Meeting_Body
FINANCE, BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: MEASURE M INDEPENDENT TAXPAYER OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SELECTION
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE the following recommendations for the Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee (MMITOC):
A. Jay Gandhi, the recommended nominee for the area of expertise A, a retired federal or state judge; and
B. Daniel Freeman, the recommended nominee for the area of expertise F, a licensed architect or engineer.
Issue
ISSUE
The MMITOC consists of seven members representing various areas of expertise (Attachment A). Currently, there are two open positions on the MMITOC. This action seeks to fill both vacancies
Background
BACKGROUND
The Measure M Ordinance (Ordinance), approved by voters in November 2016, requires the establishment of a Taxpayer Oversight Committee to provide an enhanced level of accountability for expenditures of sales tax revenues made under the Expenditure Plan. The MMITOC carries out the responsibilities laid out in the Ordinance. It plays a valuable and constructive role in the ongoing improvement and enhancement of project delivery contemplated under the Measure M Ordinance. See Attachment A for committee requirements.
The MMITOC is comprised of seven members representing the following areas of expertise (Attachment A):
A. A retired federal or state judge;
B. A professional from the field of municipal/public finance and/or budgeting with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience;
C. A transit professional with a minimum of 10 years of experience in senior-level decision making in transit operations and labor practices;
D. A professional with a minimum of 10 years of experience in management and administration of financial policies, performance measurements, and reviews;
E. A professional with demonstrated experience of 10 years or more in the management of large-scale construction projects;
F. A licensed architect or engineer with appropriate credentials in the field of transportation project design or construction and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; and
G. A regional association of business representative with at least 10 years of senior-level decision making experience in the private sector.
In October 2020, the member representing Expertise A - a retired federal or state judge, resigned. In March 2025, the member representing Expertise F - a licensed architect or engineer, notified staff of her intent to resign once a suitable replacement was identified.
The Ordinance states that the Selection Panel, consisting of Metro’s Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Second Vice Chair or their designees, shall select the MMITOC Members for approval (Attachment B). On August 13, 2026, staff presented the eligible candidates for these areas of expertise on the MMITOC to the Selection Panel for their review. The Ethics Officer also conducted a screening of the candidates to ensure compliance with the conflict of interest provisions outlined in the Ordinance.
The Board approves recommended candidates by a simple majority in accordance with the Selection Panel guidelines (Attachment B).
Discussion
DISCUSSION
There are currently two open positions on the MMITOC. This action aims to fill both of those vacancies: a retired federal or state judge and a licensed architect or engineer.
Metro conducted targeted outreach to fill MMITOC vacancies, including issuing a press release, launching an online application system, and engaging professional associations, judicial officers, and industry-specific professionals. An additional press release was issued in December 2025, and Metro continued to highlight the committee's work and impact through sustained communications and outreach. A promotional video was developed to support ongoing outreach and recruitment for current and future vacancies.
Following this outreach process, candidate applications were evaluated, and staff presented eligible candidates to the Selection Panel for review. The Selection Panel reviewed the candidates’ qualifications and recommended the following candidates be approved for the MMITOC.
• Judge Jay Gandhi, the recommended nominee for Expertise A (retired federal or state judge). He is a former U.S. Magistrate Judge whose career in the federal judiciary and complex dispute resolution reflects a strong record of impartial oversight and sound judgment. (Attachment C)
• Daniel J. Freeman, the recommended nominee for Expertise F (licensed architect or engineer). He is a retired Caltrans Deputy Director with over 30 years of experience in design, engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance of large-scale highway projects. (Attachment D)
This recommendation reflects the Measure M Ordinance’s requirement that members have specific professional backgrounds to ensure the Committee benefits from a range of relevant expertise when reviewing the expenditure of Measure M funds. The retired judicial expertise and licensed architect/engineer expertise represented by these positions provide valuable experience in impartial evaluation and technical review of construction and design matters, supporting compliance and integrity in oversight activities. Approval of the staff recommendation will result in a full committee.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Approval of this item promotes the safety of Metro’s patrons or employees, as the MMITOC regularly reviews funds that support operations.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approving the recommended action has no financial impact on the agency.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
Responsible and transparent stewardship of taxpayer dollars is an important component of equitable governance. This action will fill vacancies on this oversight committee.
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 this item does not directly encourage taking transit, sharing a ride, or using active transportation, it is a vital part of Metro operations, as it supports governance and oversight of Measure M investments that fund transit and mobility improvements. Because the Metro Board has adopted an agency-wide VMT Reduction Target, and this item supports the overall function of the agency, this item is consistent with the goals of reducing VMT.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from the highway performance monitoring system data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Approval of this item supports Metro Vision 2028 Goal #5: Provide responsive, accountable, and trustworthy governance within the Metro organization, as the MMITOC was established to ensure that Metro and local sub-recipients comply with the terms of the Ordinance.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board could choose not to approve the recommended nominees for the MMITOC and direct staff to re-solicit applications. This alternative is not recommended, as it would prolong the current vacancies and may affect the Committee’s ability to maintain consistent participation and quorum for meetings where important Measure M matters are reviewed.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval, staff will schedule an orientation session for the selected members.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Committee Membership Requirements
Attachment B - Selection Panel Guidelines
Attachment C - Gandhi Candidate Bio
Attachment D - Freeman Candidate Bio
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Kimberly Houston, Deputy Chief Auditor, (213) 922-4720
Monica Del Toro, Senior Manager, Audit, (213) 922-7494
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Sharon Gookin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, (213) 418-3101
