About us

This site offers tools for understanding and tracking the activity of the Board Members of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. It connects Los Angeles County residents to Metro policy makers, for greater online public dialogue about issues related to transit services and programs.

With this site you can:

  • Stay up-to-date with your local representatives
  • See the schedule of public events
  • Track and comment on issues you care about


What is the Metro Board of Directors, and how does it work?

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) was created by the State of California to set policy, coordinate, plan, fund, build, and operate transit services and transportation programs throughout Los Angeles County. Metro supports the transportation improvement programs of the 88 cities and 16 municipal transit operators within Los Angeles County, as well as LA's paratransit provider, ASI, and its regional commuter rail service provider, Metrolink.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, the other incorporated cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County, and a non-voting member representing the Governor. The full Board typically meets once a month to review budgets, contracts, policies and programs, and make decisions about what to adopt, fund and build.

Board Member Appointments

City of Los Angeles representatives include the Mayor of Los Angeles and the Mayor’s three appointees. Los Angeles County representatives include the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors representative of each of the five county districts. Representatives from the other incorporated cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County are appointed by the City Selection Committee.

The Los Angeles County City Selection Committee is a group comprised of the mayor of each city within Los Angeles County, excluding the City of Los Angeles. Within the Committee, there are four Subcommittees, one for each Sector of the county, comprised of the mayor of each city within each Sector:

  • North County/San Fernando Valley
  • San Gabriel Valley
  • Southeast/Long Beach
  • Southwest Corridor

Each Sector Subcommittee nominates one mayor or council member from the Sector to serve on the Metro Board (unless a motion to nominate multiple candidates is made, seconded and passed by a majority weighted vote). Nominees are approved and appointed to the Metro Board by the entire City Selection Committee, whereby each city within the Committee may cast one “yea” or “nay” vote for every 10,000 residents.

Full documentation of this process can be found in the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee Rules and Regulations for Appointments to Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Board Chair

Each Metro Board Chair serves a one year term, from July 1st to June 30th. The Chair’s term rotates annually between the Mayor of Los Angeles, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and one of the City Selection Committee Members.

Board Committees

Per the Administrative Ordinance, the Board of Directors has 5 standing committees. The Chair of the Board of Directors may designate other standing and ad hoc committees subject to concurrence of the Board of Directors. Learn more here.

Board Meetings

Learn more about Metro Board of Directors meetings, and view meetings and agendas here.

Board Room Rules and Procedures

Metro Board follows specific procedures to hold meetings and organize its members.

Read about all Metro Rules & Procedures.

  • If you wish to address the Board, please sign up for public comment on the tablets available in the lobby before 9:45 a.m.
  • General public comment is only to be used for topics within the Board’s jurisdiction and items not listed on the agenda.
  • Public comment on agenda items will be taken as each item is considered.
  • In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, public comment will not be taken on items previously considered at a committee meeting where the public was given the opportunity to comment.
  • Disorderly behavior or inappropriate comments at the podium may be cause for exclusion from further public comment for the day or removal from the Board room.
  • You will be allowed one minute to speak.
  • If you are unable to stand, a handheld microphone is available at the podium.
  • Translation headsets are also available at the podium (Spanish 12, Korean 13).
  • If you wish to address the Board, please submit a public comment request through one of the digital kiosks in the lobby.
Code of Conduct

Types of Board Reports

Type Description

Agreement

A negotiated arrangement between parties.

A negotiated arrangement between parties.

Application

A formal request, usually for state and federal funding programs.

A formal request, usually for state and federal funding programs.

Appointment

The Board of Directors makes appointments to various committees created for the purpose of collecting and reviewing public input such as the Citizens Advisory Council and the Metro Service Councils, and also to external organizations that include representation from Metro such as Metrolink.

The Board of Directors makes appointments to various committees created for the purpose of collecting and reviewing public input such as the Citizens Advisory Council and the Metro Service Councils, and also to external organizations that include representation from Metro such as Metrolink.

Board Box / Board Correspondence

Formal information communication from Metro staff to the Board, which does not require Board action. Historically, these items were called "Board Box"(es), because a physical box containing each month"s items was delivered to the Board for review. Because these items are now delivered digitally, their "Board Report Type" designation is "Board Correspondence" so the nature of these items is more clear to the public. We are in the process of importing Board Boxes to this website; in the meantime, please access Board Box/Correspondence items through the Archive Search. You can also access a directory of Board Correspondence from 2015 to present, by year, here.

Formal information communication from Metro staff to the Board, which does not require Board action. Historically, these items were called "Board Box"(es), because a physical box containing each month"s items was delivered to the Board for review. Because these items are now delivered digitally, their "Board Report Type" designation is "Board Correspondence" so the nature of these items is more clear to the public. We are in the process of importing Board Boxes to this website; in the meantime, please access Board Box/Correspondence items through the Archive Search. You can also access a directory of Board Correspondence from 2015 to present, by year, here.

