Happy New Year!
Beginning a new year is an excellent opportunity to reflect on what we can accomplish together. We appreciate your collaboration and commitment to connecting people and communities through public transportation. We stand ready to assist as you navigate Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs and policies throughout 2026.
In FY 2025, Region 9 awarded 407 grants totaling $5.1 billion. We also disbursed $1.1 billion to recipients for eligible award activities. In addition, regional staff conducted 35 Triennial Reviews and three Tribal Assessments (Hualapai Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community). The following 12 recipients had no findings in their Triennial Reviews: (i) Access Services, (ii) City of Delano, (iii) Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, (iv) City of Fresno, (v) San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, (vi) North County Transit District, (vii) City of Norwalk, (viii) Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, (ix) Sacramento Area Council of Governments, (x) City of Solano, (xi) City of Tracy, and (xii) Yuba-Sutter Transit!
This month’s update highlights several timely items, including the Continuing Resolution currently running through January 30, 2026, and important grant closeout and Period of Performance reminders. We are also sharing key policy and policy guidance updates on environmental, safety, and reporting, as well as the latest on apportionments and funding availability.
I want to highlight the updated procedures for the period of performance, which are now included in all active grants. Beginning January 30, 2026, the FTA will suspend ECHO requests for any grant with a past-due period of performance. Please review all active grants to ensure the current period of performance is accurate. If it needs to be extended, please work with your assigned FTA Region 9 Post-Award Manager to make the necessary updates.
Region 9 continues to work with transit agencies to gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the host California cities of Los Angeles and Santa Clara during June and July 2026. The various transit agencies are working with staff from FTA as well as USDOT to provide safe, efficient and accessible transit service for the spectators at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles County and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
For more information about FTA’s guidance for host cities of 2026 FIFA World Cup Games, please visit our website here.
Remember: we are here to help! Please bookmark for current contact information of Region 9 staff.
We hope that 2026 brings safer service, more reliable connections, and expanded accessibility that strengthens local economies, supports families, and opens opportunities for everyone. Our focus is on a safe, efficient, accessible, and sustainable transportation system for all. Here’s to collaboration, thoughtful investment, and innovations that keep people moving together.