Board Chambers Meetings

Planning Commission - 9/28/26

Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting focusing on significant housing and zoning code reforms aimed at addressing the region's housing affordability crisis. The session begins with standard meeting procedures, including a roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and public comment guidelines. The commission then reviews two major policy proposals: the Tiny Homes Ordinance and the Housing and Infill Zoning Code amendments. The Tiny Homes Ordinance establishes comprehensive use, development, and design standards to permit tiny homes on and off wheels as permanent residences in designated residential and agricultural zones. Finally, the infill zoning amendments propose streamlining development by allowing multifamily and neighborhood-scaled multi-unit housing by right, modifying parking requirements, and introducing a corridor combining zone to revitalize commercial areas with flexible housing options.

AQMD Special Meeting - 9/28/26

A special session of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, held on September 28, 2026. The meeting begins with routine procedures, including roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, before transitioning to public comment guidelines and broadcast information. The core debate centers around Item 5.5, a contentious advance contract approval that bypasses the standard competitive bidding timeline. Despite concerns from a board member regarding the unorthodox process, officials explain that the early vote is necessary to ensure program continuity and allow adequate transition time given the board's upcoming winter recess. Ultimately, the council passes the consent calendar items alongside the disputed contract through separate voice votes, concluding with a call for general comments and adjourning the meeting at 1:37.

AQMD - 9/24/26

A public hearing of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, where officials convened to discuss ongoing regional clean air initiatives. The primary focus of the session was a comprehensive Clean Cars for All program update presented by staff, detailing how financial grants assist lower-income residents in trading in older, high-polluting vehicles for zero-emission alternatives, plug-in hybrids, or public transit options. Discussions highlighted the program's significant environmental milestones alongside notable logistical hurdles, such as fluctuating state funding and evolving vehicle eligibility rules designed to prioritize the most disadvantaged communities. Furthermore, board members engaged in dialogue regarding community outreach strategies, emphasizing the necessity of collaborating with trusted local non-profit partners to effectively educate the public and promote sustainable transportation.

SASD - 9/23/26

Meeting held by the Sacramento Area Sewer District board, capturing the proceedings of their legislative session. The text illustrates the governance process by documenting routine administrative actions, such as establishing a quorum, leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and approving consent matters. Furthermore, the meeting highlights critical operational and financial discussions, including labor agreements, ongoing capital projects, and the presentation of a long-term financial plan by the director of finance. Ultimately, the purpose of the document is to provide a complete, transparent record of how district leadership reviews risks, manages public funds, and oversees infrastructure investments to ensure financial stability and regulatory compliance.

Board of Supervisors - 9/22/26

Sacramento Board of Supervisors meeting held on September 22, 2026, beginning with official roll calls and land acknowledgments. The session features an update from Animal Care services, highlighting the adoption of a dog named Thumbelina and seeking a home for a senior Great Dane named Harry. Furthermore, the Board discusses a $40,000 grant for an emergency animal shelter tent equipped with climate control to assist during disasters. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to formal resolutions, specifically designating September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month. Personal testimony regarding the loss of a child to leukemia humanizes the cancer resolution, while mental health experts emphasize the importance of the 988 crisis line. The proceedings conclude with administrative actions, such as removing an agenda item regarding a Sheriff’s Office vehicle purchase.

SAFCA - 9/17/26

The September 17, 2026 meeting of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) Board of Directors. The session covers administrative actions, including roll calls, a closed legal session, and the approval of consent items related to regional litigation and operations. A significant portion of the meeting focuses on an Executive Director's report providing status updates on major infrastructure projects such as the Natomas Basin, American River Common Features, and Folsom Dam raises. Additionally, officials discuss a comprehensive study of the Yolo Bypass, detailing a selected plan for levee setbacks and habitat restoration designed to improve regional flood risk management. The meeting concludes with public testimony regarding the manual removal of invasive plant species threatening local salmon corridors and waterway health.

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Board of Supervisors - 9/15/26

At its September 15, 2026, meeting, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors postponed the 2026 Fireworks After Action Review for a future full board discussion and highlighted community animal welfare initiatives, including a free pet vaccination event. The Board passed ceremonial resolutions recognizing National Service Dog Month, honoring Joanne Brausch for raising $425,000 to rebuild Folsom's Castle Park, proclaiming National Food Safety Month with awards to top local food establishments, and celebrating Recovery Month 2026 featuring personal testimony from a California Senior Legislature member. Following public comments concerning unlicensed street food vendors in the Delta, the Board approved the consent calendar, received a clean draft financial audit report for the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, approved an updated multi-year parking rate structure for Sacramento International Airport tied to the opening of Parking Garage 2, and authorized its official response to a Grand Jury report regarding Child Protective Services and Welcome Homes, before adjourning in memory of Elk Grove educator Arne Zimalman.

