrans’ CMAQ and STBG administrative policies and the development of a process that ensures compliance with federal program guidelines and regulations for the administration of the STBG and CMAQ programs. The program guidelines adopted by SCAG to comply with the federal Corrective Action require that any new project or new project phase funded with CMAQ and/or STBG funds are subject to a competitive project selection process administered by SCAG.
The Corrective Action took effect in the 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Plan (FTIP) on July 1, 2023. Under this new federal action, any STBG/CMAQ funds that were programmed in the 2023 FTIP between FFY23 and FFY26 before July 1, 2023, are considered ‘grandfathered.’ In the 2025 FTIP, grandfathered funds are only permitted to be programmed in FFY25 and FFY26 and agencies must obligate the funds by December 31, 2026. This is the final time extension for those Call projects funded by CMAQ or RSTP. Failure to obligate by the deadline will result in the permanent loss of funds. Metro will take appropriate actions to allow reprogramming of any unobligated STBG/CMAQ funds to Metro projects, to avoid permanent loss of funds before the deadline.
Receive and File Time Extensions
During the 2001 Countywide Call Recertification, Deobligation, and Extension, the Board authorized the administrative extension of projects based on the following reasons:
1) Project delay due to an unforeseen and extraordinary circumstance beyond the control of the project sponsor (federal or state delay, legal challenge, Act of God);
2) Project delay due to Metro action that results in a change in project scope, schedule, or sponsorship that is mutually agreed upon; and
3) The project is contractually obligated, however, a time extension is needed to complete construction that is already underway (capital projects only).
Based on the above criteria, extensions for the 62 projects shown in Attachment B are being granted.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The 2025 Call Recertification and Deobligation will not have any adverse safety impacts on Metro’s employees or patrons. The Call projects support the development of a transportation system that will balance multimodal mobility options and improvements that enable people to spend less time traveling.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The amount of $13.95 million is included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget in Cost Centers 0441 (Subsidies to Others) and 0442 (Highway Subsidies) for the Countywide Call, in Project #s 410002, 410008, 410009, 410018, and 410033. Since these are multi-year projects, the cost center managers and Chief Planning Officer will be responsible for budgeting in future years.
Impact to Budget
The sources of funds for these activities are Proposition C 25%, State Repayment of Capital Project Loan Funds, CMAQ and RSTP. Proposition C 25% funds are not eligible for Metro bus and rail operations expenses.
CMAQ funds can be used for both transit operations and capital. Los Angeles County must strive to fully obligate its share of CMAQ funding by May 1 of each year, otherwise, it risks its redirection to other California Regional Transportation Planning Agencies by Caltrans. Staff recommends the use of long lead-time CMAQ funds as planned to ensure the utilization of Metro’s federal funds.
RSTP funds in this action could be used for Metro’s transit capital needs. Also, while these funds cannot be used directly for Metro’s bus or rail operating needs, these funds could free up other such eligible funds by exchanging the funds used for Metro’s paratransit provider, Access Services Incorporated. Since these RSTP funds originate in the Highway portion (Title 23) of MAP-21, they are among the most flexible funds available to Metro and are very useful in meeting Call projects’ requirements.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
Metro’s Call program was a competitive process that distributed discretionary capital transportation funds to regionally significant projects that improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, provide access and mobility, connect bikeway networks, and promote walking, etc. The projects (and scopes) included in this action predate the Equity Platform (adopted in 2018). As such, Equity Platform criteria were not included in the evaluation of these projects. However, the third pillar of the Equity Platform, “Focus and Deliver” applies to these community-driven projects. Given that no equity analysis occurred during the initial grant process, staff are now working to evaluate the equity impacts from the existing grants. The Equity Focus Communities (“EFCs”, adopted as part of the 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan, updated in 2022) are being applied to all current Call grants to support the first pillar of the Equity Platform, “Define and Measure”. Specifically, the EFCs are a mapping tool that has been added to the Call administration database since July 2021. The analysis of the EFC layer to the Call grants (within a 1-mile radius) provides information about the makeup of the communities being served by these projects. See Attachment D for a map of the remaining 101 projects (83%) in EFCs.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled_Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
While the agency remains committed to reducing VMT through transit and multimodal investments, some projects may induce or increase personal vehicle travel. However, these individual projects aim to ensure the efficient and safe movement of people and goods. Each project’s VMT outcome is included in the brief project description earlier in this report. This Board item, which looks at a number of smaller investments across modes, will likely increase VMT in LA County, as it includes several projects that encourage driving alone.
Although this item may not directly contribute to the achievement of the Board-adopted VMT Reduction Targets, the VMT Targets were developed to account for the cumulative effect of a suite of programs and projects within the Metro region, which individually may induce or increase VMT. Additionally, Metro has a voter-approved mandate to deliver multimodal projects that enhance mobility while ensuring the efficient and safe movement of people and goods.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommendation supports the following goals of the Metro Vision 2028 Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling by alleviating the current operational deficiencies and improving mobility along the projects.
Goal 4: Transform LA County through regional collaboration with the subregions and local jurisdictions in the implementation of the projects.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board could cancel all or some of the FY 2025-26 funding commitments rather than authorizing their continued expenditure. This would be a change to the previous Board-approved Countywide Calls programming commitments and would disrupt ongoing projects, right-of-way acquisition particularly, that received multi-year funding.
With respect to deobligation, the Board could choose to deobligate funds from one or more project sponsors whose projects are beyond the lapse dates and are not moving forward consistently with the adopted Revised Lapsing Policy rather than extending the deadlines. A much stricter interpretation of the Revised Lapsing Policy might encourage project sponsors in general to deliver them in a timelier fashion. However, this would be disruptive to the process of delivering specific projects currently underway, as approximately 17 projects are now very close to being delivered. On balance, the appeals process between the project sponsors, and the Metro TAC is a significant reminder to project sponsors that these funded projects should not be further delayed thus ensuring policy objectives are achieved in expending the funds as intended by the Call program.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Staff will notify project sponsors of next steps upon Board approval of the 2025 Countywide Call Deobligation and Extension process. Amendments to existing Funding Agreements will be completed for those sponsors receiving time extensions. Metro staff will identify recommended uses for the reserve, including countywide needs, and address subregional cost increases, which are consistent with the prior recommended uses of the Call reserve. Project sponsors whose funds are being deobligated and those receiving date-certain time extension deadlines for executing their agreements will be formally notified of the Board's action.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – FY 2024-25 Countywide Call Deobligation
Attachment B – FY 2024-25 Countywide Call Extensions
Attachment C – Result of TAC Appeals Process
Attachment D – Call and Equity Focus Communities Map
Attachment E – Additional Data
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Fanny Pan, Executive Officer, Countywide Planning & Programming, (213) 418-3433
Laurie Lombardi, Senior Executive Officer, Countywide Planning & Programming, (213) 418-3251
Nicole Ferrara, Deputy Chief Planning Officer, (213) 547-4322
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Ray Sosa, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 547-4274
Digitally approved by Stephanie Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer