Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: 2026 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER:
A. RECEIVING the State and Federal Legislative Report;
B. ADOPTING the proposed 2026 Federal Legislative Program (Attachment A); and
C. ADOPTING the proposed 2026 State Legislative Program (Attachment B).
Issue
ISSUE
On an annual basis, the Board adopts a legislative program for the upcoming state legislative and federal congressional sessions, which provides guidance to staff on legislative issues and policy as a means of advancing and protecting Metro’s authority and the transportation interests of Los Angeles County. Pursuant to the goals outlined in the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Equity Platform, and other Board directives, staff will continue to evaluate and consider long-term strategic advocacy and legislative goals for the agency as outlined in the plan. Staff will continue to work with the implementing departments within Metro to develop the broader objectives and will seek Board authorization to pursue additional specific measures as they become sufficiently developed and ready for pursuit through legislative processes.
Background
BACKGROUND
The role of the legislative program is to clearly define Metro’s goals and objectives by securing necessary legislative authority, program funding, and regulatory actions needed at the state and federal levels. The program provides policy direction to staff and the agency’s advocacy activities in Sacramento and Washington, DC. To achieve these important goals, staff will implement a long-term legislative strategy of consensus building and coordination with transportation stakeholders throughout the region, the State of California, and Federal officials. The Legislative Program directs staff to monitor and engage in several legislative and advocacy efforts. The Government Relations Legislative Matrix <https://libraryarchives.metro.net/DB_Attachments/11%20-%20November%202025%20-%20LA%20Metro%20Legislative%20Matrix.pdf>, updated and presented to the Board on a monthly basis, highlights bills of interest to the agency.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
A recap of legislative activities for the 2025 calendar year on the state and federal levels can be found below. The Federal and State Legislative goals, as outlined in attachments A and B, will inform the activities pursued by the Government Relations department for the upcoming calendar year. Looking forward to next year, the State is expected to continue to see volatility in its revenues. Additionally, staff anticipates the need for legislation related to the recent passage of SB 79 (Wiener). In order to address this, there is a proposal in the State Legislative Program to sponsor amendments to SB 79, to ensure that Metro can continue to advance the agency’s Long Range Transportation Plan and improve the quality of transit provided in our service area.
In addition to constant collaboration with the Board and other internal Metro departments, staff will continue to ensure that legislative priorities and efforts are also coordinated with our regional transportation partners, including Metrolink, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Municipal Operators, and Southern California County transportation commissions.
Federal Recap
In 2025, Metro was guided by our Board-approved Federal Legislative Program in Washington, DC. Mindful that the Trump Administration outlined new policy priorities with respect to federal transportation programs and projects and with GOP majorities in both the House and Senate, staff has worked in good faith with both the Executive and Legislative Branches to advance Metro’s capital projects seeking federal funding and to safeguard the flow of federal formula funds to our agency.
In advancing the Board-approved Federal Legislative Program over the past year, staff is deeply appreciative of the active and constant engagement maintained with all members of the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation, including our two U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Alex Padilla (D-CA). From supporting the agency on grant requests, matters related to spending bills, and regulatory issues tied to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation has been an important ally as we have advanced the Board’s federal transportation priorities in Washington, D.C.
Metro was active on a number of matters in Washington, DC this year and achieved several important successes in partnership with the Federal Government.
1. In April 2025, Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, presented a comprehensive update on planning efforts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to key stakeholders on Capitol Hill, ensuring continued federal support for the event’s transportation needs.
2. In April of 2025, staff worked with then Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn to convey (in writing) to the White House and U.S. Department of Transportation our funding request of $3.2 billion to ensure that our agency can put into place a world-class mobility plan for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This letter built upon previous correspondence shared with the Biden Administration in Autumn 2023, and correspondence with the incoming Trump Administration in Autumn 2024.
3. In April of 2025, Congresswoman Julia Brownley offered and then withdrew an amendment at the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the reconciliation bill to include $3.2 billion for public transit in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
4. On May 28, 2025, LA Metro sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlining the comprehensive safety measures implemented at LA Metro to enhance passenger security and system reliability.
5. On May 30, 2025, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) allocated the full $315 million balance of funding for Metro’s Westside Purple Line Extension (WPLE) Section 3 Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA), advancing a critical infrastructure project. This was the FTA’s last installment of FFGA funding (total amount $1.3 billion) for the WPLE section.
