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Committee hears support for allowing best-value contracting in general-law cities
Summary
AB 17 86 would let general-law cities and some regional councils of governments use best-value contracting rather than strict lowest-bid awards for complex projects; proponents argued it reduces delays and long-term costs, witnesses from multiple councils and cities testified in support and no in-room opposition was recorded.
Assemblymember Jarabinian presented AB 17 86, describing it as a narrow change to permit best-value contracting for general-law cities and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG). Proponents said current lowest-bid rules work for simple, standardized projects but fail for complex infrastructure, producing change orders, delays and higher long-term costs.
Ed Reese, president of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, testified the bill would let agencies weigh experience, management capability, safety records and labor compliance alongside price to choose the best overall bidder. Supporters included the League of California Cities and multiple local governments that appeared in support at the hearing; no primary in-room opposition was recorded.
Committee outcome: The committee advanced the bill out for further referral to Appropriations.
