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Assemblymember DeMaio’s request for statewide audit of SANDAG fails after committee vote
Summary
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee rejected Assemblymember DeMaio’s request for a state audit of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), after debate over whether existing audits and federal oversight already address the agency’s issues. SANDAG’s CEO defended the agency’s controls and said audits should be targeted rather than broad.
Assemblymember DeMaio asked the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to authorize a state audit of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), saying taxpayers deserve assurance that Transnet and other voter‑approved funds were spent for promised projects and citing prior findings tied to the State Route 125 toll program.
“Where are our gas tax monies going?” DeMaio asked, arguing the audit would assess whether restricted highway funds were used appropriately and whether voter‑approved projects were completed as promised. He said recent management changes create an opportunity to review past practices without presuming wrongdoing.
SANDAG chief executive Mario Orso pushed back, describing extensive oversight from federal and state agencies and saying the agency has implemented transparency and internal controls since his arrival. “I do feel that we're delivering our commitments, and we are following the rules,” Orso said, adding that major infrastructure projects require multiple funding sources, each with different eligible uses.
Several committee members warned the requested audit risked duplicating work already underway. A member who previously chaired a regional MPO said internal and external audits, the Caltrans and Federal Transit Administration reviews, and an internal SANDAG audit had identified and begun addressing the Highway 125 toll‑program failures. “Those audits are what they’re for — to correct problems as they occur,” the member said, opposing another, overlapping state audit.
After debate the committee held a roll‑call vote on audit request 2026‑115 (San Diego Association of Governments road project management). The motion failed on the roll call and the chair announced the audit request did not carry.
The committee recorded objections that a state audit might be useful to restore public trust in San Diego County; proponents, including Assemblymember DeMaio, argued the state review would provide an independent record. Opponents said state and federal reviews and SANDAG’s ongoing work likely duplicate much of the proposed effort. The committee moved on to other agenda items.
