Investing in Our Transportation Infrastructure

A Vision for the Future

Using Our Resources Wisely

Working With Our Neighbors

Information and Technology

Public Safety

Streamlining Decisions

Focus on the Future

The San Diego Region

The SANDAG Board of Directors

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With its 27 member agencies, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) starts the new year with a mandate to reduce growing traffic congestion in the region. In November 2004, voters countywide approved Proposition A, the 40-year extension of TransNet. The local sales tax extension, which garnered approval from 67 percent of the voting public, will generate $14 billion for transportation improvement projects. Of the 47 major highway and transit projects, SANDAG has moved into high gear to advance several projects to construction prior to the extension’s 2008 start date.

SANDAG also continues implementation of the first-ever Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) to help guide the region unsurpassed quality of life. A key element of the RCP is to better connect land use and transportation planning and projects through smart growth development.

Integrating land use and transportation policies also is a key element of the update of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP outlines strategies and funding to develop a flexible transportation system that focuses on moving people and goods, not only vehicles.

Progress on regional decision-making continues as the new consolidated SANDAG moves forward. On January 1, 2003, Senate Bill 1703 (Peace), as amended by Assembly Bill 361 (Kehoe), called for the consolidation of all the roles and responsibilities of SANDAG with certain transit functions of the Metropolitan Transit System and the North County Transit District. SANDAG now is responsible for most transit planning, programming, project implementation, and construction of transit projects in the region.

The new consolidated SANDAG streamlines regional decision-making to improve the transportation system, protect open space and habitat, bolster our infrastructure, foster economic prosperity, and sustain our quality of life.

This year, the California Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) is charged with evaluating SANDAG as the new consolidated agency, and making recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 31, 2005. The LAO will examine four areas: (1) effectiveness of current governance structure; (2) effectiveness in addressing transportation needs of the region; (3) effectiveness of addressing quality of life indicators; and (4) adequacy of scope and authority for regional decision-making.

In the Public Safety arena, SANDAG has consolidated the Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS) and criminal justice research efforts through its new Public Safety Policy Committee.