Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Outdoor Access Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Administration proposes Prop 4 funding for parks, deferred maintenance and new outdoor access programs
Summary
The Department of Parks and Recreation and other agencies described proposed Prop 4 allocations for statewide park development, deferred maintenance, lands and outdoor recreation programs; lawmakers expressed concern about backfilling general fund commitments and sought details on park police staffing and timelines for project selection.
Department of Parks and Recreation and partner agencies presented the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 with the administration's proposed spending under the Prop 4 outdoor access chapter, including park development, deferred maintenance and new programs to expand access to natural areas.
Director Armando Quintero described a $190 million proposal in the governor's budget for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program to create new parks in underserved communities; based on historical averages, the department estimated this level of funding could support roughly 48 projects. Quintero also described $84.4 million proposed for deferred maintenance in 2025—26 and subsequent years to address backlog projects that affect health, safety and public access.
Valerie Termini of the Department of Fish and Wildlife briefed the panel on proposed climate bond investments for CDFW lands programs, noting more than 750 properties and over 1 million acres in the agency's portfolio and describing needs for visitor amenities, trail maintenance and wildfire preparedness.
Brian Cash (Natural Resources Agency) outlined new programs the administration plans to develop for disadvantaged communities and recreation expansion ($200 million), natural resource enhancement and expanded non-motorized trails ($100 million) and nature, climate education and research facilities ($45 million). Cash said the agency plans public outreach to design these programs and return to the Legislature in 2026 for project funding approvals.
Legislators raised several issues: Assemblymember Lackie asked about 86 park police vacancies and the department reported recent recruitment improvements and a graduating cadet class of roughly 40 officers but acknowledged retirements and a continuing shortfall. Members also pressed the parks department for a clearer accounting of how deferred maintenance and accessibility investments would be tracked and evaluated, and the department committed to producing outcome measures and images of successful projects.
LAO staff highlighted that some items in the outdoor access package are existing programs (ready for near-term appropriations) while others are new programs that will require further program design and legislative engagement before funds are allocated. Committee members asked agencies to return with specific plans and timelines for the new programs.
