McGeorge Adjunct Professor Chris Micheli outside the California State Capitol

The California Transportation Commission, also known by its acronym, the CTC, was established in state government by legislation enacted in 1977.

The CTC began operations the following year. Its purpose is to ensure the implementation of a single transportation policy here in the State of California. When it began operations in 1978, it actually assumed the duties of four prior state entities. The CTC is charged with programming and allocating funds for the construction of highway, passenger rail, transit, and active transportation improvements throughout the State of California. It is an independent public agency that’s dedicated to ensuring a safe, financially sustainable, world-class multimodal transportation system that reduces congestion, improves the environment, and facilitates economic development throughout the efficient movement of people and goods.

The CTC is comprised of eleven members, as well as two ex-officio members. Nine of the voting members are appointed by the Governor, one is appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, and the last voting member is appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.

The California Transportation Commission advises the Secretary of the California Transportation Agency, as well as the Legislature, regarding state policies and plans on California’s transportation programs. The CTC also works on state and federal legislation in its effort to secure financial stability for the state’s transportation needs.

According to the CTC, it is responsible for a number of activities, including but not limited to:

  • Adopting the biennial estimate of state and federal dollars available for California’s STIP – State Transportation Improvement Program – and SHOP – State Highway Operations and Protection – program, as well as the STIP and SHOP themselves.
  • Adopting guidelines, programming projects, and allocating funds and reporting on programs funded by 2017’s SB 1.
  • Establishing reporting requirements related to the funding received by city and county governments from the road maintenance and rehabilitation account.

You can read the full transcript of today’s podcast here.