Board of Directors

As a condition of receiving Federal Transit Administration money, METRO must set a target every three years for how much of its federally funded contract work goes to certified "Disadvantaged Business Enterprises" (small for-profit firms at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals). Staff calculated a target of 0% for federal fiscal years 2027 through 2029 because METRO expects to spend all of its roughly $1,545,054 in federal funds on buses, and bus manufacturers set their own participation goals directly with the Federal Transit Administration, so those purchases are excluded from the calculation. A yes vote accepts the proposed 0% goal and starts a 45-day public comment period on October 6, 2026, ending November 20, 2026, with comments brought back to the Board and a public hearing on November 20, 2026.

METRO's board is asked to adopt a resolution formally opposing Proposition 43, a statewide measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot. As described in the resolution, Proposition 43 would require two-thirds voter approval — instead of the current simple majority — for new, increased, or extended local special taxes that are proposed by voters themselves (citizen initiatives), starting January 1, 2027. A yes vote would put METRO on record against the measure and in favor of keeping the majority-vote standard, and would direct the CEO/General Manager to send the resolution to METRO's state legislators and to local government and transit association partners.