Sacramento County approves new CPAC for Foothill Farms to boost community representation

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 20, 2025, focused on the establishment of a dedicated Community Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) for the Foothill Farms area. This initiative aims to empower the local community, which has expressed a strong desire for its own representation in planning and development decisions.

Supervisor Desmond highlighted the unique identity of Foothill Farms, a community of nearly 40,000 residents, and emphasized the need for a separate CPAC to address their specific concerns. He noted that the community has historically felt overlooked and that this new committee would help restore their sense of identity and involvement in local governance. Desmond expressed his support for the initiative, stating it would enhance community engagement and pride.

However, Supervisor Kennedy voiced his opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about the proliferation of CPACs potentially hindering the county's ability to address its housing crisis. He emphasized the need for consistency in his stance against increasing the number of advisory committees, despite acknowledging the merits of the Foothill Farms community's request.

Public comment was also heard, with resident Diane Kiefer advocating for the establishment of the dedicated CPAC. She argued that the current division between multiple CPACs dilutes the community's input and that a dedicated committee would ensure that decisions reflect the true concerns of Foothill Farms residents.

The discussion underscored the ongoing tension between local representation and broader county planning needs, with the Board set to vote on the proposal in the near future. The outcome could significantly impact how Foothill Farms residents engage with local governance and influence decisions affecting their community.