Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
47 <br /> Chair Bedford asked if there are recommended changes for the program. <br /> Blake Rosser said he does not have any changes at this time. He said that more funding <br /> would always be better. <br /> c. Draft Orange County Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Work Program for Transit <br /> The Board received a report on the draft Orange County Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Work <br /> Program for transit and provide comments on the Work Program. <br /> BACKGROUND: In June 2024, the Orange County Staff Work Group (SWG) officially endorsed <br /> the process and timeline for developing the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Annual Work Program <br /> (AWP). Recognizing the importance of efficiency and alignment with key stakeholders, the SWG <br /> revisited the initial schedule during its September 2024 meeting, making strategic refinements to <br /> further streamline the approval process. These adjustments were designed to enhance <br /> coordination among participating agencies and ensure a more structured approach to meeting <br /> critical deadlines. <br /> Following these refinements, member jurisdictions, in close collaboration with Orange County <br /> and GoTriangle, undertook a comprehensive effort to compile and submit all necessary <br /> materials. This collaborative approach facilitated smooth and timely preparation of the draft <br /> AWP, enabling its completion ahead of the holiday season. By proactively addressing potential <br /> bottlenecks and ensuring thorough documentation, stakeholders successfully laid the <br /> groundwork for a well-organized and effective annual transit tax budget for FY26. <br /> The Draft FY26 AWP (Attachment 1) has been carefully prepared by Orange County, in its role <br /> as SWG administrator, through a thorough and collaborative process over the past several <br /> months. The draft has been publicly reviewed and deliberated during the December 2024 and <br /> January 2025 SWG meetings, ensuring transparency and alignment with the priorities of all <br /> stakeholders. Every project request has been thoughtfully considered and incorporated, and the <br /> financial model remains stable and sustainable, fully adhering to approved governing <br /> documents, including global agreements. <br /> After two (2) months of dedicated effort and extensive coordination, County staff is confident <br /> that the Draft FY26 AWP is comprehensive, fiscally responsible, and ready for public review. <br /> Next steps per the approved schedule: <br /> • Finalize Annual Work Program - February 28, 2025 <br /> • SWG — Recommend Approval - March 19, 2025 <br /> • BOCC — Public Hearing and Approval - April 16, 2025 <br /> • GoTriangle—Approval - June 17, 2025 <br /> The FY26 Annual Work Program will come back to Board of County Commissioners for a public <br /> hearing and action at the April 16, 2025, Business meeting per the approved schedule. <br /> Nishith Trivedi, Transportation Director, introduced the item and made the following <br /> presentation: <br />