6. On May 30, 2025, FTA’s FY26 New Starts Report funding recommendations report highlighted that the Southeast Gateway Line (SGL) may be eligible for Capital Investment Grant (CIG) funding in FY26. The report also included the Vermont Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project under the Small Starts program.
7. In June 2025, staff supported Mobility21’s successful trip to Washington, D.C., further strengthening the region’s advocacy efforts for transportation innovation and infrastructure funding.
8. On July 8, 2025, staff facilitated Metro’s response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s concerns regarding system safety.
9. On July 15, 2025, CEO Wiggins led a presentation on 2026 FIFA World Cup planning to the White House Task Force, outlining key transit infrastructure needs to support event operations. CEO Wiggins also led a presentation on the 2026 FIFIA World Cup and 2028 Olympic/Paralympic Games planning to USDOT leadership, emphasizing the coordination required for both events to be held successfully, with efficient and effective transit plans.
10. On July 17, 2025, staff engaged with U.S. Representatives Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres to propose funding amendments at the House FY26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) markup in support of mobility initiatives for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
11. Staff worked with key Congressional stakeholders to support the Vermont BRT Project being recommended for funding in the House FY26 THUD spending bill in the amount of $149.9 million through the FTA’s Small Starts Program.
12. On July 24, 2025, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY26 THUD bill, which includes $78 million for 11 2026 FIFA World Cup city transit agencies and $68 million for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games mobility projects. The accompanying committee report also included language staff requested to address Charter Rule, Spare Ratio, and goods movement challenges related to these major events.
13. On August 19, 2025, staff met with USDOT leaders on our agency’s surface transportation reauthorization priorities, underscoring the need for continued federal support for our multi-modal mobility enhancing projects.
14. On September 19, 2025, members of the World Cup White House Task Force, including Andrew Giuliani, met with CEO Wiggins and Metro Board Chair Fernando Dutra, and toured Metro’s Emergency Security Operations Center (ESOC).
15. On September 26, 2025, the Metro Board adopted the USA Build initiative, which was subsequently presented to Congress and the Administration, securing broad support for key federal transportation programs that will enhance our agency’s ability to provide mobility across Los Angeles County for decades to come.
Metro looks forward to working closely with Congress and the Administration to leverage local funding to advance transit, highway, and other effective mobility projects across Los Angeles County - in addition to building support to secure major federal funding for mobility initiatives related to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The complete 2026 Federal Legislative Plan is outlined in Attachment A.
State Recap
During the 2025 State Legislative Session, the California Legislature and Governor Newsom were primarily focused on homelessness, wildfire recovery, housing, as well as climate and infrastructure issues. The legislature passed a number of proposals that focused on that state’s climate change goals, transportation projects, workforce recovery, and funding to support efforts to end homelessness. Most notably, the Legislature passed a 15-year extension to the Cap-and-Trade program, renaming it Cap-and-Invest. The following summarizes the 2025 legislative session and Metro’s advocacy efforts surrounding the budget and legislation relevant to Metro’s projects and programs.
State Budget
Metro staff continued to engage in the budget process by working with members of the LA County Delegation to ensure that LA County received its proportionate share of transportation resources.
In January, Governor Gavin Newsom released his budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. At the time, the Department of Finance projected that the state would enjoy a modest $363 million surplus for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the budget proposal had been prepared prior to the January Eaton and Palisades wildfires, now projected to be the costliest natural disasters in California history.
Regarding transportation, the initial budget maintained the entire transportation package, including funding from SB 125 of 2023. This package of investments was a historic investment in public transit, but it also required multiple years of advocacy to ensure that the full funding of this program survived the volatility of the State Budget. Through the leadership of the Board and our CEO, staff has been successful in maintaining this funding for key Metro projects.
In mid-May, Governor Newsom released his May Revision to the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, based on the latest economic forecasts available to the Governor and his Department of Finance. While the Governor's proposed budget in January presented a balanced budget with a modest surplus of $363 million, unprecedented events changed the State’s fiscal outlook to an estimated state budget deficit of $12 billion for the coming year.
