The UC Board of Regents approved a one-time, $1.43 billion request to the state government to fund infrastructure improvements – including 16 projects at UCLA – at its meeting Thursday.

The University’s request, if approved by California lawmakers, would direct money from the 2026-27 state general fund to UC systemwide projects focused on deferred maintenance, earthquake safety improvements and energy efficiency. The board approved the request at its November meeting, which took place Tuesday to Thursday at UCLA.

The UCLA-specific infrastructure projects would receive $267.9 million of the requested funding.

[Related: UC Regents amend, renew progressive tuition increases for new students]

The UCLA projects include Young Hall laboratory renovations, Life Sciences Building improvements and air handling unit replacements in Boelter Hall, Melnitz Hall and Rolfe Hall. Some of these buildings’ fixtures have not been renovated since they were first constructed in the mid-1950s, according to the proposal.

Powell Library will also receive $165.7 million for renovations, according to the proposal. The renovations would focus on seismic improvements and the expansion of study spaces, instructional spaces and student services, according to the proposal.

“This is a very aggressive budget request,” said Regent Michael Cohen, the chair of the board’s finance and capital strategies committee. “It reflects the needs that the University is facing under its current operations.”

The board also approved two changes to the Tuition Stability Plan – which keeps tuition and fees for students flat from the year they matriculate for up to six years of their undergraduate education – on Wednesday. One of the changes allows an additional 1% increase in tuition each year to be allocated by campus leaders.

The University recently filed an emergency request to the state for $130 million to counter budget pressures, including the federal government withholding funding from higher education institutions. While the request was approved, there is uncertainty as to whether it will be paid on time, as the state has allegedly delayed past payments to the UC, said Nathan Brostrom, the chief financial officer of the UC.

UCLA is facing budget pressures amid federal and state funding cuts – including the federal government suspending $584 million from the university in late July, citing antisemitism, affirmative action and “men to participate in women’s sports” as reasoning for the freeze. While a federal district court judge issued two temporary injunctions in a case brought by UC researchers that temporarily restored the grants, the decision will only hold while the case moves through the courts.

Chancellor Julio Frenk announced the creation of the Executive Budget Action Group on Nov. 12 to address budget concerns.

[Related: Julio Frenk announces Executive Budget Action Group to manage UCLA’s monetary concerns]

The board also approved the UC’s estimated 2026-27 budget for current operations. The budget includes $937 million in additional expenditures compared to 2025-26 – which would be spent if the University receives about $703 million in a mix of requested new and deferred state funds. But the UC’s receipt of that money is not guaranteed, and the state faces an estimated $18 billion deficit for 2026-27.

The UC’s total estimated budget for 2025-26 is $56 billion.

The main proposed additional expenditures come from supporting existing systemwide enrollment growth, which makes up $401.5 million of the $937 million. The rising costs of compensation and health and retirement benefits for faculty and staff account for $438.6 million of the proposed expenditures.

The University Professional and Technical Employees-Communications Workers of America 9119 – which represents 18,000 researchers and technical workers – reached a contract with the UC on Nov. 8 after 17 months of bargaining. UPTE-CWA 9119’s tentative agreement includes pay increases of at least 8% in 2025.

[Related: After more than a year, UC reaches contract with UPTE-CWA 9119]

The UC also reached a tentative agreement with the California Nurses Association on Sunday, leading the union to call off its planned Monday and Tuesday strike.

[Related: CNA reaches tentative agreement with UC, calls off Nov. 17 and 18 strike]

The board also approved the University’s 2025-2031 Capital Financial Plan. Capital projects totaling $3.2 billion, which include renovations to aging infrastructure and research facilities, were completed during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Nearly $24 billion in projects are actively being designed or under construction, according to the plan.

The plan includes about $1.74 billion for projects at UCLA. The largest chunk of UCLA’s allocation – $634 million – will go toward housing-related projects.

“The University ended 24-25 with revenue supporting primary activities modestly exceeding expenses, showing continued financial strength despite economic and policy headwinds,” said Barbara Cevallos, the associate vice president and systemwide controller of the UC.