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Supervisor Veerkamp recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Letter of Support for Senate Bill 1087 (Cabaldon) which modernizes the Sustainable Communities Strategy framework to improve alignment of state, regional, and local planning efforts and strengthen implementation of climate, housing, and transportation goals. (Refer 6/9/2026, Item 14)
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Senate Bill (SB) 1087 (Cabaldon) proposes updates to the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) framework established under SB 375 (Steinberg, 2008). The SCS is intended to integrate land use, transportation, and housing planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across California’s regions.
Despite extensive regional effort devoted to SCS development, implementation has been slowed by inconsistent funding, misaligned program requirements, and outdated planning cycles. SB 1087 seeks to modernize and streamline these processes in order to improve real-world outcomes aligned with state and regional climate, housing, and mobility goals.
A letter from the Chair of the Board supporting SB 1087 is proposed for submittal to Senator Cabaldon’s office.
The proposed legislation includes several provisions aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and practicality of the SCS framework:
· Implementation-Focused Alignment: SB 1087 emphasizes aligning existing state programs with SCS priorities, helping regions secure consistent funding to deliver housing and transportation projects with significant climate benefits. This alignment would improve coordination between state and regional entities and accelerate progress toward greenhouse gas reduction goals.
· Planning Efficiency Improvements: The bill would shift the SCS planning cycle from four to eight years, require mid-cycle progress reporting, and reduce duplicative reporting requirements. These changes would allow Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) such as the Sacramento Area Council of Governments...
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