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Planning Commission - 9/14/26

The Sacramento County Planning Commission met on Monday, September 14, 2026. Roll call was taken with Members Munoz, Rockenstein, Virga, and Chair Borja present, establishing a quorum. Item 1: Aspen Six Use Permit Amendment (PLNP 2025-00262) The main business item was a request for a use permit amendment for the 752-acre Aspen Six surface mining site, located on the north side of Jackson Road, approximately 2,000 feet east of Bradshaw Road, within the Vineyard and Rancho Cordova communities. • Project History & Request: Mining has occurred on the property since early 1999 and is now complete. A 2017 permit amendment previously authorized three additional years of mining and eight years of reclamation wor. The applicant requested a four-year time extension to complete all remaining site reclamation work, replacing entitlement Condition No. 69 to set a final completion deadline of December 31, 2030. The amendment strictly prohibits any additional mining on the site. • Reclamation Plan & Environmental Review: The site will be returned to agricultural use, consistent with the approved reclamation plan. The project is Categorically Exempt under CEQA guidelines (Class 1, Section 15301) because it involves solely a time extension with no new buildings or mining proposed. Both the Vineyard CPAC (July 9) and the Cordova CPAC (July 16) recommended approval. • Commission Action: No public comments were received. Commissioners disclosed brief ex parte contacts where the applicant reached out prior to the meeting to offer clarification. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the amendment to the Board of Supervisors. Administrative & Upcoming Meetings • Reports: The Planning Director and Clerk's office had no items to report. • Next Meeting: The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2026. • Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m.

Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) - 9/10/26

The Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) held its board meeting on September 10, 2026, with Chair Raithel presiding. Public Comment & Consent Calendar Public Comment: Joshua Arce, Executive Director of the California Alliance for Jobs, introduced his labor and business coalition representing construction unions and industry employers, expressing a commitment to partner on regional infrastructure projects. Consent Calendar: The board approved the consent calendar unanimously without discussion. Key Agenda Items Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Feasibility Study (Item 5) Project Scope & Funding: The board approved a contract to execute a $200,000 Measure A Smart Growth allocation paired with a $500,000 Caltrans grant to study a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) option for the 11.2-mile Green Line corridor from Downtown Sacramento to the Sacramento International Airport. Right-of-Way Protection: Kevin Schroeder, Senior Planner at SacRT, explained that 7.5 miles (67%) of the corridor consist of Irrevocable Offers of Dedication (IODs) that begin expiring in 2029. Transitioning the corridor to BRT provides a faster, lower-cost transit solution while preserving the right-of-way without precluding future light rail conversion. Board Feedback: Board members voiced support for the balanced approach. Director Talamantes emphasized protecting the right-of-way and advancing the Truxel Bridge as key priorities, while Director Kennedy noted that BRT provides a more flexible, cost-effective alternative to fixed rail. Action: The motion passed unanimously. SB1 Local Partnership Program Grant Nomination (Item 6) Project Nomination: Derek Minnema presented on behalf of the South East Connector JPA for the Grant Line Road Safety Improvement Project, seeking nomination for up to $25 million in competitive state SB1 construction funds. Safety & Infrastructure Upgrades: The project will completely reconstruct an outdated, unlit 2-lane farm road into a modern 2-lane facility featuring a center median, clear recovery zones, and a Class 1 bike path. Director Pulpati shared a personal account of surviving a rollover crash on Grant Line Road to emphasize the urgent safety need. Matching Funds & Status: The application is backed by a $25 million federal grant match, $4.9 million in Measure A funds, and $1–2 million in mitigation funds. The project is at 90% design with active right-of-way acquisitions underway. Action: The motion to nominate the project passed unanimously. Measure A Transportation Awards Program (Item 7) Program Structure: Director Bewsey presented a proposed 5-category annual awards program to highlight Measure A projects, regional partnerships, and transportation leadership. Oversight: Sitting STA board members will be ineligible for individual awards. Award recommendations will be made by the Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee (ITOC) in conjunction with the annual audit in November. The board concurred with the proposal. Executive Director’s Report & Member Comments Grant Rankings: STA's U.S. 50 Multi-Modal Corridor Connections project achieved the #1 ranking for SACOG's Solutions for Congested Corridors program, and STA was named the #1 priority for the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program. Federal grant applications were also submitted for Twin Cities Road and Stockton Boulevard BRT. Community Engagement: Staff completed four community listening sessions on transportation priorities over the summer. CARTA Update: Director Talamantes reported on upcoming managed lanes on Yolo 80 launching in late 2026. Subcommittee: The Chair opened nominations for the Transportation Funding Subcommittee to begin planning toward 2028. Closed Session The board convened in closed session and reconvened with no reportable action before adjourning.

