Residents invited to help oversee transportation funding and environmental protection efforts
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is seeking qualified volunteers to serve on two separate public committees that provide independent oversight of Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.
Measure M funds critical transportation improvements throughout Orange County while also supporting environmental programs and ensuring strong fiscal accountability. Serving on one of these committees offers residents an opportunity to help safeguard taxpayer dollars and oversee the protection of the county’s natural resources.
Environmental Oversight Committee
OCTA is seeking applicants for one open seat on the Environmental Oversight Committee, which provides oversight and recommendations to the OCTA Board of Directors regarding implementation of Measure M’s Environmental Mitigation Program.
The 12-member EOC plays an important role in overseeing the protection of 1,300 acres of preserved open space and more than 350 acres of restored lands in Orange County, made possible through OCTA’s environmental program, funded through Measure M.
The Environmental Mitigation Program preserves and restores natural habitat to offset the environmental impacts of transportation improvements. The program helps permanently protect open space, restore native habitat and maintain long-term stewardship of conserved lands throughout Orange County.
The EOC reviews mitigation program activities, funding and land management efforts to ensure environmental commitments are fulfilled and taxpayer funds are used as intended. The committee typically meets quarterly and members serve three-year terms.
Committee members are expected to dedicate about 12 hours per year to OCTA meetings and related activities. Interested applicants must submit an application and resume by Friday, March 20. To learn more about the position and apply, visit octa.net/eoc.
Taxpayer Oversight Committee
The Taxpayer Oversight Committee is an 11-member committee that monitors OCTA’s use of Measure M funds. The half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements was renewed in 2006 after first being passed by voters in 1990.
The committee reviews the use of local sales tax funds to ensure that all revenue collected is spent on voter-approved transportation projects. Measure M is a balanced transportation plan expected to generate approximately $13.2 billion through 2041, with 43 percent of net funding dedicated to freeway improvements, 32 percent to local street projects and 25 percent to transit. The plan improves and preserves Orange County’s quality of life by keeping people moving while minimizing environmental impacts.
Recruitment is currently underway through May 3, for openings in the Second and Third Supervisorial Districts, with interviews scheduled for May 11 to 15. Selected members will serve a three-year term from July 2026 through June 2029.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Orange County
- Live in the Supervisorial District they will represent
The Second District consists of Orange, Santa Ana and Tustin, portions of Anaheim and Garden Grove, and the unincorporated community of North Tustin.
The Third District consists of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Villa Park and Yorba Linda; portions of Anaheim, Irvine, Orange and Tustin; the unincorporated communities of Modjeska, Silverado, Trabuco Canyon and Williams Canyon; and a portion of North Tustin.
Taxpayer Oversight Committee members are selected by the Grand Jurors Association of Orange County, which has formed a five-member Taxpayer Oversight Committee Selection Panel to conduct an extensive recruitment process.
After screening and interviewing applicants, the panel recommends qualified candidates for appointment. Applications for the TOC are available at www.octa.net/TOCrecruitment.
Residents interested in serving their community, strengthening public accountability and helping protect Orange County’s environment are encouraged to apply.
