0337 - Secretary of Transportation

March 15, 2025

Overall Growth: 42.1% increase in positions from 2022-23 (53.5) to 2024-25 (76.0)
Recent Stability: The 2024-25 budget maintains the same number of positions (76.0) as 2023-24
Major Staffing Initiatives:
- Administration of Transportation Agency increased from 20.5 positions in 2022-23 to 32.8 positions in 2024-25 (60.0% growth)
- California Traffic Safety Program increased from 32.1 positions in 2022-23 to 42.0 positions in 2024-25 (30.8% growth)
- Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program increased from 0.9 positions in 2022-23 to 1.2 positions in 2024-25 (33.3% growth)

Total Budget Growth: 1,013.2% increase from 2022-23 ($217.7 million) to 2024-25 ($2.42 billion)
General Fund Support: Increased from $21.6 million in 2022-23 to $838.6 million in 2024-25 (3,781.5% growth)
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: Increased from $49,000 in 2022-23 to $1.39 billion in 2024-25 (2,828,830.6% growth)
Significant Funding Variability: Major increase in 2023-24 ($6.57 billion) followed by reduction in 2024-25 ($2.42 billion)

The Secretary of Transportation receives funding from various sources, each designated by specific budgetCodes in the state budget:

0270 - Administration of Transportation Agency: Core operations of the Transportation Agency
0275 - California Traffic Safety Program: Programs to improve traffic safety and reduce collisions
0276 - Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program: Capital improvements for transit and rail systems
0277 - Statewide Transportation Priorities: Strategic transportation initiatives and priorities

0001 - General Fund: State's primary operating fund ($838.6 million in 2024-25)
3228 - Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: Cap-and-trade auction proceeds ($1.39 billion in 2024-25)
0890 - Federal Trust Fund: Federal transportation grants ($129.1 million in 2024-25)
0046 - Public Transportation Account: Funds for public transportation ($61.5 million in 2024-25)
0042 - State Highway Account: Funds for highway maintenance and operations ($5.7 million in 2024-25)
0044 - Motor Vehicle Account: Funds from vehicle registration and driver license fees ($1.8 million in 2024-25)

Major Projects and Initiatives

The Transportation Agency leads California's efforts to expand and improve transit and rail systems:

Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP): Provides grants for transformative capital improvements that modernize California's transit systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve mobility.
California High-Speed Rail: Oversees the development of the nation's first high-speed rail system, connecting the mega-regions of the state.
State Rail Plan Implementation: Coordinates the implementation of the California State Rail Plan, which establishes a vision for an integrated passenger rail network.

The Transportation Agency implements programs to reduce transportation-related emissions and promote sustainable mobility:

Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI): Aligns transportation investments with climate, health, and social equity goals through a comprehensive framework.
Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure: Coordinates efforts to develop charging and fueling infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles across the state.
Sustainable Communities Strategies: Works with regional agencies to implement sustainable transportation and land use strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Transportation Agency administers programs to improve safety on California's roads:

California Traffic Safety Program: Implements the California Highway Safety Plan and administers federal highway safety grants to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.
Vision Zero Initiatives: Coordinates with local governments to implement Vision Zero strategies aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities.
Vulnerable Road User Protection: Develops policies and programs to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

The California State Transportation Agency oversees and coordinates the activities of several departments and entities:

Office of the Secretary: Provides leadership and strategic direction for the agency and its departments.
Departments and Entities Under CalSTA:
- Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- California Transportation Commission (CTC)
- High-Speed Rail Authority
- Board of Pilot Commissioners
- Office of Traffic Safety
- New Motor Vehicle Board
Specialized Programs:
- Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program
- California Traffic Safety Program
- Statewide Transportation Priorities

Budget Development: The Transportation Agency works with the Department of Finance to develop budget proposals for agency operations and transportation programs.
Legislative Appropriation: The Legislature reviews the agency's budget proposals and makes appropriations through the annual Budget Act.
Program Implementation: Funding is allocated to specific programs and initiatives based on statutory requirements, the State Transportation Improvement Program, and strategic priorities.
Competitive Grant Programs: Many transportation programs, such as the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, allocate funding through competitive grant processes that evaluate projects based on greenhouse gas reduction, mobility improvements, and other criteria.
Performance Monitoring: The agency monitors the implementation and effectiveness of funded programs, with a focus on improving mobility, safety, and environmental sustainability.