The May Revision maintained the State's proposed $1 billion investment in the Transit Intercity Rail and Capital Program (TIRCP) for Fiscal Year 2025-26, as originally agreed to in the Budget Act of 2023 (AB 102 / SB 125). However, the Revision included other transit-related budget cuts, to the tune of $1.1 billion, and Metro staff continued their efforts to ask the Legislature to reject any cuts to transit.
On June 9, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas announced that their houses had reached a two-party agreement on the state budget. This two-party agreement served as the basis for the Legislature’s negotiations with Governor Newsom. The agreement rejected the Governor’s proposal to cut $1.1 billion to transit programs. The rejection of this proposed cut would ensure California transit agencies receive the full balance of their SB 125 and TIRCP Cycle 6 investments. On June 13, the California Senate and Assembly voted to pass budget bill SB 101, with subsequent Budget Bills Junior and Budget Trailer bills passed and signed in late June.
Cap-and-Invest Program
With the release of the May Revision to the state budget proposal, the Governor also announced his desire to extend California's Cap-and-Trade program, renaming it the Cap-and-Invest program. The Governor asked the Legislature to extend the program to 2045, providing greater market certainty and aligning with California's existing 2045 carbon neutrality goal.
Following the passage of the FY 2025-26 budget, the Legislature returned from recess to finish business for the first year of the session, including negotiations for the extension of Cap-and-Invest.
Throughout the year, Metro staff were actively engaged in advocacy for LA’s fair share of Cap-and-Invest transit funding. In June, Metro transmitted a letter from the CEO to the Legislature regarding the agency’s Cap-and-Invest priorities as the Senate, Assembly, and Governor began to seriously consider the program's extension beyond the current 2030 expiration. This letter became the cornerstone of a packet of materials that was delivered to every member of the LA County Delegation. Prior to the Legislature’s summer recess, Metro staff met with key members of the Senate and Assembly, along with the entire LA Delegation, to discuss Metro’s priorities and share these materials. Advocacy materials included the CEO letter, district maps of investment from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, and the projects from the Measure M expenditure plan that Metro plans to complete using state investment in the coming years.
Metro continued engagement with these key offices, working with the LA County delegation on a sign-on letter to ensure Metro’s equitable allocation of Cap-and-Invest program funding. That letter to Governor Newsom, Assembly Speaker Rivas, and Senate pro Tem McGuire, was eventually signed by 30 members of the Los Angeles County legislative delegation, expressing support for the reauthorization of Cap-and-Invest and requesting that the State invest $3.3 billion over the life of the program into LA County transportation. The letter called for funding that would support operations to increase bus and rail frequency and improve reliability, fund capital projects, including those that would connect to the future California High-Speed Rail Project, and provide good-paying jobs that support disadvantaged communities.
Additionally, the CEOs of LA Metro, Metrolink, Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, Southern California Association of Governments, and Ventura County Transportation Commission issued a joint letter to the California Legislature, outlining key perspectives on reauthorization. Metro staff also chaired the California Transit Association's Cap and Trade Task Force to ensure that transit agencies in our State spoke with one voice.
On September 10, SB 840 (Limón) and AB 1207 (Irwin) came into print, representing the culmination of the Cap-and-Invest negotiations between the Governor and leadership in the Senate and Assembly. These bills addressed two different components of the Cap-and-Invest program. Together, the bills reauthorized the program for an additional 15 years, to 2045, and aim to provide greater certainty in auctions between now and the original expiration date of 2030.
AB 1207 concerned the mechanism by which the Cap-and-Invest market is run. SB 840 concerned the way that revenues from the auctions are allocated through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Currently, statutorily required GGRF appropriations are allocated through percentages to programs such as High-Speed Rail, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities, Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), among others. SB 840 will convert these appropriations to fixed numbers and allocate them in a tiered process. The first tier continuously appropriates $1 billion to the High-Speed Rail Authority. The second tier contains $1 billion, reserved for appropriation by the Legislature through the annual budget process. For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the bill states that the legislature intends to appropriate $125 million to fund transit passes, with further details not yet available. The third tier for appropriation, after the previous tiers are fully funded, includes $400 million for the TIRCP and $200 million for the LCTOP. If auction revenues fall below the amount needed to fund this tier, reductions would be made proportionately. However, if auction revenues exceed expectations, the excess is returned to the General Fund. These bills were passed on September 13 and subsequently signed by the Governor.
