Legislative Advocacy

2021 Federal Goals

• Secure new emergency relief funding to the address the impacts of COVID-19 on the District’s budget and operational capacity and to support economic recovery​
• Ensure the timely obligation of Capital Investment Grant program funds for BART’s Transbay Corridor Core Capacity Program​
• Educate the Congressional delegation of efforts to address quality of life issues on the system; pursue available safety and security grant funding  ​
• Pursue available transit-oriented development planning grants; support efforts to expand federal housing production tools ​
• Support legislation focused on promoting progressive and equitable policing practices; engage in national discussions regarding transit’s role in advancing racial justice and equity ​
• Advocate for a robust surface transportation reauthorization that increases investments in core transit programs and ensures long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund​
• Advocate for a comprehensive infrastructure package that addresses the growing backlog of transit maintenance needs, expands transit system capacity, improves transit riders' experience and funds new, transformative projects​
• Support a climate action plan that builds resiliency against extreme weather and climate change and provides funding for nationally- and regionally-significant transit and rail projects  

2021 State Goals

• Seek state assistance to support transit operations; pursue various Senate Bill 1 and Cap & Trade grants in the 2021 program cycle​
• Collaborate with regional stakeholders, the Legislature, and state agencies on any legislative proposals that seeks to improve transit management and governance in the Bay Area​
• Identify funding models and state resources for transit agencies to address homelessness and related system impacts​
• Expand eligibility for state housing funds to special districts committed to developing affordable housing​
• Engage with state agencies on efforts to implement the Governor’s recent Executive Orders on climate change and transportation investments     ​
• Support administrative and legislative efforts focused on police accountability, advancing racial justice and equity, and de-emphasizing the use of sworn officers as first responders for mental health and socioeconomic issues​
• Introduce and pass sponsored legislation that addresses a specific program or goal as identified by the Board and/or staff  ​

Legislative Positions

Every year BART engages in advocacy efforts on federal and state bills that are of critical importance to the District. Often the Board of Directors will support or oppose specific bills according to their adopted goals and priorities. Below is a list of bills the Board has taken a position on during the current two-year legislative session.