Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District.
Through the amendments proposed in AB 2777, the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District is designated as a 'rapid transit district,' thus excluding it from certain local agency definitions and regulations that typically apply to other local governing bodies. This change is expected to facilitate more efficient transit services by allowing the district greater autonomy in operational decisions while ensuring compliance with existing zoning and building ordinances where applicable. Additionally, this bill would modify how vacancies on the board of directors are filled, extending the period before the Governor must intervene in appointing new board members from 60 days to 90 days.
Assembly Bill 2777, introduced by Assembly Member Quirk, primarily focuses on the reorganization and functions of the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District. The bill proposes to amend existing laws regarding the formation and governance of transit districts within Alameda and Contra Costa counties, specifically repealing the prior authority of cities to form new transit districts and instead recognizing the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District as the sole designated transit district in the area. This legislative change aims to streamline the public transit governance structure and clarify operational roles within the district.
One of the notable contentious points surrounding AB 2777 is the alteration of the board's voting requirements, which establishes that actions of the board will require an affirmative vote from four directors instead of a majority. This could potentially impact the dynamics of decision-making within the board. Furthermore, the prohibition on former employees from accruing retirement credits for their service as board members could raise concerns regarding the long-term incentives for individuals considering board positions, thereby affecting the pool of candidates for future elections.