Budget

A plan of financial operations for a given period, including proposed expenditures, authorized staffing levels, and a proposed means of financing them. Metro follows a July 1 to June 30 Fiscal Year. Its annual budgets are typically approved by the Board after a public hearing in May of each year. Individual capital projects over $5 million have a Life of Project (LOP) budget estimate reviewed by the Board of Directors.

A plan of financial operations for a given period, including proposed expenditures, authorized staffing levels, and a proposed means of financing them. Metro follows a July 1 to June 30 Fiscal Year. Its annual budgets are typically approved by the Board after a public hearing in May of each year. Individual capital projects over $5 million have a Life of Project (LOP) budget estimate reviewed by the Board of Directors.

Contract

A written agreement executed by Metro and an individual who or firm which thereby becomes the Contractor. The contract sets forth the rights or obligations of the parties in connection with the furnishing of goods or services, including construction. Contracts over $500,000 require Board approval.

A written agreement executed by Metro and an individual who or firm which thereby becomes the Contractor. The contract sets forth the rights or obligations of the parties in connection with the furnishing of goods or services, including construction. Contracts over $500,000 require Board approval.

Fare / Tariff / Service Change

Chapter 2-50 of Metro’s Administrative Code (its Ordinances) set the parameters and procedures for holding public hearings in advance of any fare, tariff or major service changes. Fare changes and major service changes require public hearings and Title VI analysis. Minor service changes are continually reviewed and approved with public participation by Metro’s Service Councils for the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Westside, Southbay and Gateway Cities regions of the County.

Chapter 2-50 of Metro’s Administrative Code (its Ordinances) set the parameters and procedures for holding public hearings in advance of any fare, tariff or major service changes. Fare changes and major service changes require public hearings and Title VI analysis. Minor service changes are continually reviewed and approved with public participation by Metro’s Service Councils for the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Westside, Southbay and Gateway Cities regions of the County.

Federal Legislation / State Legislation (Position)

Metro’s Government Relations staff seeks Board of Director approval prior to taking a position of “support”, “oppose”, or “work with author” on significant State and Federal legislation.

Metro’s Government Relations staff seeks Board of Director approval prior to taking a position of “support”, “oppose”, or “work with author” on significant State and Federal legislation.

Formula Allocation / Local Return

Formula Allocation and Local Return are adopted methods for distributing Federal, State and local transit and transportation funding. Funding is allocated to 16 municipal transit operators using audited performance data, and 88 cities in Los Angeles County using population data. The majority of this funding is local sales tax revenues from Proposition A (1980), Proposition C (1990) and Measure R (2008).

Formula Allocation and Local Return are adopted methods for distributing Federal, State and local transit and transportation funding. Funding is allocated to 16 municipal transit operators using audited performance data, and 88 cities in Los Angeles County using population data. The majority of this funding is local sales tax revenues from Proposition A (1980), Proposition C (1990) and Measure R (2008).

Informational Report

Metro staff will provide various informational reports to the Board of Directors as background to the Agency’s policies, programs, plans, situations and events. Many of these reports are circulated publicly as “Receive and File” reports.

Metro staff will provide various informational reports to the Board of Directors as background to the Agency’s policies, programs, plans, situations and events. Many of these reports are circulated publicly as “Receive and File” reports.

Minutes

The permanent official legal record of the business transacted, resolutions adopted, votes taken, and general proceedings of the Board of Directors.

The permanent official legal record of the business transacted, resolutions adopted, votes taken, and general proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Motion / Motion Response

These are issues raised by Board Members during meetings. Motions are usually proposed in writing by one or more Board Members. Motions include background information and a specific directive to staff after the words “I therefore move”, and then voted on. When adopted by the Board with a majority vote, staff is given a specific timeframe to research and respond back.

These are issues raised by Board Members during meetings. Motions are usually proposed in writing by one or more Board Members. Motions include background information and a specific directive to staff after the words “I therefore move”, and then voted on. When adopted by the Board with a majority vote, staff is given a specific timeframe to research and respond back.

Oral Report / Presentation

Metro staff make public presentations to the board during public meetings via Powerpoint and oral reports. These are included in the agendas and meeting webcasts.

Metro staff make public presentations to the board during public meetings via Powerpoint and oral reports. These are included in the agendas and meeting webcasts.