Board of Supervisors - 9/8/26

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors met on September 8, 2026, for its public hearing and final adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026–27 Revised Recommended Budget. Fiscal Year 2026–27 Budget Overview Total Budget & Spending: The revised budget totals $9.2 billion in total appropriations ($230 million higher than the June approved budget), representing $7 billion in net spending across all funds after accounting for $2.2 billion in internal transfers. General Fund & Discretionary Resources: General Fund spending is approximately $4 billion, of which $1 billion represents discretionary resources. The county identified $44 million in additional net General Fund resources since June . Structural Deficit: Despite additional short-term resources, the county remains in an ongoing structural deficit, with discretionary spending ($1.011 billion) outpacing ongoing discretionary revenues ($970 million). Contingency & Reserves: Non-dedicated reserves stand at $210 million (roughly 5% of General Fund revenues against a 17% policy target). The budget maintains a $16 million General Fund contingency.

Sacramento LAFCo - 9/2/26

LAFCo Independence Transition Plan (Item 8) The Commission voted 6-0 to approve a high-level transition plan to separate LAFCo from Sacramento County operations and establish it as an independent agency. Employment & Benefits Model: The approved model directs LAFCo to hire its own staff and establish independent classification, compensation, and labor policies. For retirement, the Commission recommended remaining with the Sacramento County Employee Retirement System (SCERS), as transferring to CalPERS would require an expensive evaluation report to calculate unfunded liabilities and transition costs. Because the county health benefits pool was unavailable, the Commission selected CalPERS for healthcare, as it was lower cost and offered the greatest plan variety. Financial Structure: The Commission approved building an independent financial and accounting system. While there are upfront costs, this system will provide more detailed and transparent budget reporting. Phased Implementation: The transition is divided into two phases. Phase One establishes accounts payable as a system test bed, while Phase Two transitions LAFCo into becoming its own employer. Establishing a retirement plan for "classic" or legacy employees hired before the Public Employment Reform Act of 2012 may require state legislation, which extends the overall runway. Opening an Independent Bank Account (Item 9) The Commission voted 6-0 to authorize opening an independent bank account for accounts payable under Phase One. Opening the account will not trigger immediate fund transfers or check-writing. LAFCo already holds a federal Employer ID Number, but they are negotiating with a reputable accounting firm experienced with other LAFCos to establish their system and secure a state ID number. CALAFCO Board Nominations (Item 10) The item was dismissed as nominations can also be made from the floor over the next two months if anything changes. Executive Officer's Report SDRMA Claim-Free Award: LAFCo received an award from the Special District Risk Management Association (SDRMA) for submitting zero insurance claims. World Headquarters Relocation: The agency successfully completed its office relocation to 1000 G Street on September 1st, remaining operational despite minor tech glitches. Staff Recognition: Policy Analyst Grabow saved the agency approximately $1,000 in disposal fees by selling surplus property on Facebook Marketplace. She also unpacked 30 to 40 totes of office supplies in a single day, ensuring the office is stocked with paper and paperclips. Astro Sheet Updates: The project tracking Astro Sheet was significantly pared down to show only active or immediate horizon projects to avoid speculation. A consultant will be brought in next month to help manage ongoing projects. Commissioner Comments (Item 12) Metro Fire Municipal Service Review (MSR): Commissioner Jones, a Metro Fire Director, clarified that Metro Fire is not in a $140 million deficit, as capital improvements are fully funded by voter-approved Measure O funds. Jones also noted that reported response times appear slow because they encompass the entire window from the initial call and dispatch (which can involve multiple agencies) rather than just the station alert to turnout time, and they aggregate both Code 2 and Code 3 responses. Groundwater & Meeting Request: Commissioner Wichert requested a meeting with Mr. Enriquez to discuss groundwater levels, which he felt should have been evaluated by the consultant during the comment period. Adjournment (Item 13) The Commission adjourned to a closed session regarding existing litigation at 5:56 PM.

