July 8, 2026

 

It’s not always easy to stay within budget. Ensuring that Sacramento Transportation Authority’s (STA) total available funding is greater than its total appropriations is non-negotiable for us, and more importantly for the people living in Sacramento County. STA is proud to share that year after year we have earned the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

STA receives its primary funding from Measure A, a voter-approved, half-cent sales tax. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, STA has demonstrated continued resilience. In fact, our region is not only economically stable, but it is projected that sales tax revenue will exceed budget expectations by approximately 1.7% this year. That means we are able to help Sacramento County, partner agencies including CalTrans, the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, and Sacramento Regional Transit, and the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento accomplish transportation projects and programs benefiting our local communities.

 

How It’s Built:

STA is pleased to share its Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Final Budget, created in accordance with State Law, STA’s policies, and the GFOA’s program criteria.

The budget process is designed to allow our governing Board of Directors, STA staff, the Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, and the public time to review and analyze the budget’s key components. Our budget planning begins in December after completion and approval of the prior year’s audited annual economic statements. We gather Measure A financial information and present the proposed budget in early May. In mid-June, the budget is submitted to our Board of Directors for adoption.

The Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Final Budget anticipates:

• $191.2 million in total revenue, an increase of approximately $10.7 million (5.9%) over the budgeted amount for the prior year.
• $218.8 million in appropriations, a decrease of about $14.3 million (-6.1%) compared to the prior year’s budget.
• $27.5 million net impact fund balance decrease (-40.1%) for the FY 2026-27 budget.

For the people living in the Sacramento region, this means STA will make certain that transportation projects have continued stability, whether it be for freeway expansion, new bridge construction, bike lane improvements, surface street repairs, or pedestrian signal improvements.

STA’s mission is to fund transportation solutions to help relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality, expand public transit, address state of good repair needs, improve biking and walking, and enhance public safety.

A key component of STA’s FY 2026-2027 Final Budget, is our commitment to three strategic planning goals:

• Build Public Trust
• Develop Great Relationships
• Align Transportation Priorities with Funding

STA must continue to build public trust and remain a good steward of Measure A taxpayer dollars. We understand that relationships are critical and allow STA to navigate the complicated nature of transportation funding. Our history of assisting partner agencies to maximize financial resources so that they can accomplish their priorities means that we serve as advocates for our partners and for everyone living in Sacramento County.

It’s How We’re Built!