It has been a year since SB 1703 was signed into law consolidating the roles and responsibilities of SANDAG with the transit planning and construction responsibilities of Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District. Since that time we have made great strides in planning for a bright future for our region’s residents while continuing to provide the forum for regional consensus building.

The consolidation has put under one roof staff responsible for transit planning, engineering, construction, communications, and finance. This consolidated approach to planning for the region’s future permits a more streamlined, comprehensive, and coordinated method for planning and construction without the need to create costly new government.

Major priorities for the coming year include the planned extension of the TransNet half-cent sales tax, the adoption of a Regional Comprehensive Plan, completion of major transportation projects, and the advancement of a Regional Transit Vision.

On behalf of SANDAG, I wish you happy holidays and a bright and prosperous new year.