SBCAG previews $89 million portfolio and draft FY26–27 work program ahead of April adoption

SBCAG staff presented the draft SBKEG FY2026–27 overall work program and budget, which the board will consider for adoption at its April 16, 2026 meeting.

Staff summarized the agency’s portfolio and explained funding sources. The total portfolio across budgets is about $89,000,000; discretionary grants coming into the agency total nearly $31,000,000 while pass‑through allocations to member jurisdictions amount to roughly $1,145,000,000, staff said. "Majority of our budget is funded through state and federal resources," the presenter said, noting formula money supports staffing and operations.

Staff proposed no net increase in FTEs for the coming year (about 20 full‑time positions remain budgeted) and recommended a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment this year, incorporated into a compensation package estimated at a 5.4% increase (COLA plus merit). The presenter said the 3% COLA represents approximately $93,045 in additional cost.

The presentation also described how SBCAG uses Measure A and local sales tax as leverage to attract state and federal funding for capital projects; staff listed a pipeline of capital projects valued at tens of millions and described ongoing pass‑through programs such as the Clean Air Express and call‑box program funded by the Safe Authority for Freeway Emergencies. Staff noted the Clean Air Express ridership and fare‑recovery changes and that LOSSAN corridors are adding services: a later committee report said LOSSAN ridership is up 8.5%.

Director Perotti thanked staff and asked whether corridor planning studies (for example, Fairview to Winchester on Highway 101) could be proposed for the next fiscal year; staff recommended pursuing planning grants and noted that planning tasks are typically one year in arrears and funded via grant applications.

The draft was presented for review and comment only; the board took no action and will consider adoption at the April meeting.