AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: YVETTE E. AGUILAR
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/PARKS, RECREATION & LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
ALISON DOBAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
SUBJECT:
title
PROPOSITION A LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY TRANSPORTATION FUNDING APPROPRIATION
summary
Summary:
The City receives Proposition A revenues each year for transportation-related programs. Proposition A is a voter-approved half-cent sales tax in Los Angeles County, generating revenue to cover transit service costs. Proposition A funds are restricted to transportation-related uses, such as providing subsidized transit services for Signal Hill residents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. All new and ongoing projects must be submitted for approval prior to implementation to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA). The City must spend any remaining funds within the three-year program life cycle. The City is estimated to receive approximately $299,074 in FY 2026-27. The entire FY 2026-27 allocation has a three-year life span and may be expended through FY 2029-30. The total proposed expenditures are $384,425. The City Council will consider authorizing the planned expenditures of Proposition A funds and proposed Contract Service Agreements with the Long Beach Public Transportation Company (Long Beach Transit) to provide Dial-A-Lift and Fixed Route Bus services for FY 2026-27.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
recommendation
Recommendations:
1. Authorize the City Manager to submit a request to LACMTA for FY 2026-27 Proposition A Transportation Programs based upon the estimated funding allocation of $299,074.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Contract Services Agreement between the City, Global Paratransit, Incorporated, and Long Beach Transit, for a one-year term, not to exceed $6,416, for the Dial-A-Lift service, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Contract Services Agreement between the City and Long Beach Transit for a one-year term, not to exceed $126,084, with a contingency total of 10% of the base compensation for the Fixed Route Bus Services, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
bodyFiscal Impact:
For Fiscal Year 2026-27, the City projects expenditures of $394,341, while anticipated Proposition A estimated revenues are $299,074. Since expected revenues for the same period will not fully cover planned expenditures, the City will draw $95,267 from the projected Prop A fund balance to ensure that all city activities and commitments for the fiscal year are fully funded and uninterrupted. Staff has provided detailed information regarding the revised Proposition A revenue and program totals for FY 2026-27 (Attachment A).
Background:
Proposition A is a voter-approved half-cent sales tax that generates revenue to offset the costs of transit services in Los Angeles County and are allocated on a per-capita basis. The City receives Proposition A funds each year for programs restricted to transportation-related uses, such as providing subsidized transit services for Signal Hill residents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. All new and ongoing projects must be submitted for approval prior to implementation to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA). The City must spend any remaining funds within the three-year program life cycle. The City is estimated to receive approximately $299,074 in FY 2026-27.
Analysis:
The City offers various transportation services to residents, which are provided via contract to efficiently and effectively comply with the requirements outlined in Proposition A. Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute contract service agreements with the proposed contractors to comply with Proposition A and provide adequate transportation services. The Proposition A Worksheet includes eight program categories, projected revenues, and a proposed budget; the categories are further described below:
1. Staff Administration
A maximum of 20% of the total Proposition A program budget may be utilized for staff administration. Staff recommends an allocation of $76,885 based upon staff salaries and benefit costs to administer the transportation programs. Staff will ensure compliance with LACMTA guidelines to utilize the maximum amount of funding for staff administration.
2. Dues and Memberships: I-710 Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement Gateway Cities Oversight Committee
The City is part of a multi-jurisdictional entity, Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG), that participates in the coordination of the development of the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for the improvements to the I-710 Freeway. This is the fifth year the City has participated in this effort, and staff recommends an annual contribution amount is $10,000 for ongoing membership.
3. Bus Shelter and Bus Stop Maintenance
The Public Works Department has existing contract service agreements with ShelterClean Services and the Conservation Corps of Long Beach to maintain the City’s bus shelters and bus stops on a weekly basis. The scope of services includes, but is not limited to refuse collection, disinfection of bus benches, steam cleaning of sidewalks, benches and shelters weekly, and graffiti removal as needed. The FY 2026-27 Operating Budget includes funding in the amount of $91,956.00 for these continued services.
4. Recreational Transit Program
The Parks, Library, and Recreation Services Department contracts with companies to coordinate transportation for senior, adult, and youth programs, and to transport the public to the City’s special events from designated parking locations and meeting areas. More recently, the City has partnered with local schools to provide public transportation for students within the established parameters of the program to encourage participation in City events and programs geared toward specific age groups. In November 2024, the City Council approved a Contract Services Agreement with TLC Luxury Transport to provide bus transportation for all Recreational Transit adult and youth excursions in the amount not-to-exceed $70,000 for FY 2026-27.
5. Bus Fare Subsidy
The program provides bus passes to seniors and residents with disabilities upon verification of residency, age, and income criteria. The City only funds the actual number of bus passes sold each month. The FY 2026-27 Operating Budget includes funding in the amount of $1,000 for these services.
6. Dial-A-Lift
Global Paratransit, Incorporated and Long Beach Transit provide a curb-to-curb, demand-responsive paratransit van service within a designated area for mobility-impaired residents older than age 18. For FY 26-27, staff anticipates 112 program participants at the subsidized rate. Staff proposes a Contract Services Agreement with a one-year term, with a not-to-exceed amount of $6,416, in a form approved by the City Attorney (Attachment B). The proposed amount will be based on estimates from Long Beach Transit providers.
7. Fixed Route Subsidy
The City, through an agreement with Long Beach Transit, provides fixed route bus services to Signal Hill residents. The City’s Proposition A subsidy for the fixed route bus services is based on the average estimated ridership of 409,623 provided by Long Beach Transit. Staff proposes a Contract Services Agreement with a one-year term, with a total not-to-exceed amount of $126,084, with a contingency total of 10% of the base compensation for this service, in a form approved by the City Attorney (Attachment C).
8. Dial-A-Taxi
Administrative Services Cooperative, Incorporated provides curb-to-curb, demand-responsive sedan transportation services for residents who are disabled and age 18 or older, or seniors 50 years or older who have no other means of transportation. Approximately eight residents of Signal Hill utilize the Dial-A-Taxi service on an annual basis. In 2024, City Council approved a three-year Contract Services Agreement with a total not-to-exceed amount of $12,000 per year for this service.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute contracts associated with the implementation of the transportation programs. Funds not assigned or utilized during FY 2026-27 are eligible to be reallocated and reassigned within the next three fiscal years, ensuring the City’s continued access to transportation funds for residents.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Siamlu Cox
Attachments:
A. Proposition A Worksheet
B. Contract Services Agreement with Long Beach Transit for Dial-A-Lift Services
C. Contract Services Agreement with Long Beach Transit for Fixed Route Services