New Leadership for Pacific Surfliner Faces Critical Coastal Challenges

ORANGE, CA – February 24, 2026 – The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, the governing body for the second-busiest intercity passenger rail line in the United States, has ushered in new leadership at a pivotal moment for California's coastal transit. The agency's board unanimously selected Paso Robles Councilmember Fred Strong as its 2026 Chair and Solana Beach Council Member Jewel Edson as Vice Chair. While a standard annual transition, their ascension comes as the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® service confronts existential threats from coastal erosion, aging infrastructure, and an ever-present battle for funding.

Strong and Edson will guide an 11-member board responsible for a 351-mile corridor that serves as an economic and social lifeline for six counties. Their combined experience in local and regional governance will be tested as they navigate these complex challenges.

"I'm honored to serve as chair of the LOSSAN Agency," Strong stated in a press release. "Passenger rail has long played a critical role in connecting communities and supporting economic opportunities. I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members, agency staff, and regional partners to strengthen the Pacific Surfliner service and advance a resilient, reliable rail corridor for the future."

A Blend of Deep Experience and Vocal Advocacy

The new leadership team brings a formidable combination of extensive policy experience and frontline advocacy to the agency. Fred Strong, representing the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), is a veteran of transportation policy with over 35 years in civic leadership. His resume includes board positions at the National Association of Regional Councils, the National League of Cities, and his current role as president of the California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG). His long-standing focus on rail safety and infrastructure investment at the national level positions him as a seasoned navigator of state and federal bureaucracy.

Jewel Edson, meanwhile, brings a reputation for energetic and transparent leadership from the southern end of the corridor. Representing the North County Transit District (NCTD), which she chairs, Edson has been a prominent and often vocal figure in San Diego County politics. As a Solana Beach City Council Member and a board member for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), she has been at the forefront of the region's most contentious transportation debates. Her professional background in the technology sector informs her stated commitment to "creative problem-solving," a skill that will be in high demand.

"I'm excited to step into the role of vice chair and contribute to the collaborative leadership of the LOSSAN Agency," Edson said. "Transparent decision-making, informed planning, and creative problem-solving are essential as we continue improving intercity rail service for the communities we serve along the corridor."

Navigating a Shifting Landscape

The primary challenge looming over the new leadership is the physical vulnerability of the rail corridor itself. The tracks, which run perilously close to the sea for significant stretches, are under constant threat from coastal bluff collapses and rising sea levels, particularly in Orange and San Diego counties. This issue is not abstract for Vice Chair Edson; her city of Solana Beach is a hotspot in the debate over rail realignment. She has been a staunch opponent of certain SANDAG proposals that she argued would have devastating impacts on her community, advocating instead for solutions like beach sand replenishment and more thoughtful coastal protection.

Her new leadership role at LOSSAN places her in a position to influence this debate on a corridor-wide level, balancing the urgent need to protect the railway with the concerns of coastal communities. The decisions made regarding the multi-billion-dollar projects to move sections of the track inland will define the long-term viability of the southern portion of the Pacific Surfliner route.

Beyond the coastline, the entire corridor requires significant investment to maintain a state of good repair and enhance service. Improving on-time performance, increasing operational flexibility, and boosting ridership and revenue are core goals for the agency. Jason Jewell, Managing Director of the LOSSAN Agency, noted that the new leaders' "combined experience, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to regional collaboration will be invaluable" as the agency pursues these goals.

The Battle for Dollars

Underpinning every decision about infrastructure and service is the complex and competitive landscape of transportation funding. Strong and Edson are now the chief advocates for a rail service that must compete for a finite pool of local, state, and federal dollars. Their success will depend heavily on their ability to make a compelling case in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

Fortunately, recent federal infrastructure legislation has created new grant opportunities for intercity passenger rail. However, securing these funds requires sophisticated planning, regional consensus, and often, significant local matching funds. Strong's extensive experience with national policy committees and Edson's leadership at NCTD, an agency actively pursuing a transition to zero-emission fleets and major redevelopment projects, provide them with the necessary background to lead this charge.

Their challenge will be to unify the diverse interests of the 11-member board—which includes representatives from rail owners, operators, and planning agencies from San Diego to San Luis Obispo—into a cohesive front. They must advocate not just for emergency repairs but for a long-term, strategic investment plan that ensures the Pacific Surfliner can grow and adapt for decades to come, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of California's transportation network.