Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority: board of directors.

Existing law creates the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) with various powers and duties relative to transportation projects and services and the operation of public transit in the County of Santa Clara. Existing law vests the government of the VTA in a 12-member board of directors, appointed by the County of Santa Clara and the cities within the county, as specified. Existing law requires, to the extent possible, the county and cities to appoint individuals to the board of directors who have expertise, experience, or knowledge relative to transportation issues. Existing law establishes a term length of 2 years for a member of the board of directors. This bill would require, to the extent possible, the county and cities to appoint individuals to the board of directors who have expertise, experience, or knowledge relative to transit or transportation issues. The bill would require, to the extent consistent with applicable privacy protections, the county and cities to make public the reasons for an appointment, as specified. The bill instead would establish a term length of 4 years for a member of the board of directors. By requiring the county and cities to make public the reasons for an appointment, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.