Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA)
Agency Type:
- Congestion Management Agency
Responsibilities:
- Sales Tax Authority
- Energy Program
Overview:
The Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) is responsible for prioritizing most state and federal funds available to Sonoma County for roadway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects. The SCTA prioritizes transportation improvement projects and provides project management in partnership with Caltrans on the State Highway system. SCTA also develops the long-range Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP), which (along with similar plans from the other eight Bay Area Counties) forms the “primary basis” for the RTP/SCS adopted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. In turn, the CTP must consider the most recently adopted RTP/SCS to assure that the county transportation plans and the regional plan employ a common planning framework.
The SCTA was formed as a result of federal and State legislation to address regional planning and funding matters. In 2004, the SCTA responsibilities expanded to include management of the Measure M sales tax program – a voter approved ¼ cent sales tax that generates about $20M annually for transportation purposes. As a coordination agency, the SCTA provides a forum for local elected officials to engage in dialog on countywide issues and enables discussions among local and regional entities on a wide range of issues that link to the movement of people and goods, program management and project delivery.
The same Board of Directors also coordinates countywide climate protection activities through its other role as the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA).
Primary Funding Sources:
Local sales tax funds; State and federal transportation funds
Total Members:
Ten: the county and nine incorporated cities
Population Represented:
501,959
Staff:
11
Program Highlights:
- Carma Ridesharing–Carma Rideshare is a pilot program that uses real-time ride sharing for Sonoma County residents. Through the Carma app, commuters search for others going their direction and create a carpool. They can return with the same person later in the day, or create a new carpool. The project has gained support from MTC’s 511 Rideshare and has grown to accommodate commuters throughout the Bay Area.
- Sonoma Clean Power–SCTA contains the Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), formed in 2009, in order to coordinate climate protection efforts within Sonoma County. SCTA/RCPA are representatives of Sonoma Clean Power, which is the locally controlled electricity provider in Sonoma County. It provides all residents the option of using renewable power. Sonoma Clean Power recently launched a new program called Drive EverGreen, which provides discounts and incentives and allows Sonoma Clean Power customers to buy or lease a new electric vehicle for $10,000 less than the retail price.
Board Makeup:
The Board of Directors is comprised of mayors and Councilmembers representing the 9 incorporated cities within Sonoma County, and 3 members representing the County Board of Supervisors.
Executive Director:
Suzanne Smith
CALCOG Board Representative:
Chris Rogers, Mayor, City of Santa Rosa
Web Link:
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