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Moraga council unanimously authorizes mayor to oppose Senate Bill 79 shifting land‑use power to transit agencies
Summary
Moraga Town Council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to sign letters to state lawmakers opposing Senate Bill 79 (Wiener), citing concern that the bill would reduce local land‑use control for nearby jurisdictions.
The Town of Moraga on Wednesday authorized its mayor to sign letters to state lawmakers opposing Senate Bill 79, a measure that would expand station-area development authority for transit agencies, the council said.
Council members said the bill — authored in the Senate by Scott Wiener — would not directly affect Moraga but would affect neighboring cities such as Lafayette and Orinda by allowing transit agencies greater control over development on property they own or lease near stations.
"Whether you're for more-dense housing or not, it usurps our authority and our control," said Town Manager Scott (last name not used on the record), describing potential changes to local general plans and design standards. Council Member Carrie noted the League of California Cities also opposes the bill.
Council moved to have the mayor sign letters to State Senator Tim Grayson and Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer‑Kahan opposing the bill and to share the town's position with the League of California Cities; the motion passed unanimously.
Staff said the letters will be routed through the appropriate legislative-policy channels and the town will track the bill as it proceeds through the Assembly. Council members asked that copies be circulated at multiple steps of the Assembly process so Moraga's opposition is registered at each stage.
