9/4/25 SCCRTC P3 - Director’s Report

Overview

• $125 million spent on local transportation projects since Measure D inception through June 2024.
• $350 million in outside grants secured using Measure D as leverage.
• Zero Emission Passenger Rail & Trail Project community outreach completed; final report expected by October.
• Temporary pedestrian/bike path over Murray Street Bridge: $1.7 million cost, funding being sought after CTC denial.
• Staffing update: Nisha Singh appointed Director of Internal Services.

Measure D Annual Report and Financial Overview

• Measure D annual report for FY 2024 available on RTC website (item 14, consent agenda).
• From inception to June 2024, nearly $125 million spent on local roads, transit, paratransit, highway improvements, rail preservation, and coastal rail trail.
• Volunteer Taxpayer Oversight Committee reviewed audits and confirmed expenditures align with ordinance and expenditure plan.
• Measure D used as leverage to secure over $350 million in outside grants for regional projects through FY 2024.
• Expenditure plan lists projects exceeding tax revenue, intending to maximize local funds via grant matching.

Zero Emission Passenger Rail & Trail Project Outreach and Next Steps

• Community outreach for Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project conducted June 12–August 22.
• Outreach included virtual open house, nine office hours (virtual/in-person), informational session, partner meetings, and event tabling.
• Draft project concept report summarizes community input from Milestone 4.
• Next steps: compile feedback, prepare full cost estimate, address commission requests from August 7, finalize concept report.
• Final project concept report to be shared with community upon completion.

Murray Street Bridge Temporary Path: Options, Costs, and City Decisions

• City Council approved temporary pedestrian/bike path on RTC-owned rail bridge (Aug 26).
• Four options studied; selected 3,000-foot, 8-foot-wide compacted base rock path as most viable.
• Estimated cost: $1.7 million for installation and removal.
• Next steps: develop engineered plans, ensure regulatory compliance, seek RTC and railroad operator approval.
• City will not proceed with temporary rail shuttle due to higher costs and funding constraints.

Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8 & 9 Status and Funding Challenges

• Consulted with City of Santa Cruz staff on Rail Trail Segments 8 and 9 timeline.
• Project is at start of final design phase; lacks sufficient design funding.
• Final design, right-of-way, and environmental permitting require significant time.
• Completion by end of 2026 is not feasible.

Staffing Updates and TDM Conference Participation

• Nisha Singh appointed Director of Internal Services; over 16 years public sector experience.
• Nisha previously served as finance manager for City of Los Altos; led financial operations, budgeting, reporting.
• Holds MBA and BBA in finance; expertise in public budgeting, audits, payroll, financial reporting, enterprise systems.
• Sierra Topp to attend Transportation Demand Management Conference in Portland, Oregon, October.
• Topp manages TDM programs: Cruise 511, Go Santa Cruz County, Go Bike.