Staff is pleased to report that the fundamental commitments of Cap and Trade to public transit were maintained in the new Cap and Invest Program. This funding has always had risks. The new program will face similar risks in the future. Metro will need to maintain its commitment to vigorous and robust advocacy as the program is implemented in the coming years.
Legislative Update
In the 2025 legislative session, the advocacy efforts focused heavily on Board-directed State Legislative Program goals, as well as several proposals that would have impacted Metro programs. Metro was the official sponsor of two bills this year, as well as the co-sponsor of one additional bill. The following is a summary of activities related to the state legislative process for 2025:
Metro co-sponsored SB 71 by Senator Scott Wiener (D - San Francisco), a transit-related CEQA bill that builds upon legislation that the Senator had sponsored and was co-sponsored or supported formally by this agency. SB 71 extends the sunset date for Senator’s previous legislation, SB 922, to 2040 and clarifies which projects are eligible for statutory exemptions. Metro was also a formal supporter of AB 394 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D - Suisun City). In March, the agency issued a formal letter in support of AB 394. This bill would strengthen penalties for assaults against all transit employees, who are currently protected by penalties that only apply to bus and rail operators. The bill was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in October and will become law on January 1, 2026.
Metro was also the sponsor of two bills that did not move forward this year. AB 939 by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D - Burbank) was a Metro-sponsored $20 billion transportation bond. This bill is now a “two-year” bill, which may be revisited in the future. Metro staff received feedback on the legislation concerning affordability and the state’s debt capacity at a time of economic uncertainty and other State priorities related to housing and fire recovery. Additionally, AB 1237 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D - Inglewood) would have authorized Metro to impose a charge of up to $5 on the purchaser of a World Cup ticket, in order to support transit operations. The bill was subsequently amended to apply more broadly, removing the specific nexus to LA Metro. Though these bills did not move forward this year, Metro is grateful to both of these authors for their support of LA County transit.
Finally, Metro formally opposed two transit board restructuring bills this year, both of which were ultimately not approved by the Legislature in 2025. SB 220 (Allen) would, beginning on January 1, 2029, expand the Metro Board of Directors to 18 members (including 1 nonvoting gubernatorial appointee) by adding the County Executive of the County of Los Angeles and 3 public members appointed by the County Executive. The bill would also expand the Metro Board to include each member of the Board of Supervisors. Pursuant to County Measure G approved by voters in 2024, the Board of Supervisors will be expanding to nine members in 2032. Therefore, the final proposed composition of the Board under SB 220 will eventually reach 22 members. Additionally, AB 1070 (Ward) would expand transit boards to include non-voting labor and rider representatives and would require board members to demonstrate they ride public transit to receive compensation for their participation on a transit board. Bills not approved in the first year of a legislative cycle still have the opportunity to move forward in the second year. Finally, Metro Government Relations staff also remained engaged on a number of bills throughout the year through coalitions such as the California Transit Association.
Transit Transformation Task Force
As part of the SB 125 budget deal for Fiscal Year 2023-24, the Legislature created the Transit Transformation Task Force (TTTF). The TTTF included representatives from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), local agencies (including Metro’s Senior Executive Officer for Government Relations, Michael Turner), academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. The TTTF, through a series of 13 meetings held in 2024 and 2025, was tasked with developing policy recommendations to increase transit ridership and enhance the transit experience for all users of these services. CalSTA was then required to submit a report of findings and recommendations based on the TTTF’s efforts to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature. This report, as of early November, is still pending release.
LA County Delegation Engagement
Metro’s State Advocacy strategy continues to include a robust outreach and communications plan to inform and engage the members of the Los Angeles County State Assembly and Senate delegation, in support of the Board-adopted Legislative program, Equity Platform, Zero-Emission Bus Plan and LRTP goals. State advocacy efforts will also continue to support Metro’s Planning Department policies and programs to secure discretionary and formula funding under Senate Bill 1 for Los Angeles County as administered by the CTC. Staff will also engage in discussions and advocate for state policies and funding opportunities as the Board approves directives to implement new initiatives that would address Metro’s goals to implement the Equity Platform, reimagined public safety system, and affordable housing.
