July 29, 2026

 

The Work Behind the FY 2026–27 Budget

After sharing highlights from the FY 2026–27 Budget, I wanted to take a step back and talk about what those final numbers really represent.

What the public ultimately sees is a clean, structured document—tables, charts, and project lists. But behind that are months of work, collaboration, and continuous refinement involving staff, partner agencies, and leadership across the region.

 

It Starts Well Before the Draft

For STA, the budget process doesn’t begin when we start putting together the document. It starts much earlier—with conversations.

We’re checking in with project sponsors, coordinating with local agencies, and working with implementing agencies to understand needs. Projects shift, timelines adjust, and funding needs evolve. Capturing that accurately takes time and ongoing communication.

At the same time, we’re analyzing revenue projections, reviewing prior commitments, and making sure we stay aligned with voter-approved programs and Board direction.

 

A Team Effort Across the Organization

One thing that becomes very clear during budget development is that it is not the responsibility a single person or team.

STA staff bring forward the details—what is happening on the ground, what is ready to move forward, and where challenges exist. I pull that information together, ensuring that everything is tied back to available funding and policy requirements.

And beyond the organization, our regional partners play a key role. Their input helps ensure the budget reflects real project conditions and remains aligned with broader transportation priorities.

 

Refinement Takes Time—By Design

If there’s one thing people don’t always see, it’s how many times the budget changes before it reaches its final form.

We revisit assumptions, update numbers, and make adjustments as new information becomes available. A project might shift phases. Costs may be updated. Revenues may need to be recalibrated.

That iterative process can be time-intensive, but it’s essential. It’s what allows us to put forward a budget that is both realistic and responsible.

 

Getting It to the Finish Line

By the time the budget reaches the Board for consideration, it has passed through multiple rounds of internal review and refinement.

There’s a lot of work behind the scenes—reconciling funds, double-checking allocations, preparing clear materials, and making sure everything is consistent and understandable for decision-makers and the public.

Reaching that point isn’t about a single milestone—it’s the result of steady progress over several months, with contributions from many people along the way.

 

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, the budget is how we translate commitments into action.

It’s how voter-approved programs move forward. It’s how projects are funded and delivered. And, it’s how we ensure accountability for the use of public funds.

The time and collaboration placed into building the budget support that outcome.

 

Moving Forward

With the FY 2026–27 Budget now in place, the focus shifts to implementation—but the same level of coordination continues.

We’ll keep monitoring revenues, tracking expenditures, and working with partners to ensure projects move forward as planned.

And while the final document is complete, the work behind it is very much ongoing.