Ordinance / Administrative Code

Metro as an entity created by the State of California for Los Angeles County has the legal authority to adopt ordinances. Its adopted ordinances are collectively referred to as the Metro Administrative Code. Metro ordinances are enacted pursuant to the ordinance adopting authority granted to the Southern California Rapid Transit District by Public Utilities Code Sections 30273 et seq., and to the Los Angeles Comment [SAR1]: Capitalize Board Report Comment [SAR2]: Items included here are only those where text is edited. All existing types of Board Reports should still be included as is. County Transportation Commission by Public Utilities Code Sections 130103 and 130105. Ordinances include, among others:

a.) Metro’s Retail Transactions and Use Taxes (Sales Taxes)
b.) Transit Court
c.) Codes of Conduct
d.) Settlement of Claims
e.) Public Hearings
f.) Contracting
g.) Tolls and Enforcement of Toll Violations
h.) Parking

Metro as an entity created by the State of California for Los Angeles County has the legal authority to adopt ordinances. Its adopted ordinances are collectively referred to as the Metro Administrative Code. Metro ordinances are enacted pursuant to the ordinance adopting authority granted to the Southern California Rapid Transit District by Public Utilities Code Sections 30273 et seq., and to the Los Angeles Comment [SAR1]: Capitalize Board Report Comment [SAR2]: Items included here are only those where text is edited. All existing types of Board Reports should still be included as is. County Transportation Commission by Public Utilities Code Sections 130103 and 130105. Ordinances include, among others:

a.) Metro’s Retail Transactions and Use Taxes (Sales Taxes)
b.) Transit Court
c.) Codes of Conduct
d.) Settlement of Claims
e.) Public Hearings
f.) Contracting
g.) Tolls and Enforcement of Toll Violations
h.) Parking

Plan

A detailed proposal for achieving public policy goals. Major Metro plans include the Long Range Transportation Plan, the Short Range Transportation Plan, the Union Station master plans, and subject specific action or strategic plans.

A detailed proposal for achieving public policy goals. Major Metro plans include the Long Range Transportation Plan, the Short Range Transportation Plan, the Union Station master plans, and subject specific action or strategic plans.

Policy

A course or principle of action adopted by the Board of Directors in carrying out its legal authority and mission. Examples include Metro’s Debt policy, Energy and Sustainability Policy, Alternative Fuel Policy, Film Production, Financial Stability, Formula Allocation Procedures, Holiday Fares, Investment, Metro System Advertising, Procurement, Property Naming, Small Business, Transit Service, and other public policies. Policies remain in effect until modified or repealed by the Board.

A course or principle of action adopted by the Board of Directors in carrying out its legal authority and mission. Examples include Metro’s Debt policy, Energy and Sustainability Policy, Alternative Fuel Policy, Film Production, Financial Stability, Formula Allocation Procedures, Holiday Fares, Investment, Metro System Advertising, Procurement, Property Naming, Small Business, Transit Service, and other public policies. Policies remain in effect until modified or repealed by the Board.

Program

A group of related activities performed by one or more organizational units for the purpose of accomplishing a function for which Metro is responsible. Examples are the Joint Development Program, Rider Relief Transportation Program, Immediate Needs Transportation Program, Congestion Management Program, Transit Safety Program, Soundwall Program, Vanpool Program and many more.

A group of related activities performed by one or more organizational units for the purpose of accomplishing a function for which Metro is responsible. Examples are the Joint Development Program, Rider Relief Transportation Program, Immediate Needs Transportation Program, Congestion Management Program, Transit Safety Program, Soundwall Program, Vanpool Program and many more.

Project

A carefully planned enterprise designed to achieve a particular aim. Major projects at Metro usually have a Life of Project (LOP) budget, environmental impact report, preliminary engineering work, and more. Examples would be light rail projects, subway projects, highway projects, bikeway projects, freight and goods movement facilities, information and technology improvements, and other transportation infrastructure for Los Angeles County.

A carefully planned enterprise designed to achieve a particular aim. Major projects at Metro usually have a Life of Project (LOP) budget, environmental impact report, preliminary engineering work, and more. Examples would be light rail projects, subway projects, highway projects, bikeway projects, freight and goods movement facilities, information and technology improvements, and other transportation infrastructure for Los Angeles County.

Public Hearing

Various board actions require a public hearing prior to voting. These include the adoption of the annual budget, fare changes, major service changes, ordinances, eminent domain actions and others as defined by State/Federal law or board ordinance.

Various board actions require a public hearing prior to voting. These include the adoption of the annual budget, fare changes, major service changes, ordinances, eminent domain actions and others as defined by State/Federal law or board ordinance.

Resolution

Certain board actions require the adoption of a board resolution, usually financial and real estate transactions.

Certain board actions require the adoption of a board resolution, usually financial and real estate transactions.

Board Report Statuses

Each Metro board report has one of 22 posible statuses:

Status Displayed Status Description

Adopted

Adopted

Item was adopted by a majority vote of the Board.