This legislative engagement also includes quarterly legislative roundtable briefings with staff, subregional project briefings, and tours with individual legislators. The legislature will reconvene for the first year of the legislative session on January 5, 2026. Government Relations staff will continue to brief staff and elected officials on Metro priorities and projects during the legislative recess.
In addition to the activities described in the updates above, staff will be working to address a variety of other specific policy issues in the Legislative process, budget process as well as in various administrative processes in Sacramento (the entire 2026 State Legislative Program is outlined in Attachment B). These include but are not limited to:
• Supporting the continued appropriation of transit funding through the extended Cap-and-Invest program;
• Supporting legislative efforts that improve Metro’s ability to more efficiently implement the Board-approved multi-layered approach to safety and security, including but not limited to additional protections against metal theft;
• Sponsoring amendments to SB 79 to ensure that Metro can continue to advance the agency’s Long Range Transportation Plan and improve the quality of transit provided in our service area;
• Sponsoring legislation to make the Camera Bus Lane Enforcement Program permanent; and
• Working with the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Air Resources Board to advance Metro’s Zero Emission Bus Program.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
Adopting the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Program goals helps Metro advocate for policy changes and investments that support Metro’s core riders and disadvantaged communities. Outlining Metro’s policy priorities to leadership in Sacramento and Washington, DC, is an important tool in creating equitable transportation and economic outcomes for riders of the diverse communities of Los Angeles County. The Board’s adoption of the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Program Goals authorizes Metro’s staff to engage directly with the state and federal legislature members who are responsible for setting policy and funding targets for the LA County region. Legislation sponsored and supported by Metro as outlined in the Goals creates greater investment opportunities, supports a better customer experience, and accelerates project delivery throughout LA County.
Ensuring Metro’s advocacy efforts are effective and equitable requires regular assessment of equity impacts for specific measures and proposals. Staff will continue to work with partners in the office of Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Inclusion regularly to assess equity impacts and strategically communicate Metro’s commitment to equitable transportation in our advocacy efforts.
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.
This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through administrative and legislative advocacy activities that will benefit and further encourage transit ridership, ridesharing, and active transportation. Increased state and federal funding received benefits Metro’s projects and programs to reduce VMT. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Determination_of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Approval of this item supports funding for safety initiatives and rules and regulations that improve safety.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A number of the proposed state and federal legislative initiatives may provide additional funding for countywide transportation programs and projects.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board of Directors could determine that a legislative program is unnecessary for the agency. Failure to adopt a legislative program could result in Metro being ill prepared to address the policy and legislative challenges that will arise during the coming year.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The adoption of the 2026 State and Federal Legislation Program supports Goal #4 in the Vision 2028 Strategic Plan goals, specifically Goal #4.2: Metro will help drive mobility agendas, discussions, and policies at the state, regional, and national levels.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Staff will continue to regularly sponsor briefings in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles County for the Congressional Delegation and other key staffers on both the House and Senate Appropriations and Authorization committees, and with officials in the Presidential Administration. Staff will continue to brief staff members working for House and Senate committees with primary responsibility for authorizing and appropriations bills.
In Sacramento, staff will continue to develop and strategically advance the agency’s Board approved State Legislative Program through maintaining support and close relationships with the Los Angeles County State Legislative Delegation, key leaders in the Senate and Assembly Transportation Committees, as well as key stakeholders, including, the Governor, Caltrans Director, California Transportation Commission, and the California State Transportation Agency. Pursuant to the Board adopted Board Advocacy Plan, staff will also work closely with the Board to utilize Board members’ relationships and experience in legislative matters.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - 2026 Federal Legislative Program
Attachment B - 2026 State Legislative Program
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Michael Turner, Senior Executive Officer, Government Relations, (213) 922-2122
Raffi Hamparian, Executive Officer, Government Relations, (213) 922-3769
Madeleine Moore, Deputy Executive Officer, Government Relations, (213) 922-4604
Gregory Adams, Deputy Executive Officer, Government Relations, (213) 922-7595
Maritza Romero, Senior Director, Government Relations, (213) 922-7595
Alex Amadeo, Senior Manager, Government Relations, (213) 922-2763
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Nicole Englund, Chief of Staff, (213) 922-7950