Cable Commission - 9/3/26

The Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission met on September 3, 2026. With a quorum established, the Commission navigated a productive agenda focused on administrative appointments, conflict of interest updates, the adoption of the final fiscal year budget, and strategic consulting services. Executive Appointment and Compensation New Executive Director: In closed session, the Commission unanimously voted to appoint Kristyn Riggs as Executive Director. Compensation Adjustment: The Commission subsequently approved a temporary salary adjustment for Riggs while she serves in an interim capacity, set at an amount equal to 70% of the salary change maximum for the position on a monthly basis . Administrative and Consent Calendar Approvals Consent Calendar: Items 4 and 5 were approved unanimously. This included filing the GASB 75 report on other post-employment benefits (OPEB) accrual valuations ending June 30, 2024, and the engagement letter for the Commission's financial audits from fiscal years 2022 through 2024. Conflict of Interest Code (Item 6): The Commission approved amendments to the conflict code, which will be submitted to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors by October 1st. Notable updates include adding a board alternate for County District 5 (formerly held by Don Nottoli) and an alternate for the City of Sacramento, removing duplicate legal counsel titles, and removing position numbers to clean up the document. FY 2026-27 General and PEG Fee Fund Budgets (Item 7) The Commission approved its final $13.3 million General Fund budget against a backdrop of steadily declining cable franchise revenues, which are projected at $6.4 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Member Agency Revenue Distributions: Following recommendations from the Budget Ad-Hoc Committee and agency CFOs, the budget includes $8.2 million in total per-capital distributions to help member jurisdictions fund local safety, parks, and libraries. This includes a retroactive FY 25-26 distribution of $4.7 million and a budgeted FY 26-27 distribution of $3.5 million (releasing in August 2027 pending final actuals). Channel Licensee Reductions: To balance the declining revenue, channel licensees (grantees) accepted a 25% reduction from their FY 25-26 funding levels, receiving a combined $1.2 million. Final General Fund allocations approved are: Access Sacramento: $576,000 Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SECC): $357,000 PBS KVIE: $228,000 Sacramento Life TV: $47,869 OPEB Adjustment: The budget pre-funding line for retiree health benefits was zeroed out (from $250,000) because previous leadership heavily pre-funded the trust, leaving a highly manageable current liability of $218,000. PEG Fee Fund Budget: Left untouched from the preliminary budget, this fund contains $1.4 million in reserves with a projected $2 million in revenue. The Commission approved $690,000 in PEG capital projects for licensees (including facility leases and equipment upgrades). Sacramento Life TV remains ineligible for PEG funding due to religious content restrictions. Public and Agency Support: Finance directors from Citrus Heights, Galt, and the City of Sacramento, along with a representative from Folsom, spoke in strong support of the balanced, regional "shared pain" approach of the budget. Strategic Support Services (Item 9) The Commission authorized the Executive Director to execute an agreement for strategic support services to hire a consultant . Scope: The consultant will assist the newly formed Strategic Ad Hoc Committee in reviewing the Commission’s long-term operational model, revenue-sharing methodologies, governance structure, and financial sustainability. Licensee Engagement: At the Board's direction, the consultant must coordinate substantive, direct outreach sessions with channel licensees to address their sustainability concerns. Funding Cap: Following debate from the commissioners, the motion was amended to place a "not to exceed $100,000" spending cap under the Director's discretion. The item passed with Member Sandhu abstaining. Channel Licensee Activity Reports (Item 10) The regional station managers provided updates on recent highlights and programs: KVIE: Featured its local black-and-white documentary Unhoused Neighbors and celebrated earning 16 awards (including 6 first-place honors) at the CNPA Journalism Awards for its newsroom, Abridged. Access Sacramento: Highlighted a new partnership with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to support local non-profits with media services, a new Afghan-focused news program hosted by expat journalist Jamal Faramand, and "A Place Called Sacramento" Film Festival premiering at the Crest Theater. SECC: Shared a video celebrating over 40 years of local educational broadcasting, highlighting training workshops that help hundreds of local teachers and thousands of students find their voice in media. Sacramento Life TV: Discussed its "Powerhouse Podcasts" (60 episodes to date), "Community Spotlight" documentaries, and its highly successful Capital Cold Case series in partnership with local law enforcement (27,000 views). The station soft-launched its sacramentolife.tv streaming network on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon TV. General Manager Herman noted that while the station is stretching its small $47,869 allocation, they will actively advocate for funding parity in 2027. Executive Director Administrative Update Riggs recognized her production staff for stepping up during the leadership transition. Key upcoming items include remote broadcasting for a Sacramento Sewer District meeting in October using a new flight pack and organizing election forums with the League of Women Voters. The next Cable Commission meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2026.

