Brandon Davis Discusses Impact of California Budget Cuts on Transit Agencies

Brandon Davis was quoted in the ENR California article “California Transit Agencies Face Future Funding Uncertainty” (subscription required). The article provides an overview of how despite recent state and federal funding grants, transit agencies in the state could face challenges under Gov. Newsom’s planned 2023 budget. The proposed budget has major cuts to rail projects in order to ameliorate a $22.5-billion budget deficit. Two billion dollars in rail projects are at risk, as well as $2.5 billion related to zero-emission vehicle credits and infrastructure projects.

Commenting on the impact the cuts could have, Brandon noted, “The Governor has built in a trigger so that the transportation cuts would return in the 2024 budget if sufficient funds are available to cover certain commitments, but that is not a guarantee and does not allow agencies to plan for the future with much certainty.”