Adopted

Item was adopted by a majority vote of the Board.

Adopted As Amended

Adopted As Amended

Item was adopted as amended by a majority vote of the Board.

Adopted

Item was adopted as amended by a majority vote of the Board.

Approved

Approved

Item was approved by a majority vote of the Board.

Approved

Item was approved by a majority vote of the Board.

Approved As Amended

Approved As Amended

Item was approved as amended by a majority vote of the Board.

Approved

Item was approved as amended by a majority vote of the Board.

Approved On Consent Calendar

Approved On Consent Calendar

Item was approved on Consent Calendar by a majority vote of the Board.

Approved

Item was approved on Consent Calendar by a majority vote of the Board.

Carried Over

Carried Over

Item was carried over to the next Committee or Regular Board Meeting.

Active

Item was carried over to the next Committee or Regular Board Meeting.

Failed

Failed

Item failed due to insufficient votes.

Failed

Item failed due to insufficient votes.

Forwarded Due To Absences And Conflicts

Forwarded Due To Absences And Conflicts

Item was forwarded from a Committee to the Regular Board Meeting due to absences and conflicts.

Active

Item was forwarded from a Committee to the Regular Board Meeting due to absences and conflicts.

Forwarded Without Recommendation

Forwarded Without Recommendation

Item was forwarded to the Regular Board Meeting without recommendation.

Active

Item was forwarded to the Regular Board Meeting without recommendation.

Received

Received

Item was received by the Committee or Board. (Oral report)

Received

Item was received by the Committee or Board. (Oral report)

Received And Filed

Received And Filed

Item was was received and filed by the Committee or Board.

Received

Item was was received and filed by the Committee or Board.

Recommended For Approval

Recommended For Approval

Committee members recommended that the item be approved by the Full Board.

Active

Committee members recommended that the item be approved by the Full Board.

Recommended For Approval As Amended

Recommended For Approval As Amended

Committee members recommended that the item be approved as amended by the Full Board.

Active

Committee members recommended that the item be approved as amended by the Full Board.

Referred

Referred

Item was referred to another Committee or Full Board.

Active

Item was referred to another Committee or Full Board.

Withdrawn

Withdrawn

Item was withdrawn from the agenda.

Withdrawn

Item was withdrawn from the agenda.

No Action Taken

No Action Taken

No action was taken on the item.

Active

No action was taken on the item.

Not Discussed

Not Discussed

Item was not discussed.

Active

Item was not discussed.

Approved Under Reconsideration

Approved Under Reconsideration

Item was approved when considered a 2nd time.

Approved

Item was approved when considered a 2nd time.

Failed Under Reconsideration

Failed Under Reconsideration

Item failed when considered a 2nd time.

Failed

Item failed when considered a 2nd time.

Adopted Under Reconsideration

Adopted Under Reconsideration

Item was adopted when considered a 2nd time.

Adopted

Item was adopted when considered a 2nd time.

Approved As Amended Under Reconsideration

Approved As Amended Under Reconsideration

Item was approved by a majority vote of the Board as amended when considered a 2nd time.

Approved

Item was approved by a majority vote of the Board as amended when considered a 2nd time.

Adopted As Amended Under Reconsideration

Adopted As Amended Under Reconsideration

Item was adopted by a majority vote of the Board as amended when considered a 2nd time.

Adopted

Item was adopted by a majority vote of the Board as amended when considered a 2nd time.



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One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952

Metro Headquarters is located on the corner of Cesar E. Chavez Ave. and Vignes St.

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Data

The data for this website comes from the Metro board reports site, a system built by Granicus using their Legistar Legislative Management Suite.

With the help of the Legistar Web API, we collect data daily and store it using the Open Civic Data standard and platform. Open Civic Data standardizes information about people, organizations, events and bills at any level of government: it was built in collaboration with The Sunlight Foundation, Google, Granicus, and Open North.



Credits

This site represents a collaborative effort of Metro’s Office of the CEO, Office of Board Administration, and Research & Records, Information Management, to ensure Board activity is transparent and easily accessible for the public.

The site was built by DataMade, a civic technology company. They build open source technology using open data to empower journalists, researchers, governments and advocacy organizations.





Contact us

For questions about or comments for the Metro Board, please contact boardclerk@metro.net. Written public comment can be mailed to:

Office of Board Administration
1 Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop 99-3-1
Los Angeles, CA 90012

If you are commenting on a specific item, please include the item number and your position on it - for, against, general comment, or item needs more consideration - in your message. Written public comment (via mail or email) must be received by 5pm the evening prior to the meeting where the item will be considered.

For questions about this website or Board records, please email boardreport@metro.net.