Board of Supervisors - 8/25/26

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Roll call was taken with Chair Rodriguez and Supervisors Kennedy and Desmond present; Vice-Chair Hume was absent, and Supervisor Serna arrived late, participating after the morning recess. Key Meeting Highlights Adoptable Pet & Shelter Support (Item 1): The meeting opened with the introduction of "Freddy," a shelter dog participating in the "Barks and Recreation" ADA check-out program. To help fund rising animal medical expenses (representing the shelter's second-highest cost), the shelter’s non-profit partner launched the "Guardian Circle" donation program, having already contributed over $100,000 toward surgical and treatment needs. Design Review Program Modernization (Item 40): The Board unanimously approved (4-0) administrative zoning amendments to streamline the Countywide Design Review Program. The update narrows the program's scope by eliminating the staff-level "individual" tier and expanding exemptions so that smaller projects like monument signs, like-for-like sign replacements, and minor facade improvements no longer require a design review. It also restructures the Design Review Advisory Committee (DRAC) to eliminate duplicate meetings. Carli Mine Expansion (Item 41): The Board approved a reclamation plan and use permit amendment to add 11 acres of mining area to the Carli Mine site on Eagles Nest Road . Reclaimed land will be returned to open space and grazing, and the applicant will enter Vulcan Materials' cents-per-ton program to fund Vineyard open space and connectivity projects through the Sacramento Valley Conservancy . Florin Road Alcohol License Denial (Item 42): The Board held a contested hearing and voted 3-1 to deny a Type 21 ABC license (off-sale beer, wine, and spirits) for a South Asian specialty grocery market proposed at 8517 Florin Road . Despite the owner's pledge to clean up a blighted lot and accept strict, self-imposed licensing conditions, Supervisors Serna and Kennedy moved to deny the request. They cited severe alcohol license overconcentration in the census tract and the market's close proximity to sensitive areas, including a nearby Safe Stay homeless shelter. Chair Rodriguez dissented. Homeless Service Programs & Audit Debate (Item 43): Homeless Services Director Emily Halcon and Finance Director Chad Rinde presented an extensive report on the county's $56 million homeless service program. System Metrics: The county served over 6,600 unique people last fiscal year, achieving a 43% permanent housing exit rate (exceeding its community target of 42%). System-wide shelter utilization exceeded 90% but faced length-of-stay bottlenecks due to background check processing delays and a tight rental market. Fiscal Auditing: Finance staff completed four comprehensive fiscal audits of non-profit partners in the last 12 months, uncovering common contract issues like late federal single audits, weak subcontractor monitoring, and invoices exceeding accounting records . Debate over a Forensic Audit: Chair Rodriguez advocated for pursuing a massive, countywide "forensic audit" similar to one conducted in King County, Washington, to review all local funding, data, and governance. Supervisors Kennedy and Desmond strongly resisted, arguing that a massive consulting contract would cost an estimated $800,000, cause "data paralysis," and siphon scarce funding away from direct housing and shelter doors . Administrative & Executive Comments (Item 44): The meeting concluded with announcements highlighting that the county's Veteran Services Office relocated to Rancho Cordova (having recouped $11.5 million in retroactive pay for veterans in 2025) . Supervisor Desmond also requested an after-action summary on successful Fourth of July illegal fireworks enforcement in Antelope and Orangevale . The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 PM .

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SAFCA - 8/20/26

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) Board of Directors met on August 20, 2026. The meeting covered public comments, construction updates on major flood protection projects, and the approval of the annual assessment roll. Public Comment Vicky Updike, a District 1 resident and volunteer with the Riverside Waterway Alliance, spoke during off-agenda public comments. She voiced concerns regarding a growing encampment on the North Sacramento levee near Rio Linda Boulevard and the Hanson Ranch Academy. Additionally, Updike highlighted the spread of invasive species in the creek—including water hyacinth, red-eared slider turtles, and Sesbania trees—and requested continued agency support to protect the local habitat. Consent Calendar and Agenda Changes The Board unanimously approved Consent Items 1 through 7 without discussion. At the end of the meeting, the Board voted to drop Item 10 from the agenda. All remaining items were received and filed. Executive Director’s Report Executive Director Jason Campbell provided an extensive slide presentation outlining the agency's current projects and challenges: Federal Funding & Budget: A planned $108 million federal appropriation for Natomas Basin sections F and G is currently "hung up" due to a congressional continuing resolution. Because Congress did not approve Natomas Basin appropriations for FY 2026, a prolonged continuing resolution could impact the upcoming 2027 construction season. Natomas Basin & Reach A: Slurry wall construction is actively progressing, and utility relocations with PG&E, AT&T, and the City are on schedule. Additionally, the Corps of Engineers is advancing on bids for Pumping Plant 5. American River Common Features & Sacramento Weir: Heavy equipment access has been successfully routed through Glen Hall Park, and park restoration is underway. At the Sacramento Weir, Granite Construction has removed the north abutment and installed 173 new piles. Work is also proceeding on the weir's adjacent fish passage structure. Folsom Dam Raise: Most dikes are complete, and work is active on the main and wing dams. The Board approved extending a vital security contract with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office to keep the project secure and moving forward. Tainter Gates & Hydraulic Rams: Modifications to the dam's Tainter gates to install top seals will continue over the next few years. Additionally, the Corps is replacing hydraulic ram rods on the gates because the original surface treatment did not meet specifications. Garden Highway Inquiry: Director Kaplan asked for an update on the re-opening schedule of Garden Highway through Reach 8. Campbell noted he did not have the exact timeline on hand but promised to email the details to the Board. Closed Session The Board convened a closed session during the meeting. Upon reconvening with a full 13-member quorum, the Board announced there was nothing to report out from the closed session. Assessment District No. 1 Rate Hearing The Board held an annual public hearing and approved the supplemental assessment roll for SAFCA's Operation and Maintenance Assessment District No. 1. The assessment rate remains unchanged from prior years and covers approximately 325,000 parcels. The next SAFCA Board meeting is scheduled for September 2026.

