SUN 2026: Monterey, California
August 4-6, 2026
CTAA’s annual Small Urban Network (SUN) Conference allows chief executives and leaders at small-urban transit agencies a chance to gather with their peers to network, share ideas and solutions and shape CTAA policy strategy impacting small urban systems in a collegial, retreat-like setting. Past SUN Conference attendees have noted they enjoy this event in particular due to its focused agenda and because nearly all its participants are their fellow transit managers and executives. Past SUN Conferences were hosted in Athens, Missoula, Manchester, Gulfport, Alexandria, and most recently St Cloud, Minnesota. Hosting in Monterey, California in 2026 continues our trend of bringing this event to small cities, where attendees can experience the examples and ideas of their peers in action.
Agenda features a tour at Monterey-Salinas Transit, sessions and panels featuring innovations for small city transit agencies, a beach bonfire networking event, and more. Scroll down for more info!
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Sponsors
table top exhibitors
SESSIONS
Wednesday, August 5
opening remarks and welcome to monterey
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Speaker: Representatives from Monterey-Salinas Transit and Partners
Get a warm welcome to Monterey, California from the local community transportation system and their partners.
Navigating the Road Ahead: Opening Session & Legislative Update for Small Urban Transit
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Speaker: Scott Bogren, Executive Director, CTAA
Kick off the 12th Annual SUN Conference with an engaging opening session designed specifically for Small Urban Network executives. This session will provide a timely overview of the federal and state legislative landscape, funding priorities, regulatory developments, and policy issues shaping public transportation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into emerging opportunities and challenges affecting small urban systems, while hearing perspectives on advocacy, innovation, and the future of transit. Join colleagues and industry leaders as we set the stage for a productive conference focused on advancing mobility in communities across the country.
Break
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Visit with attendees and exhibitors. Enjoy light refreshments.
Innovation in Action: How Monterey-Salinas Transit is Redefining Mobility
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Speaker: Carl Sedoryk, General Manager / CEO, Monterey-Salinas Transit
Discover how Monterey-Salinas Transit is leveraging innovation to enhance service delivery, improve the customer experience, and address the evolving transportation needs of its communities. This session will highlight creative approaches, emerging technologies, strategic partnerships, and operational advancements that are driving measurable results. Attendees will gain practical insights into how innovative thinking can help transit agencies improve efficiency, expand mobility options, and build a more resilient future for public transportation.
LUNCH Provided
12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Pop UP Perspective: Funding Conundrums and the Deferred Launch of Microtransit
1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Speaker: Oliver Page, Deputy Director, Augusta Transit
Microtransit is often viewed as a promising solution for expanding mobility and improving service flexibility, but turning vision into reality can be challenging when funding, operational, and implementation hurdles arise. In this candid case study, Augusta Transit will share its journey toward launching a microtransit service, the obstacles that led to delays, and the lessons learned along the way. Attendees will gain insight into the financial, planning, procurement, and stakeholder considerations that influenced decision-making, as well as strategies for managing expectations and adapting when projects encounter unforeseen challenges. This session offers valuable perspectives for small urban transit leaders evaluating new service models and navigating the complexities of innovation in a constrained funding environment.
Pop UP Perspective: From Transit to Housing: How Santa Cruz METRO Is Exceeding Affordable Housing Goals
1:20 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.
Speaker: Corey Aldridge, CEO, Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District
In 2022, Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) set an ambitious goal: support the development of 175 new affordable housing units in Santa Cruz and Watsonville by 2033. Today, through two transformative redevelopment projects, METRO is on track to exceed that goal—delivering 205 new affordable homes and surpassing its original commitment by 30 units.
This session will explore how METRO is leveraging transit-owned land, strategic partnerships, and long-term planning to address the region’s housing crisis while advancing equitable, transit-oriented development. Attendees will gain insight into the policy framework, financing strategies, and cross-sector collaboration that made this progress possible—and learn how transit agencies can play a catalytic role in expanding affordable housing in their communities.
Break
1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Visit with attendees and exhibitors. Enjoy light refreshments.
Trailblazers in Transit: Perspectives from Experienced Leaders
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Speakers: Valerie Gibson, Transit Manager, City of Pasadena; Barbara Neal, Transit Director and CEO, CyRide; Dena Boutwell, Deputy General Manager, Via Mobility Services; Moderator, Loreal Lance, Chief of Staff, CTAA
Join tenured professionals from across the transit industry for a candid conversation about leadership, organizational change, mentorship, and the evolving role of public transportation. Their collective experience offers valuable guidance for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Learning to Love the Bi-Directional Route for Small Urban Systems
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Ron Kilcoyne, Senior Manager, TMD
The route networks of many transit systems, particularly small ones, consist of many one way loops that take 30 to 60 minutes to complete. This practice has been employed to maximize coverage with limited resources. However, even if a transit agency values coverage over productivity, are one-way loops really meeting community accessibility needs? This presentation will demonstrate how a transit system transitioned from one-way loops to bidirectional service and the impact it had on riders. This session will present an actual case study, including the productivity and accessibility of the initial network, the steps taken to modify the network, and the impact on existing ridership and the opportunities that were opened up. The presentation will provide insights for other systems that would like to transition from one-way loops to bidirectional service.
Sea-Sun-Shell-ebration and Bonfire
5:30 p.m.
Offsite. Walking distance from Monterey Marriott. Enjoy great conversation and s'mores beachside.
Thursday, August 6
Smarter Procurement: Leveraging AI for Bus Specifications and Purchasing Decisions
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Speaker: Stephen Kuban
Artificial intelligence is transforming how transit agencies plan, procure, and manage capital investments. This session will explore practical applications of AI to support bus procurement, specification development, market research, and decision-making for small urban transit agencies. Attendees will learn how AI tools can help streamline the procurement process, analyze technical requirements, compare vehicle options, identify potential risks, and improve documentation while maintaining compliance with procurement regulations. Through real-world examples and demonstrations, participants will gain actionable strategies for using AI to save time, enhance accuracy, and make more informed purchasing decisions.
One Voice, Many Audiences: Effective Transit Communications Across Local, State, and Federal Levels
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Meredith Bay-Tyack, Director of Marketing & Communications, CTAA; Kristin Faust Paradise, Community Relations Director, rabbittransit
Strong communication is essential to building support for public transportation and advancing policy priorities. This session will explore strategies for effectively communicating transit’s value to local elected officials, state policymakers, federal representatives, community stakeholders, and the public. Attendees will learn how to craft compelling messages, align communications with policy objectives, respond to emerging issues, and strengthen advocacy efforts through consistent and coordinated outreach. Whether seeking funding, advancing legislative priorities, or building public trust, participants will gain practical tools to elevate their agency’s voice and influence at every level of government.
Closing Remarks
11:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
Speakers: Scott Bogren, CTAA Executive Director
Join us for a brief thank you and wrap up of the SUN 2027 Conference. To-Go Snacks will be provided to all attendees. Safe travels home or enjoy the weekend in Monterey!
HOTEL
Monterey Marriott
Room Rate: $299
Cut off Date: July 6, 2026
The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and its members believe that mobility is a basic human right. From work and education to life-sustaining health care and human services programs to shopping and visiting with family and friends, mobility directly impacts quality of life.