FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@bos5.oc.gov
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Releases Statement Following Orange County Transportation Authority Board Meeting; Approval of FY26-27 Budget and Operating Subsidy to Support Metrolink through Q1
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Today, Vice Chair Katrina Foley released a statement following the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting on June 9, 2026.
BUDGET OVERVIEW
The Orange County Transportation Authority Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget presents a balanced plan of sources and uses of funds while providing for the current and future transportation needs of Orange County. The proposed budget continues to strengthen the Orange County Transportation Authority’s long-term financial sustainability by maintaining a structurally balanced plan with no unplanned use of reserves, while advancing the Board of Director’s Strategic Initiatives and delivering reliable transportation services.
“The Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget reflects intentional financial planning and prepares us for the future,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “We adopted a balanced budget with fully funded reserves and no reliance on reserve funds, while advancing Orange County’s transportation priorities.”
Director Foley continued, “Our long-range financial plan presents a clear path for OCTA to meet both current and future transportation needs. Decisions made during and after the pandemic, including restructuring debt to improve our long-term liabilities, continue strengthening our financial outlook and enabling us to deliver reliable transportation services for Orange County residents.”
Item 2 - Public Hearing on Orange County Transportation Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and Personnel and Salary Resolution: The Board voted to approve $14.5 million for the fiscal year 2026-27 Orange County Transportation Authority contribution to the Southern California Regional Rail Authority operating subsidy to support Metrolink service through the first quarter of the fiscal year. Funding for the remainder of the fiscal year depends on a formal Metrolink budget request, OCTA Board approval, and concurrence from member agencies.
“Metrolink remains essential to Orange County and California’s transportation network, and we need a strong, reliable rail system in place as we prepare for major international events like the 2028 Olympic Games,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “While Metrolink’s overall operating costs have not significantly increased, ridership remains at approximately 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels and fare reductions decreasing by 50 percent have increased the need for operating subsidies.”
Director Foley continued, “Sales tax revenues have stabilized, with two percent growth projected, and transit bus service has recovered to pre-pandemic levels. We need a responsible, financially sustainable path forward that protects reliable rail service for riders across California.”
OC Transportation Authority Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Workshop Questions & Answers.
Item 11 – 2026 State Transportation Improvement Program Update: Orange County successfully secured $151.7 million in state transportation funding for eight major freeway, rail, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects, including the Ortega Highway Gap Closure, OC Loop trail segments in La Habra and Brea, I-5 improvements, and future rail infrastructure investments.
District 5: Projects Funded
- San Clemente/South County: $13.6 million for I-5 improvements between the County Line and Avenida Pico.
- Ortega Highway Corridor: $24.6 million for the SR-74 Gap Closure project.
- Countywide Rail and Transit: $20 million for the Orange County Maintenance Facility and $15 million for the Pacific Coast Highway Coastal Rail Bridge project.
- LOSSAN Rail Corridor in San Clemente: Approx. $300 million to support construction on protective infrastructure and sand nourishment projects.
Tune into the full OCTA Transportation meeting here. The next meeting will take place on June 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
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Vice Chair Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2026 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee
OC Public Libraries Advisory Board
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees
Transportation Corridor Agency - Foothill/Eastern
Transportation Corridor Agency - San Joaquin Hills
Coastal Greenbelt Authority
Urban Counties Caucus
