Metro’s Annual State of the Agency Highlights Progress and Future Goals

Metro held its annual State of the Agency event at Union Station on Wednesday, July 10, to highlight agency accomplishments over the past fiscal year and to outline our goals for the coming year (Metro's fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30 each year). The event was marked by poignant transitions and ambitious goals.

Leadership Transition and Acknowledgements

At the event, Metro's Board leadership had a changing of the guard from outgoing Board Chair L.A. Mayor Karen Bass to the new Chair, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. The occasion was graced by heartfelt remarks from Metro officials, Board Members, and representatives from the Metro Youth Council.

Metro's newly appointed 2nd Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker addressed critical issues of small business support and equity. Commemorating the 10thanniversary of Metro's Small Business Prime Program, 2nd Vice Chair Dupont-Walker underscored Metro's substantial contribution of $435.6 million to small businesses in the past fiscal year, with a targeted goal of achieving 48 percent participation by 2028.

She also highlighted the launch of innovative initiatives, such as the Contract Financing Assistance Program, the 15 Day Pay Initiative and the Business Interruption Fund. These programs, specifically designed to bolster small and disadvantaged businesses, offer crucial support during transit project construction phases.

Achievements and Milestones

Mayor Karen Bass' address outlined Metro's notable achievements in the past fiscal year. These included a resurgence in ridership - with boardings approaching pre-pandemic levels - and initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and combatting homelessness. Highlights included:

• Enhanced Safety Measures: Metro implemented a surge in law enforcement and the Board voted to establish a Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD) to ensure safety across the system. Also transitioning the Ambassador Program from a pilot to a permanent team, with over 190 lives saved through Narcan administration.
• Homelessness Initiatives: Addressing the homelessness crisis by using Metro land to build affordable housing, such as La Veranda in Boyle Heights.
• Accessibility and Affordability: Expanded programs like LIFE and GoPass to make transit more accessible and affordable for low-income Angelenos and students.
• Infrastructure Development: Significant milestones in infrastructure projects including the completion of tunneling for all three sections of the Purple Line Extension (D) line and establishing new Bus Priority Lanes to improve transit efficiency. Progress was also made on projects like the Southeast Gateway Line, Eastside Transit Corridor, and C Line Extension to Torrance.

Vision and Future Goals

Looking forward, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins emphasized the agency's commitment to continued ridership growth and innovation. She highlighted the significant progress Metro has made in the last three years, including 18 consecutive months of ridership growth and the recent vote to establish a new TCPSD to bring law enforcement services in-house and address public safety and social challenges compassionately.

Underlining the legacy of past leaders like LA County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, whose vision laid the groundwork for today's transit network, CEO Wiggins highlighted ongoing capital programs and the agency's role in shaping the next 40 years of public transportation in Los Angeles. You can listen to her address here:

Whittier Council Member and Metro Board First Vice Chair Fernando Dutra expressed appreciation for Mayor Bass' leadership in addressing homelessness, improving public safety and advancing the Fareless System Initiative. He then introduced LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the new Metro Board Chair, emphasizing her dedication and the enduring legacy of her father in establishing Prop A, the 1980 sales tax measure which paved the way for rebuilding rail transit in L.A. County.

Board Chair Hahn expressed her gratitude for CEO Stephanie Wiggins' steadfast commitment to Metro and its riders, and extended thanks to Mayor Bass for her impactful leadership during the past year. She stated that her priorities for the coming fiscal year are first and foremost the safety of our riders and employees, followed by a focus on the rider experience, compassionately addressing homelessness on the system, and supporting Metro employees.

Taking on the role of Metro Board Chair, she reflected on her longstanding connection to Metro and underscored the need for tangible outcomes to sustain public trust. She outlined key milestones ahead, including the upcoming opening of the new LAX/Metro Transit Center station and construction of the Southeast Gateway Line.

Community Engagement and Youth Leadership

The event also showcased the vital role of community engagement, exemplified by Metro Youth Council members, President Aaron Diaz and Secretary Fiona Zhou. Aaron and Fiona shared their personal stories affirming the transformative impact of public transportation on youth and underscoring its role in fostering a connected and inclusive community.

Passing the Gavel

The State of the Agency event concluded with a symbolic passing of the gavel, symbolizing a transition marked by continuity and a renewed dedication to Metro's mission. As Metro moves forward under Chair Hahn's leadership, the focus remains on safety, as well as innovation, accessibility, and community partnership. We want to ensure that Metro continues to serve as a cornerstone of the region's transportation infrastructure.

Thank you to all participants and attendees who contributed to this year's State of the Agency event, highlighting Metro's achievements and setting ambitious goals for the future. We look forward to another year of major accomplishments under Chair Hahn's and CEO Wiggins' leadership.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.