In November, the Transportation Authority joined the Self-Help Counties Coalition in co-hosting 800 attendees from across California for the 36th Annual Focus on the Future Conference.
The conference brings together transportation leaders, elected officials, and industry experts to explore innovative solutions and strategies for advancing California’s transportation infrastructure.
California’s Self-Help Coalition is a network of 24 transportation agencies in counties across the state that have passed local, voter-approved sales tax measures to fund and deliver transportation projects. Together, these counties invest billions each year into California’s transportation system.
Conference Highlights
During her opening remarks, Transportation Authority Chair Myrna Melgar (District 7) spoke about the innovative solutions, investments, and funding partnerships that are necessary to improve safety, advance access and climate goals, and promote economic development in the communities we serve.
The conference featured CEO Roundtables and breakout sessions on a wide range of topics from transportation funding, safety and mega-event planning to AI, climate resilience and workforce development.
Project Tours
Conference participants enjoyed various technical tours highlighting innovative projects in San Francisco, including:
Presidio Parkway at 10 Years
The tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at one of California’s most significant public-private partnership infrastructure projects, where attendees gained insight into the project’s procurement, funding, and financing strategies, as well as an overview of operations, maintenance, and capital rehabilitation as the facility undergoes its 10th year of operations.
The tour ended with a walk through the beautiful Presidio Tunnel Tops which the parkway helped enable. We thank Golden Link Concessionaire for hosting the group at the Maintenance Control Center, Flatiron Dragados as the shuttle sponsor, and John Fisher of WSP who co-hosted the tour with Deputy Director for Capital Projects Carl Holmes from the Transportation Authority.
Bike Ride Along JFK Promenade and Sunset Dunes
This guided bicycle tour showcased multiuse paths on two of San Francisco’s premier bike facilities — JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park and the Sunset Dunes. We thank Lyft/BayWheels for providing the bikeshare bikes, and Matt Lasky, Grant Brokl, and Chava Kronenberg from SFMTA, Brian Stokle from San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and Mike Pickford from the Transportation Authority for co-hosting this fun tour.
Caltrain Electrified Trains
All aboard! Participants experienced Caltrain’s new electric trains, which included an overview of the rider amenities such as baby changing stations in restrooms, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi throughout, as well as the smooth, quiet and clean ride from 4th and King Station to the South San Francisco Station. Visitors also received a tour of the stations. We thank Casey Fromson and Caltrain’s team for leading this tour.
Photo by Self Help Counties Coalition
Photo by Jon Porterfield
