On Board With... Assemblymember Lori Wilson

Transit California sat down with Assemblymember Lori Wilson, who represents all of Northern California's Solano County and parts of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties. She is the newly appointed Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Transit California: You are the newly appointed Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, which considers legislation related to regional transportation agencies, transit authorities, intercity rail, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as transit related to automobiles, aircraft, and the state's transportation administration. What transit priorities do you hope to advance in this role for your district and for the state of California?

First and foremost, I believe my role as a legislator is to improve the quality of life of Californians. A safe, efficient, and equitable transportation system is key to a high quality of life. Equity and choice are fundamental principles guiding my approach, especially given the diverse needs of our communities and a sign of economic mobility is access to differing modes of transportation.

For my district, which encompasses various commuter demographics and economic sectors, addressing transit challenges is crucial. One of my top priorities is advancing sustainable transportation solutions to combat climate change while improving air quality and public health. Transit is personally important to me. I regularly take Capitol Corridor from my district office to the Capitol. We need transit options that not only support our climate goals but also are easily accessible, frequent, clean, and safe. That is one of the reasons I am authoring AB 2719, which will make sure transit riders in my district are not inconvenienced by potentially significant delays as a result of being stopped at a weigh station. As well as AB 2061, which incentivizes public transit ferry operators to transition to zero-emission vessels.

Ensuring the overall fiscal health of Bay Area transit agencies is maintained is critical and I want to make sure transit systems in the Bay Area continue to be able to offer reliable service. However, maintaining the existing service is not enough. We must strive to make sure our transit agencies are offering a customer-first-oriented service. I look forward to working on that issue to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of transit funding across the Bay Area region."

Transit California: You serve as a member of several other Assembly policy committees, including Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Public Safety. How does your leadership of the Transportation Committee inform your approach to legislative proposals in these committees? What policy area overlaps do you observe?

I was excited to chair the Transportation Committee in part because of my housing and local government experience. There is an important connection between housing and transportation policy and how they intersect in the development of a community. Transportation plays a pivotal role in shaping vibrant, equitable, and sustainable communities. Effective transportation systems are the veins of our cities and neighborhoods, directly affecting housing affordability, accessibility, and the overall quality of life. The proximity and availability of safe and reliable transportation can drastically reduce household costs, enhance job opportunities, and improve environmental outcomes.

There is a lot of overlap between my committee and the committees I serve on and the ability to achieve a comprehensive impact is profound. My policy role on each of these committees deeply informs my perspective on legislative proposals across these domains. Thirty-eight of the 109 Assembly bills that came before my committee were double referred to other committees, even beyond the ones I serve on. I enjoy collaborating with my fellow committee chairs to take a multifaceted approach to the problems before us. Whether it is developing new communities, balancing the way we fuel our state with climate impacts, or the impact of autonomous vehicles on communities, our privacy, and workers, I appreciate the different approaches each committee takes to a topic. By ensuring that these areas of policy are not siloed, we all work towards creating communities where residents can live, work, and thrive without undue burden or inequity.

Transit California: You're also a member of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Energy, Resources, and Transportation, which last year helped develop and approve $5.1 billion in flexible, transparent transit funds for transit capital projects and operations through SB 125. Given the expected state budget shortfall of several tens of billions of dollars for the 2024-25 fiscal year, what are some key transit-related funding issues you are focusing on in this committee this year?

I'm acutely aware of the fiscal challenges California faces going into the 2024-25 fiscal year. Despite the projected budget shortfall, we must remain committed to strategic investments in our transportation infrastructure as well as transit, which is vital for our state's economic health and environmental sustainability.

One key area of transit-related funding that we are emphasizing is the continued support for the California High-Speed Rail Project. This initiative is more than a transportation solution; it is a commitment to a greener, more connected future. It promises to revolutionize travel within our state, reduce traffic congestion, and lower our carbon footprint. Ensuring that we maintain momentum on funding this project is critical, not just for the current generation but as a legacy for future Californians.

Funding transit capital projects and operations remains a priority as well. Last year, through SB 125, we developed and approved significant funding for such endeavors, and while we face a tighter budget, we must continue to evaluate and support transit infrastructure that facilitates economic growth and meets our climate goals.

As we navigate these fiscal constraints, my role in the committee includes a careful reevaluation of our budget to ensure that we are investing in projects that offer the highest returns in terms of environmental benefits, economic stimulation, and social equity. It's about making informed choices that balance our present-day fiscal reality with our long-term vision for a sustainable and thriving California.

Transit California: You serve as Chair of the Select Committee on Transportation and Emergency Preparedness. Select Committees do not consider or vote on specific legislation, but instead hold hearings and issue reports as "deep dives" into certain policy topics. What are your plans for this committee in 2024? How does public transit factor into your thinking on "emergency preparedness?"

