Commission

MTC Adopts $45M TOC Incentive Tying Transit Dollars to Housing Protections, 12-5

Commission approves a $45 million incentive program rewarding jurisdictions that adopt density, parking, station access, and housing protection policies near transit, choosing the stricter Option 1 over industry objections.

Why it matters: The program sets a regional precedent linking transportation funding to local housing policy, potentially pushing dozens of Bay Area cities to adopt tenant protections, parking reforms, and density increases near transit stations by July 2027.

MTC Approves $1B Transit Fund Distribution and $81M OBAG Programming

Commission unanimously adopts annual transit fund estimate of approximately $1 billion and programs $81 million in OBAG 4 funds while removing Safe Routes to School set-aside.

Why it matters: The $1B fund estimate is the annual workhorse of Bay Area transit finance; removing the Safe Routes set-aside gives counties more flexibility while maintaining safety evaluation criteria.

Governor Signs AB 117 Authorizing MTC Transit Bridge Loan Ahead of Ballot Measure

Executive Director highlights AB 117 signing authorizing MTC to negotiate a state loan for four transit operators to bridge funding gaps until a November ballot measure.

Why it matters: The loan bridges a critical funding gap for Bay Area transit operators whose fiscal survival depends on a successful November ballot measure.

Budget and Bay Area Transit Loan Update

Executive Director updated on negotiations with the Department of Finance on a state loan structure and protections for Bay Area priority capital projects.

OBAG 4 Framework and Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Incentives

Commission adopted the OBAG 4 funding framework, including SB125 off-the-top and a TOC set-aside, with agreement to revisit the set-aside in the subsequent meeting while finalizing TOC policy details.

Transit Priority Policy Adoption

Commission adopted Resolution 4739 establishing the Bay Area Transit Priority Policy for Roadways; public comment supported the policy as a first step with suggestions for quantitative goals.

Community Advisory Council and Advocacy Program

Commission approved Community Advisory Council appointments (Resolution 4686) and adopted the joint state/federal advocacy program for 2026.

Clipper Transition Issues and Accountability

Executive Director acknowledged problems with the Clipper transition, committed to making customers whole and holding the contractor accountable; multiple Commissioners requested an agendized discussion and exploration of alternatives.