Planning Commission - 8/10/26

The Planning Commission held a workshop on a major housing streamlining package and moved to align the county's ADU rules with state mandates. Housing and Infill Workshop: Staff presented proposed amendments to the zoning code aimed at meeting the state-mandated target of 2,700 housing units per year. Multifamily and Neighborhood Scale: The plan proposes allowing triplexes and fourplexes by right in the RT-7 zone to encourage "missing middle" housing. The Parking Debate: A proposal to reduce minimum parking requirements to one space per unit sparked debate. Commissioners expressed concern that current suburban developments already suffer from excessive street parking, while housing advocates argued that high parking requirements are an "inefficient use of land". CPAC Appeal Fees: A controversial proposal to charge Community Planning Advisory Councils (CPACs) a $4,000 fee to appeal residential projects was met with resistance. Commissioners argued this could create a financial barrier to community engagement, though developers argued it would hold CPACs accountable for "unreasonable" appeals. Commercial Corridors: An overlay was proposed for eight corridors (including Florin Road West and Stockton Boulevard) to prohibit auto-centric uses like RV storage and car washes in favor of walkable, mixed-use residential developments. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance Repeal: The Commission recommended the Board of Supervisors repeal the county’s local ADU ordinance. Because state laws regarding ADUs change annually, the county has struggled to keep its local code compliant. By repealing the ordinance, the county will now defer directly to state law provisions, utilizing a "Zoning Code User Guide" for administrative updates. Agricultural Accessory Dwellings (AARDs): To protect residents in agricultural and recreational zones where state ADU law may not apply, the county proposed a local allowance for up to two detached "AARDs" per lot. Upcoming Agenda: The Director reported that the August 24 meeting will include a controversial appeal regarding a proposed "kill floor" slaughterhouse project in Rio Linda.

Board of Supervisors - 8/11/26

The meeting was attended by Chair Rodriguez and Supervisors Serna, Desmond, and Kennedy; Vice-Chair Hume was absent for the morning session and a portion of the afternoon. Key Policy Debates and Actions: Civil Service Commission Oversight: The most contentious item involved a proposed ordinance to move the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) administrative support staff under the Department of Personnel Services (DPS). DPS leadership argued the move is necessary to fix a "broken" system where updating job descriptions takes months or years. However, the CSC Executive Officer and several union representatives strongly opposed the change, arguing it strips the commission of its independence and creates a conflict of interest. Chair Rodriguez also expressed deep concern over the "treatment of our commissioners" and a perceived lack of transparency. Despite these objections, the Board approved the staff transition in a 3-1 vote, with a requirement to review the model's effectiveness in two years . Behavioral Health and "CARE Court": Behavioral Health Director Ryan Quist reported that Sacramento County is "above average" in CARE Court implementation, with 216 petitions filed to date. The Board discussed the "throughput" of the mental health system, noting that while there is no shortage of acute psychiatric beds, there remains a critical shortage of subacute "step-down" beds for patients stabilizing after hospitalization. Child Protective Systems (CPS): The CPS Oversight Committee reported that while child welfare reporting rates are increasing, substantiation rates are decreasing. A major highlight was the "eSCAR" (electronic Suspected Child Abuse Report) dashboard, which allows law enforcement and CPS to track histories of reported abuse at the "click of a finger". Zoning and Code Enforcement: The Board approved an extensive update to the 2023 Zoning Code, featuring 134 amendments designed to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for small businesses like music schools and tutoring centers. Additionally, Code Enforcement presented a plan to address vacant and dangerous buildings, which includes a potential new "Vacant Property Registry" to hold negligent owners accountable. Insurance Renewals: The Board approved the 2027 group insurance renewals after Kaiser Permanente agreed to withdraw a controversial "active enrollment" requirement that had sparked concerns from competitors like Sutter Health regarding unfair advantages. Public Comment Highlights: Fair Oaks Residents: Multiple speakers from the Fair Oaks Village community urged the Board to investigate a Fair Oaks Water District maintenance yard, which they claimed was built in violation of the local Special Planning Area (SPA) guidelines. "We the People": A group of residents provided a formal "notice" to the Board regarding their status as "servants of the people" and their adherence to the Constitution.

