Consultants and local agency representatives presented the 2014 California Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment, which reports a decline in the statewide average pavement condition index and identifies a substantial funding gap for local pavements, bridges and related operational needs.

The presentation noted that local streets and roads account for about 80% of the state's road mileage. The statewide average pavement condition index declined from about 68 in 2008 to about 66 in 2014, and 54 counties are classified as either at‑risk or in poor condition. The consultants projected that, absent additional funding, nearly a quarter of the local street network could be in failed condition within 10 years.

The assessment also reports that cities and counties own roughly half of California's bridges (more than 15,000 local bridges) and that more than half of those bridges are over 50 years old—exceeding typical 50‑year design lives and indicating substantial rehabilitation or replacement needs.

On the funding side, the report estimated total needs across pavements, bridges and operations at about $108 billion and identified current annual available funding of approximately $29.7 billion, yielding a projected annual shortfall of about $7.8 billion. The presentation reviewed revenue sources and the heavy reliance on gas tax revenue, noting that declines in gas tax purchasing power due to reduced gas consumption will have major ramifications for local agencies.

The report mapped shortfalls by legislative district and noted that rural districts show larger pavement shortfalls per district while populous metropolitan areas show smaller shortfalls in the map due in part to population base. The consultants also modeled potential revenue scenarios (restoring gas tax to 1994 levels, indexing, or a 10¢/gallon increase) and estimated that operational efficiencies and new technologies could stretch existing dollars by roughly $900 million annually.

Commissioners and attendees praised the visual exhibits and urged wider briefing of legislative members; speakers emphasized that local agencies and stakeholders should use the materials to make the case for sustainable revenue sources. Public commenters asked that repaving and restriping projects be used to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, tying roads maintenance to active transportation and public health goals.

The item was informational; no commission vote was required.