Coming together to advance our goals 

The California Transit Association’s 2026 Spring Legislative Conference took place on May 21 at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento. The annual conference brought together leaders from public transit agencies, the state Legislature and the Administration for a day of legislative updates, policy discussions and networking.

The 2026 program focused on the Association’s legislative and budget priorities, the challenges of transitioning to zero-emission transit fleets, and growing uncertainty surrounding state and federal transit funding.

California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez delivered the opening keynote address. California Transit Association Executive Director Michael Pimentel, Legislative Advocate Matt Robinson, and Legislative & Regulatory Advocate Brendan Repicky provided an update on state legislative and budget developments.

An afternoon panel examined lessons learned from implementation of the Innovative Clean Transit regulation and opportunities for regulatory relief, additional funding and improved coordination among state agencies. A second panel explored the challenges of sustaining transit investments amid changing federal priorities, the depletion of one-time funding and rising operating costs.

The Association also recognized Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) with its Transit Champion Awards.

Presentations from the conference are available in the 2026 Spring Legislative Conference slide deck.

Photos from the event can be viewed and downloaded here.

The Association’s next Spring Legislative Conference will take place on May 20, 2027, at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento. We hope to see you there.