First 5 - 8/10/26

The meeting focused on long-term fiscal stability, community leadership, and specialized services for young children. Fiscal Management and Budget: Budget Approval: The Commission approved the FY 2026-27 Revised Recommended Budget and 10-Year Financial Plan. While no significant changes were made to the expenditure plan, staff noted that Prop 10 revenues came in $1 million lower than anticipated, signaling ongoing volatility. Strategic "Pause": To protect current programs and shore up reserves (which are projected to dip near a $3 million threshold), the Commission approved a temporary pause on procurement for new $1.5 million Family Enrichment contracts. Home Visiting Expansion: The Commission approved an additional $1.3 million in CalWORKS Home Visiting funds, which will boost support for the "Birth and BEYOND" resource centers and nurse-family partnerships. Program Highlights and Recognitions: Developmental Playgroups: UC Davis MIND Institute presented on its "Developmental Playgroups," which use a "Pivotal Response" framework to support children with autism and other developmental differences. The program specifically targets families in inclusive settings like public libraries to reduce the stigma often associated with specialized clinics. Parent Leadership: The Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) reported a successful year, including new Spanish-language cohorts and the introduction of a male facilitator for the first time. Retirement of Dave Gordon: The Commission issued a formal proclamation recognizing long-time Commissioner Dave Gordon for his 22 years of "thoughtful leadership" and advocacy for the mental health and well-being of young children. Administrative Actions: The Commission updated its stipend policy, establishing a new category for college interns at a rate of $22 per hour to differentiate their professional development roles from general community volunteers.

LAFCo - 8/5/26

This meeting was dominated by organizational transitions and intense public scrutiny regarding agency oversight and employee treatment. Move Toward Independence: The Commission voted 5-1 (with Commissioner Hume abstaining due to his county employment) to formally begin separating LAFCo from Sacramento County operations . This transition aims to provide the agency more control over its own staffing, finances, and payroll . A transition plan is expected to be fully implemented by early 2028 . Public Outcry over Oversight: Several speakers challenged the Board during off-agenda comments, citing concerns about a "lack of meaningful oversight," cybersecurity, and employee well-being. Specific allegations were made regarding patterns of "intimidation and abuse" towards staff, including a report of a nursing mother being required to use a storage closet for lactation. Budget and Fees: The Commission approved a new fee schedule designed to recover "reasonable costs" for processing applications . While staff proposed a 10% annual "escalator" to account for inflation, the Board modified the motion to require an annual reevaluation of hourly rates after some members expressed concern that 10% was too high . Community Annexations: The Board unanimously approved the annexation of the communities of Hood and Franklin into the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer). This multi-year project replaces failing septic systems with public sewer service. Administrative Matters: LAFCo is moving its "World Headquarters" to a new office at 1000 G Street around September 1st . The agency is implementing new "CivicPlus" software to restore its website to ADA compliance, which will eventually allow for the digital reading of handwritten maps.

