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California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

January 27, 2026
California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

To support these initiatives, OCTA staff will advance 104 planned projects and program milestones in 2026, with progress updates provided to the Board throughout the year.

Credit: OCTA

2 min to read


The Orange County Transportation Authority in 2026 will focus on delivering a balanced, sustainable, and equitable transportation system while strengthening organizational resiliency and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration, the agency announced.

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

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Advancing OCTA’s Vision

Each year, the newly elected board Chair works with the CEO to develop and present a set of strategic initiatives that reflect community values, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning. The initiatives were recently reviewed and accepted by OCTA’s 18-member board.

“This plan reflects our responsibility to deliver on our commitments to Orange County residents by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation choices,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “By focusing on balance, sustainability, and collaboration, we are ensuring that OCTA continues to meet today’s transportation needs while preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

The 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives focus on three overarching priorities: 

  • Providing a Balanced, Sustainable, and Equitable Public Transportation System: Delivering safe, reliable, and accessible travel options for residents, commuters, and visitors, advancing Measure M projects and programs, and engaging stakeholders through meaningful public input.

  • Enhancing Organizational Strength Through Financial Stewardship and Environmental Leadership: Demonstrating prudent financial management, responsibly using taxpayer dollars, strengthening adaptability to economic and environmental conditions, and championing sustainability initiatives that support healthy communities.

  • Sustaining a Culture of Excellence, Collaboration, and Inclusion: Expanding partnerships with key agencies, organizations, and communities, fostering a safe and inclusive workplace that empowers employees, and promoting innovation, accountability, and teamwork across the organization.

Each year, the newly elected board Chair works with the CEO to develop and present a set of strategic initiatives that reflect community values, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning. 

Credit: OCTA

What’s Next?

To support these initiatives, OCTA staff will advance 104 planned projects and program milestones in 2026, with progress updates provided to the Board throughout the year.

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“By clearly defining our priorities and aligning them with measurable actions, we ensure accountability and transparency in everything we do,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “This plan positions OCTA to remain fiscally responsible, environmentally conscious, and responsive to the communities we serve, while continuing to keep Orange County moving safely and efficiently.”

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