As Chair of the Select Committee on Transportation and Emergency Preparedness, my plans for 2024 are centered on proactive measures and ensuring our transportation infrastructure is resilient and responsive in times of crisis. This committee has a vital role in conducting comprehensive reviews of California's readiness for emergencies and recommending improvements where necessary. The recent policies outlined by the California Office of Emergency Services regarding evacuation transportation for individuals with access and functional needs will be a cornerstone of our strategy. We aim to ensure that all Californians, regardless of their mobility or health status, have safe and reliable evacuation options during disasters. Being proactive and prepared means having a well-thought-out plan before we are in a crisis. It's about harnessing the full potential of our public transit system to serve not just our daily needs, but also our extraordinary needs during emergencies. This is a responsibility I take very seriously, and I look forward to working with my colleagues, transit authorities, emergency services, and the community to create a robust framework for safety and preparedness.

Transit California:You represent the 11th Assembly District, which includes several cities with many residents who commute to work in the Bay Area, as well as several communities with economies historically tied to agriculture and military activities. What are some transit challenges that your constituents face, and what are some of the needs you've identified for your local transit agencies? Can you speak about some of the ways you hope the state can help address these challenges, as well as the bills you're authoring to help improve conditions for your constituents and your district's transit agencies?

In my district, residents face a range of transit challenges, including long commutes, limited access to public transportation that provides a reliable connection through the region, and inadequate infrastructure for agricultural transportation needs. To address these challenges, I am authoring bills such as AB 2061 and AB 2719, which aim to improve access to clean and reliable transportation options, particularly in underserved communities. Additionally, I am advocating for increased state funding for local transit agencies, as well as targeted investments in infrastructure and service improvements. By prioritizing transit equity and accessibility, we can ensure that all residents have access to affordable and efficient transportation solutions that support economic opportunity and quality of life.

Transit California: You serve as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), whose membership includes California's 12 Black legislators and 3 Black constitutional officers. The CLBC prioritizes legislation that provides economic security, educational equity, and racial and social justice. How does transit have the opportunity to serve these needs, and what transit-related solutions is the CLBC prioritizing?

Transit is not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about ensuring equitable access to opportunities. Quality transportation systems can open doors to better jobs, essential healthcare, and higher education, especially in historically underserved communities. When transit is reliable and affordable, it directly supports economic security by making it easier for people to work, shop, and engage in community life. While our bill package for this session has been released and may not have a direct transportation component yet, the undercurrent of all policy considerations relates back to transportation. For so much of California's history, policies related to transportation obliterated or disconnected black communities and communities of color. However, transit is the lifeline that connects community members to each other and to the essential services that improve quality of life. I am eager to delve deeper into transit policy that not only moves us but moves us forward together.

Transit California: Before your time in the Assembly, you served as Mayor of Suisun City and as a member of the Solano Transportation Authority (STA), where you chaired STA's inaugural Equity Working Group and promoted mobility programs. Can you share more about these efforts and accomplishments?

It was a transformative experience to serve as a local leader and have an impact on transportation in my region. As a member of the STA Board and Mayor, I successfully advocated for STA to conduct the Community Based Transit Plan in order to bring to the forefront the current and future needs of Suisun City residents. I also led the effort by the Suisun City Council to evaluate new innovative transit options such as first-last mile and micro-transit programs to serve the diverse mobility needs of Suisun City residents, all of which have been fully implemented. As Chair of the STA's Equity Working Group, I led our efforts to develop guiding principles to ensure equity among STA's programs, projects and future investments for all aspects of Solano County's residents. As the STA's representative on the Solano County Transit (SolTrans) governing board, I was a key voice in our efforts to transition the Solano Express intercity bus service from a two-transit operator system to a one-regional transit operator model.

I was also regionally active and productive by serving as the Solano representative on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District governing Board where I coordinated STA and Air District staff on electric vehicle projects and rideshare programs to improve air quality and served on the inaugural committee on Community Equity, Health and Justice.

Transit California: As a legislator in transit leadership, can you speak to the most effective ways for Association member agencies to interact with legislators and staff about pending legislation, budget issues, and local transit concerns?

Drawing from my experience as a former local leader, I fully recognize the necessity for legislators to be accessible, facilitating effective collaboration on critical issues such as pending legislation, budgetary concerns, and local transit developments. The pathway from local government to Sacramento is crucial; therefore, I make it a priority to remain as approachable as possible to ensure that the concerns and insights of Association member agencies are heard and considered in our legislative process. The most effective interactions often occur through direct and structured communications, including regular meetings and feedback sessions, which allow for comprehensive discussions and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. However, I also recognize the value of convening in informal ways where at times thoughtful exchanges can lead to impactful policy discussion. I appreciate each contribution, as it directly influences and shapes our decision-making. To this end, I encourage Association member agencies to reach out to my office to set up a meeting, so we can work together to address these important issues and drive meaningful improvements in our transit systems.

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