SBCAG discusses SB 375 reform options and adopts 2026 state and federal legislative platforms
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Summary
SBCAG heard staff analysis of SB 375 implementation challenges for a tourism‑ and slow‑growth county and approved its 2026 federal and state legislative platforms, authorizing staff to join statewide reauthorization principles and pursue advocacy in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
At its Feb. 19 meeting, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments received a detailed briefing on Senate Bill 375 (the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act) and approved its 2026 state and federal legislative platforms.
Mike Becker, SBCAG staff, outlined SB 375’s role in setting per‑capita greenhouse‑gas reduction targets and said SBCAG’s current target is a 17% reduction below 2005 per capita levels by 2035. He described how the law ties to funding eligibility and other state processes (RHNA, CEQA) and summarized reform recommendations developed with San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, urging a pragmatic approach that accounts for expected population growth and focuses on decisions the board can influence.
Directors raised several concerns. Director Brown and others said SB 375’s per‑capita framing can disadvantage rural or tourism‑dependent counties where visitor‑generated vehicle miles are large relative to resident population and where the agency lacks land‑use authority. Director Mosby emphasized the jobs‑housing imbalance in places such as Lompoc and warned that converting industrial/commercial sites to housing can exacerbate long commutes. Staff acknowledged those tensions and said reform proposals seek greater alignment between targets, funding, and practical implementation.
The board also heard the agency’s proposed 2026 advocacy platforms. Lauren Bianchi Clemen, SBCAG’s director of government affairs and public information, explained that the platforms guide Sacramento and Washington advocacy for Measure A priorities, transit, active transportation and broadband. Don Gilchrist of Thomas Walters & Associates reviewed the federal outlook, noting formula funding stability and the transition away from Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act supplemental funds; he highlighted an earlier $1.5 million federal appropriation secured for the Cabrillo project as an example of successful advocacy.
Gus Corey, SBCAG’s state legislative advocate, described state funding wins (leveraging Measure A to secure rail and active transportation funds) and policy work on cap‑and‑invest revenue distribution, broadband completion (an outstanding ~$11 million PUC balance for SBCAG’s broadband share), and the state conversation about replacing or augmenting the gas tax (road‑user charge pilots and registration‑fee alternatives). Directors asked for additional technical briefings on the road‑user charge, potential equity impacts, and options for the collection mechanism.
Director Hartman moved and Director Patino seconded staff recommendations 1–4 (receive reports, approve the 2026 platforms, and authorize the executive director to execute documentation to sign SBCAG on to California’s federal surface transportation reauthorization principles). The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with unanimous ayes and Chair Nelson absent.
Staff said the platforms will guide outreach to the state and federal delegations, including a Central Coast Coalition legislative day in Sacramento and a March trip to Washington, D.C., and requested board direction on specific items as proposals become concrete.
