Proposed 2026-27 Budget

Overall Budget Summary

The Proposed Budget recommends status quo funding for the County’s share of AMBAG costs. Appropriations total $32,173, funded entirely by a General Fund Contribution. Should the County’s contribution change following approval of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 budget by the AMBAG Board of Directors, the change will be included in the June 24, 2026, last day or subsequent concluding budget actions.

Congestion Management Process: A congestion management process (CMP) is a systematic and regionally accepted approach for managing congestion that provides accurate, up-to-date information on transportation system performance and assesses alternative strategies for congestion management that meet State, regional and local needs. A CMP is required in metropolitan areas with a population exceeding 200,000, known as Transportation Management Areas (TMAs). The AMBAG region is not designated as TMA. However, AMBAG coordinates with Caltrans, regional and local agencies to develop and implement congestion management and operation strategies and projects as an integrated part of the metropolitan transportation planning process. The CMP uses an objective-driven, performance-based approach to planning congestion management. The CMP provides a mechanism for ensuring that investment decisions are made with a clear focus on desired outcomes. This approach involves screening operation and management strategies using objective criteria and relying on system performance data, analysis, and evaluation.

Performance Base Planning: The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP21) Act and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act transformed the Federal aid highway program by establishing new requirements for performance management. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) continued to support performance management requirements. Performance management increases accountability and transparency and provides for a framework to support improved investment decision making through a focus on performance outcomes for key national transportation goals. AMBAG develops and maintains performance measurement frameworks that address safety, infrastructure condition, and system performance.

Modeling and Research: AMBAG continues to enhance modeling tools, methodologies, and analytical capabilities to support development of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Increasing data demands and advancing technologies require ongoing investment in systems, staff expertise, and coordination.

Regional Planning and Forecasts: AMBAG leads a coordinated regional planning process to develop the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, including the Sustainable Communities Strategy. This work requires collaboration with partner agencies across jurisdictions to advance performance-based planning and deliver projects that improve mobility and sustainability.

Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience: AMBAG advances integrated strategies that support habitat conservation, water quality, shoreline preservation, smart growth, and transportation planning. Expanding expectations related to climate change adaptation and resilience increase the scope and complexity of planning efforts. These efforts require continued coordination, funding, and technical expertise to achieve environmental and economic goals.

Collaborative Planning and Project Delivery: AMBAG coordinates with Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs), Caltrans, transit operators, and local jurisdictions to advance transportation projects and programs. Effective collaboration is critical to improving mobility and meeting climate goals; however, varying priorities, funding availability, and project readiness across partners may affect the pace of project delivery.