Board of Supervisors - 7/28/26

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 28, 2026, focused on property and business improvement district updates, a major energy efficiency pilot project that faced scrutiny, and the county’s shifting approach to staffing and technology. Community and Administrative Presentations Adoptable Pet Update: The meeting opened with Roxy, a two-year-old medium-sized stray dog who had successfully recovered from medical treatment and was available for adoption. The Animal Care Services department also highlighted their nomination for "Sacramento Favorites" in several categories. Youth Commission Annual Report: The 15-member advisory board presented their work across six subcommittees, including environmental advocacy (planting 10 trees with 30 volunteers) and academic stress. The Board and staff emphasized the importance of connecting the commission with the Registrar of Voters to improve youth voter pre-registration and turnout. Public Safety and Budgetary Matters PBID Annual Reports: The Board approved 2025 annual reports and 2026-27 assessments for six Property and Business Improvement Districts (PBIDs): Antelope, Arden Arcade, Carmichael, Florin Road, Fulton Avenue, and Watt Avenue. Executive Directors reported on the success of private security patrols and massive trash removal efforts (e.g., 45 tons in Carmichael). Staffing and AI Innovation: Personnel Services reported a stable county vacancy rate of 8.59%, down from 12.3% two years ago. To manage workloads despite position cuts, the county is aggressively implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including a new classification and compensation analysis process that reduces tasks from weeks to hours. Utility Liens: The Board held public hearings and approved transferring delinquent service charges (solid waste, storm drain, and water) to the property tax rolls for collection. Key Policy Debates and Continuances Pilot Energy Savings Project: A proposed contract with Willdan Energy Solutions for energy efficiency and electrification at 799 G Street and 711 G Street was continued following significant Board concerns. Building Longevity: Supervisor Serna questioned the wisdom of investing in the aging 711 G Street building, suggesting it might be razed for downtown redevelopment within 25 years. Solar Limitations: Supervisor Hume expressed dismay that SMUD infrastructure limitations prevented the inclusion of solar carports or rooftop panels in the downtown project area. Legislative Advocacy Protocols: Chair Rodriguez requested a formal review of how Board members are selected to participate in legislative advocacy to ensure the governance framework is applied equally to all supervisors. Agency Updates SHRA Audit: The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency provided an update on its 2024 Single Audit, noting that all five federal award findings requiring corrective action have been cleared. "The Board Report": The County Executive introduced a new short-form video series designed to provide residents and reporters with quick recaps of top agenda items for social media platforms. The meeting was adjourned at 3:28 p.m.

AQMD 7/23/26

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) Board of Directors meeting on July 23, 2026, focused on lead monitoring strategies near Sacramento Executive Airport, the development of a local carbon bank, and updates regarding the District's hybrid telework policy and headquarters building. Ambient Lead Concentrations and Monitoring Staff presented a follow-up plan to distinguish lead emissions from aviation gas versus historical contamination from a decommissioned gun range near Mangan Park. Remediation Status: While previous remediation at the gun range met health screening standards, the District concluded that additional monitoring is necessary to address ongoing community concerns. Monitoring Strategy: The District will use a portable lab at Mangan Park and an upwind site to compare particle sizes—smaller particles typically indicate aviation fuel, while larger ones suggest resuspended soil. Health Threshold: The District established a screening threshold of 0.033 micrograms per cubic meter to prompt deeper analysis. This level represents a "one-in-a-million" cancer risk and is significantly more protective than the federal standard of 0.15. Public Testimony: Jennifer, a 22-year Mangan Park resident, highlighted that her census tract is in the 94th percentile for respiratory disease and expressed concern that prevailing winds carry pollutants into residential areas. She urged continued testing to protect families and reduce long-term healthcare costs. Local Carbon Sequestration and Offsets The Board discussed a plan to facilitate a local carbon bank to help jurisdictions and developers meet state carbon neutrality targets (AB 1279). Purpose: Currently, many carbon credits are purchased from out-of-state projects (e.g., a foam factory in Virginia). A local bank would keep investment funds within the Sacramento region, providing co-benefits like improved local air quality. Structure: The program would be voluntary, providing developers with flexible, cost-effective options to mitigate emissions when they cannot meet all requirements of a local Climate Action Plan. Next Steps: A pilot program will launch this season to test the project's protocols, with the goal of establishing a formal bank within one year. Administrative and Personnel Updates Telework Policy: An annual review confirmed that the District’s hybrid model effectively supports operations. However, recent surveys indicated that new hires and managers might benefit from more face-to-face interaction, and staff will return with specific recommendations for onboarding. Headquarters Building: Due to a challenging downtown real estate market, SMAQMD is currently exploring leasing opportunities for its building rather than a sale. Small, targeted improvements (e.g., new flooring and entryway doors) are being made to increase marketability. Labor Negotiations: The current MOU expires June 30, 2027. Negotiation teams have been formed, and four bargaining sessions are scheduled to begin in August. Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO) Report AB 617 Milestone: The District completed the Community Emission Reduction Plan (CERP) for the South Sacramento-Florin community, moving from the planning phase to implementation. Incentive Funding: A new $20 million solicitation is kicking off this summer for clean school buses and electric lawn equipment for homes and businesses. Franklin Boulevard Complete Streets: This project, which received $338,000 for community greening and trees, held its ribbon-cutting recently as an example of urban development aimed at reducing heat and increasing air quality in under-resourced areas. District Anniversary: SMAQMD is celebrating its 30th anniversary as an independent district, noting that regional air quality is currently at its cleanest level in 25 years.