Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Regional Transportation Leadership Since 1966
Established in 1966, Santa Barbara County Assn-Gov (SBCAG) serves as a regional leader in transportation planning and project management. Our seven specialized divisions deliver strategic solutions for infrastructure development, funding allocation, and sustainable mobility initiatives. With expertise in state and federal compliance, we coordinate major transportation projects, administer Measure A funding programs, and promote alternative transit options to reduce congestion and environmental impact.Our team provides technical guidance to local municipalities, manages regional transit services like Clean Air Express, and maintains a commitment to public engagement through transparent decision-making processes. As stewards of regional planning, we integrate land use analysis, demographic forecasting, and GIS data to shape Santa Barbara County's transportation future while ensuring fiscal accountability through annual audits and citizen oversight.
Services
Transportation Planning
Project Delivery
Funding Administration
Transit Coordination
Regional Policy Development
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We have 58 years of experience in regional transportation planning
- Our team administers over $1 billion in Measure A funding
- We coordinate multimodal transit programs serving 7 cities
- Our divisions maintain state and federal compliance expertise
- We provide transparent accountability through citizen oversight
Services
Transportation Planning
Our transportation planning division develops long-range strategies for regional mobility needs. We analyze traffic patterns, forecast growth trends, and create sustainable solutions that integrate land use and housing requirements. The team coordinates with state agencies and local municipalities to ensure compliance with federal regulations while addressing local community needs through data-driven decision-making processes.
Project Delivery
The project delivery division manages highway capital improvements and regional infrastructure developments. We coordinate with Caltrans and local partners to execute projects from design through construction completion. Our team ensures technical compliance, monitors contractual agreements, and communicates project milestones to stakeholders while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary constraints and safety standards.
Funding Administration
Our programming division specializes in securing and distributing transportation funding resources. We administer Measure A sales tax revenues, Senate Bill 1 funds, and federal transportation programs. The team provides technical assistance to local jurisdictions, ensures compliance with funding requirements, and maintains transparent reporting systems for public accountability through annual financial audits.
Transit Coordination
The multimodal programs division manages regional transit initiatives including Clean Air Express bus services and passenger rail coordination. We develop alternative transportation options like carpool programs, bicycle infrastructure, and zero-emission transit facilities. The division also serves as the transportation liaison during emergency operations and represents the region on state rail advisory committees.
Regional Policy Development
Our government affairs team develops policy frameworks for regional transportation decisions. We facilitate public engagement through community outreach programs, maintain media relations, and coordinate intergovernmental partnerships. The division ensures consistent messaging across all communication channels while advising decision-makers on the impacts of transportation policies for sustainable regional development.
People
Marjie Kirn
Executive Director
Marjie Kirn leads SBCAG's operations with over 7 years of experience in regional transportation management. She directs strategic planning initiatives, oversees organizational goals, and represents the agency in public forums while maintaining relationships with elected officials and regional partners.
Michael Becker
Director of Planning
Michael Becker oversees transportation planning activities with expertise in land use integration. He has managed regional planning projects since 2014, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while developing long-term mobility strategies for Santa Barbara County.
Aaron Bonfilio
Director of Multimodal Programs
Aaron Bonfilio leads rail and transit initiatives since 2022. He manages regional transit services including Clean Air Express, coordinates emergency transportation response, and represents the agency on state rail advisory committees to improve regional mobility options.
Sarkes Khachek
Director of Programming
Sarkes Khachek directs funding allocation programs with 20 years of experience in transportation finance. He manages Measure A funding distribution, secures state and federal grants, and serves as liaison to transportation policy organizations while ensuring fiscal accountability.
Fred Luna
Director of Project Delivery
Fred Luna oversees infrastructure project implementation since 2005. He manages highway capital projects through Measure A funding, coordinates with Caltrans on design and construction phases, and ensures timely delivery of regional transportation improvements.
Questions
What transportation services does SBCAG manage?
We coordinate regional transit programs including Clean Air Express bus services, passenger rail coordination, bicycle infrastructure development, and alternative transportation options like carpool and vanpool programs.
How is SBCAG funded?
Our primary funding comes from Measure A sales tax revenues, Senate Bill 1 funds, and federal transportation grants. We administer over $1 billion in transportation funding through transparent accountability measures.
What is Measure A?
Measure A is a transportation funding initiative approved by 79% of voters in 2008. It provides $1 billion over 30 years for highway improvements, transit programs, and local street projects through strict accountability provisions.
How can I participate in transportation planning?
We offer public engagement opportunities through community meetings, advisory committees, and online resources. Our website lists upcoming events and ways to provide input on regional transportation initiatives.
What regional projects are currently underway?
Current projects include Highway 101 interchange improvements, local street circulation enhancements, and regional bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure developments across Santa Barbara County's seven cities.
How does SBCAG ensure accountability?
We maintain transparency through annual financial audits, public expenditure reviews by the Citizen's Oversight Committee, and regular reporting to regional stakeholders and government agencies.
