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Supervisors ask staff to study options to give unincorporated communities a stronger SANDAG voice
Summary
Supervisor Anderson proposed a framework for adding an unincorporated representative to SANDAG; after public comment and board discussion the board directed staff to return in roughly 90 days with options and analysis on possible selection methods, voting impacts and statutory constraints.
Supervisor Anderson introduced a board discussion item proposing a pathway to bring more direct representation for the county’s roughly 550,000 unincorporated residents to the SANDAG board. His framework suggested designating an alternate (or additional alternate) who must live in the unincorporated area and be selected through a process drawing on elected special‑districts and community boards to ensure legitimacy.
Public speakers and community planning representatives described long‑running concerns that unincorporated residents lack voting influence at SANDAG and urged the board to act. Others — including the Association of Planning Group chairs — urged a brief delay so unincorporated leaders can review proposed language and coordinate with pending state legislation that may change SANDAG’s governance.
Board discussion raised several practical and legal concerns: state law constrains some elements of SANDAG’s membership and vote weighting; an advisory seat had previously been created as a compromise; and any change that alters vote tallies could have implications for passing regional ballot measures. Several supervisors said a pragmatic approach (for example, creating an additional alternate or a fifth alternate) could be workable while statutory changes are pursued in Sacramento.
The board voted unanimously to instruct staff to consider the concerns raised, consult with board offices and stakeholders, and return in about 90 days with options for consideration.
