Employee Spotlight
20 Years of Service: A Conversation with Sarkes Khachek, Director of Programming
September 19, 2025
Honoring two decades of leadership in transportation funding and regional collaboration
Two decades ago, Sarkes Khachek joined SBCAG with a passion for urban planning and a knack for turning complicated funding puzzles into real improvements. Today, as Director of Programming, he is the quiet force behind billions of dollars in state and federal transportation investments. These are the projects and programs most travelers never think about but rely on every day—from the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor (Santa Barbara to Mussel Shoals) to countywide transit, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and local street upgrades. From the passage of Measure A to securing the final state dollars that will complete the 101 widening, Sarkes’s career reflects a rare blend of persistence, strategy, and community focus.
In this special Q&A, Sarkes reflects on what inspires him, the partnerships that make success possible, and the opportunities ahead.
Reflecting on a Career in Public Service
What first inspired you to pursue a career in transportation—and specifically programming?
“I always enjoyed architecture and urban design as a kid, building with Legos and later experimenting with SimCity. I entered college as an architecture major, but when I started taking urban-planning courses my junior year, I was hooked. Planning sits at the intersection of politics and economics, and I loved that.
My first job was with the San Joaquin Council of Governments in Stockton, where I worked on the regional transportation plan and managed transportation sales-tax programs. Putting the right color of money on the right project quickly became a passion. Our region has many needs, so helping local partners secure funding to deliver critical improvements is incredibly fulfilling—and I’m not shy about chasing every dollar.”
Over two decades you’ve helped secure funding for some of the region’s most significant projects. Is there a milestone that stands out?
“Securing the final state funding for the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor in June 2025 stands out the most. Delivering on the promise to voters when they approved Measure A took a tremendous team effort. Thanks to many people—past and present—we did it together. With that corridor now fully funded, we can focus on the remaining Measure A regional projects and new opportunities for North County.”
Your work often happens behind the scenes. What might people not realize about the complexity of transportation funding?
“In California, state funding programs are very transparent and collaborative. The California Transportation Commission’s guidelines and public meetings make early input critical. Serving as SBCAG’s liaison to the Commission has helped us build strong relationships and stay competitive. Partnerships matter—a lot.”
Programming with Purpose
You oversee Measure A and other funding programs such as Senate Bill 1. What have you learned about balancing long-term local needs with constantly changing state and federal requirements?
“We need to ensure our local priorities are adaptable enough to meet state and federal requirements. Many projects have scopes shaped by local input and extensive planning, but keeping those scopes flexible is key to staying competitive for funding. Measure A has been critical—it allows us to get projects ready for construction and to serve as a local match to leverage state and federal dollars. We can show decision-makers that we have skin in the game.”
SBCAG is often at the table with agencies like the California Transportation Commission and the Self-Help Counties Coalition. How has representing Santa Barbara County in those forums shaped your perspective?
“Representing Santa Barbara County in these forums has been very rewarding. Thanks to Marjie Kirn’s leadership and support, we’ve established our region as an important player at the state level. Even though our county represents only 1% of California’s population, we’ve become an effective collaborator and leader on many policy matters—often earning support from our peer counties. I’ve learned that our voice matters, and we should never be shy about advocating strategically for our needs and priorities.”
Working with the Central Coast Coalition, what has made the coalition an effective voice for the region?
“We started the Central Coast Coalition in 2010 to serve as one voice for the Central Coast. We’ve been effective because we share common geography and demographics, but most importantly because of our strong partnerships. The coalition supports one another on funding priorities and policy discussions. Having that consensus raised our profile with state partners and ensured our voice is heard at the state and federal levels. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
How do you approach leading a team that must constantly track funding opportunities, deadlines, and evolving transportation priorities?
“I take a methodical approach and emphasize collaboration with my team. Preparation, constant communication, and strategic planning are essential. We meet daily to track near- and long-term funding opportunities and deadlines. Some opportunities may not fit today, but staying aware ensures we’re ready when the right one comes along.
We also take pride in supporting the eight cities, County of Santa Barbara, transit agencies tribal partners and other stakeholders whenever a federal or state funding opportunity arises. Helping our local partners pursue their priority projects allows us to share information quickly and meet needs that strengthen the entire regional transportation system and the people who depend on it.”
Looking to the Future
Transportation funding and policy are always evolving. What shifts have you seen in recent years that you believe will shape the future of our region?
“A lot of funding for transportation projects comes from the gas tax, which has been impacted by improved fuel efficiency and the rise of electric vehicles. Reduced revenues are a big issue for the state, and finding a solution to replace the gas tax needs to happen soon. Otherwise, our ability to fund projects on the state and local level will be severely compromised. This is another area where SBCAG and the Central Coast Coalition can effectively advocate for new policies and strategic initiatives.”
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the opportunities for Santa Barbara County’s regional transportation network?
“I’m very excited about our planning and preparation for the renewal of Measure A. We will have the opportunity to review the outcomes of the current measure and start developing new priorities to improve quality of life for residents. Our region will be able to determine if there are new programs we should consider ensuring Santa Barbara County succeeds. We need to be adaptable to changing community needs and prepare for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and micromobility services.”
How do you hope your work in programming and funding will continue to benefit the agency in the years to come?
“I hope we can continue delivering on promises to voters and addressing the needs of our community through strategic planning. Supporting our Board and collaborating with local partners will lead to continued success. Transportation has a multiplier effect—helping people travel effectively leads to job creation and economic vitality.”
A Personal Note
What do you enjoy most about leading the Programming Division team?
“There are two things I enjoy most. First, seeing the professional growth of each individual on my team. I’m fortunate to have a top-notch group contributing to the success of our agency and region. Second, I enjoy collaborating with partners and stakeholders. I see SBCAG’s role as both a leader on state and federal policy and a supporter who helps solve problems and identify funding to deliver regional and local priorities. The ultimate goal is to help people move in an effective and safe manner.”
After two decades in transportation programming, how has your work shaped the way you see Santa Barbara County when you travel its roads and communities?
“Funding is one of the most important pieces of the transportation puzzle. Helping our region secure funding to deliver projects allows us to do more. Mobility is critical—whether we’re helping people without cars have safe, reliable transportation options to access jobs, healthcare, and education, or helping families get to baseball or soccer games. Transportation touches our lives constantly, and securing funding for every aspect of it improves quality of life and economic development.”
Looking back, is there a piece of advice or mentorship you received early in your career that has stayed with you?
“Always respect your partners and have a solutions-oriented mindset. Understanding colleagues’ and stakeholders’ needs allows for productive collaboration. We may not always agree, but finding consensus and providing solutions goes a long way. This advice has shaped how I approach challenges and opportunities today.”
Behind the Scenes
Over 20 years, there must be memorable moments—can you share a story from your time at SBCAG that stands out?
“There are many moments, but the passage of Measure A in 2008, with support of 79 percent of voters, stands out most. Tracking the votes on election night was nerve-racking, but knowing our voters had that much confidence in our agency to carry out the promises meant a lot. Delivering on those promises 17 years later is very fulfilling.”
What’s one thing people might not know about you that has influenced your professional journey?
“I am a very motivated and resilient person, shaped by how my mother raised me. She was an immigrant and a single mother—widowed before I was born—which was a difficult time for her. She overcame many challenges and made sacrifices to ensure I had opportunities she did not. She always told me to work hard and stand up for myself. I wouldn’t be who I am without her.
My wife and children have also been a constant source of support, both personally and professionally. My children’s enthusiasm for the projects I work on inspires me to focus on the future and the continued development of Santa Barbara County. I’m very lucky to have them in my life.”
