Board Approves $4.3B Budget That Hinges on Two November Ballot Measures

The SFMTA Board of Directors unanimously approved a two-year operating and capital budget balanced only by assuming San Francisco voters will pass both a regional sales tax and a local parcel tax in November — a high-stakes bet that, if it fails, could mean cutting 20 Muni routes and ending regular service at 9 p.m. In a marathon session, the board also extended contracts for the popular Bayview Community Shuttle, heard pleas from taxi medallion holders facing foreclosure, and confronted a hiring slowdown that has dropped new hires to a third of 2023 levels.

• $4.3 billion two-year SFMTA budget approved 7-0, balanced only if voters approve two new taxes in November; without them, up to 20 Muni routes could be cut and service could end at 9 p.m.

• Bayview Shuttle contracts extended through January 2028 with CARB grant funds after community groups warn against letting the 69,000-trip service lapse

• Taxi medallion holders plead for transparency as the board enters closed session on a settlement with SF Federal Credit Union; 300 drivers have lost medallions to foreclosure

• Hiring at one-third of 2023 levels, with transit fare inspectors, stationary engineers and parking meter repair units exceeding 20% vacancy rates

• New Climate Action Plan targets 25% reduction in vehicle miles traveled by 2030

The basics: The SFMTA's consolidated FY2627 and FY2728 budget — roughly $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion in operating costs, plus a $2.5 billion five-year capital improvement program — passed 7-0 after nearly 10 budget workshops stretching back to November. The agency entered the process facing a $307 million deficit in year one and $344 million in year two.