Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA)
Lansing City Council At-Large Member
2022–2025
Institutional Context
The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is the public transit authority for the Greater Lansing region, providing fixed-route, paratransit, and related mobility services through a regional membership structure that includes the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing and the Townships of Delhi, Lansing, and Meridian. CATA participates in federally funded transit programs administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and receives state operating and capital support through the Michigan Department of Transportation.
CATA is a regional public enterprise managing approximately $116 million in assets, generating $72 million in annual operating revenue, and employing more than 400 staff to deliver transit services across multiple jurisdictions.
Role & Governance Mandate
As a Lansing City Council At-Large Member, Brown exercised governance oversight through Council confirmation of CATA Board of Directors appointments, review and approval of transit-related funding commitments advanced through public resolutions, and evaluation of major mobility policy and service initiatives affecting Lansing residents and the broader region.
Key Decisions & Outcomes
Regional Transit Funding Continuity
Supported the Council governance actions required to place CATA’s operating millage renewal before voters, a decision that preserved dedicated local funding essential to sustaining regional transit operations and long-term service reliability.
Zero-Emission Fleet Transition Oversight
Participated in governance oversight and public accountability processes supporting CATA’s net-zero transition, including early procurement actions for the agency’s first full-size battery-electric buses.
System Modernization & Rider Access
Supported intergovernmental coordination and policy actions during a period of measurable system modernization, including the introduction of microtransit services and upgraded fare and payment technologies.