Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Rep. Garamendi secures critical infrastructure wins for Californians in BUILD America 250 Act 

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Congressman John Garamendi. Official photo

Will invest in roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation and highway and motor carrier safety programs over five years

By Cameron Niven, Communications Director, Office of Congressman John Garamendi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, May 22, 2026, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, secured critical wins for California in the bipartisan Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act (BUILD America 250 Act) (H.R.8870). This five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill will invest in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation and highway and motor carrier safety programs.

“America’s economy is nothing without our infrastructure,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I’m proud to have secured essential provisions in the BUILD America 250 Act that will improve the lives of my constituents as much as the roads they drive, the bridges they cross and the trains they ride. This bipartisan bill will restore our aging bridges and repair crumbling roads to build out safe, accessible transit and bike infrastructure.”

The total funding authorization in the bill is about $580 billion over FY2027–FY2031 and will replace the expiring Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding approved in 2021.

“No legislation of this scope is perfect, and while I am disappointed it does not include all my amendments, I am committed to building on the work that has been done and I am glad that this Committee was able to come to an agreement that will benefit Californians,” Garamendi continued.

The BUILD America 250 Act includes several key provisions authored by Congressman Garamendi:

The “Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act” with Senator Padilla, Senator Cornyn and the late Congressman LaMalfa (H.R.4847)

  • Extends deadline for construction obligation for highway projects funded through the Emergency Relief Program from two to four years. This will ensure state and local governments have adequate time to fully utilize federal funds awarded to repair roads damaged by disasters

Key provisions from his “Transportation Emergency Relief Funds Availability Act” (H.R.3193)

  • Extends the obligation deadline for Emergency Relief Program funds for public transportation projects from two to five years. This will afford state and local governments the time and certainty needed to complete these projects efficiently and responsibly.

Key provisions from his “Expedited Federal Permitting for California Act” (H.R.4908)

  • Permanently extends the program that allows states that have assumed the responsibility for environmental reviews to make approvals for projects under state laws rather than the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This commonsense reform will simply let certain federally funded transportation projects make use of existing state permitting processes without the need for a redundant, less stringent federal environmental review.

Key provisions from his “Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act” with Congressman Bost (H.R.4170)

  • Requires USDOT to carry out a study on best practices for addressing corrosion on weathering steel bridges, as well as the frequency and method of inspecting corrosion on steel bridges. Corrosion costs the United States billions of dollars every year while putting public safety at risk. The persistent corrosion of our roads and bridges needs to be addressed with the urgency this issue demands.

Key provisions from his “Airport TIFIA Certainty Act” (H.R.6168), with Congressman Hurd

  • Reauthorizes the TIFIA credit assistance program and preserves the 15% allowance for airports. This ensures low-interest federal financing remains available for critical airport projects. Sacramento Airport recently received a $36.1 million TIFIA loan to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades for California travelers.

An overview of the major provisions in the BUILD America 250 Act is included below:

Investing in Safe, Reliable, Accessible, and Affordable Transit

The nation’s transit systems provide a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly means of travel for millions of Americans. Transit agencies are modernizing service to meet the needs of communities post-pandemic; making investments in safer and more reliable systems; and working to ensure accessibility for all. The BUILD America 250 Act continues the federal government’s partnership in these efforts through robust funding, new worker protections, and streamlining provisions to deliver transit projects faster.

Keeping the Focus on Safety

The BUILD America 250 Act seeks to build on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s focus on safety by investing in state and local safety projects, addressing the safety of all road users, and insisting on evidence-based strategies to save lives. This bill:

  • Guarantees $3.75 billion in funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program which provides local communities with competitive federal funding for safety action plans and demonstration projects. More than 75 percent of the country is covered by a SS4A safety plan; five more years of funding will ensure many more communities can turn their safety vision into a reality.
  • Protects the 10 percent Transportation Alternatives program (TAP) set aside (the main source of formula funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure) within the Surface Transportation Block Grant program. Retains a requirement that states invest a significant portion of TAP funds based on population, ensuring small and under-served communities maintain access to these dollars.
  • Allows local communities to use Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) dollars as the local match for TAP. This provision, which comes from the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act, will help

Safe Integration of Autonomous Commercial Motor Vehicles

The BUILD America 250 Act creates the nation’s first-ever regulatory framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles, harnessing the benefits of innovation without sacrificing safety, jobs, or accountability on our roads.

This legislation directs the Secretary to establish a performance-based safety standard that manufacturers and operators of commercial vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) must meet in order to operate in interstate commerce.

To ensure this standard is nuanced, rigorous and pro-safety, the bill convenes a broad panel of more than 13 critical stakeholders––including safety organizations, labor unions, industry groups and academic experts––to set the safety standard’s requirements and adapt current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, ensuring ADS-equipped commercial vehicles are subject to the same safety and performance standards as any other commercial vehicle.

Taken together, this framework is built on three fundamental pillars: Safety, Qualified, and Robust Work Force, and Accountability.

Supporting Local Communities

The BUILD America 250 Act provides nearly $83 billion over five years in Highway Trust Fund highway and multimodal funding to local communities. The bill continues several competitive grant programs for local governments to directly apply for funds; provides Metropolitan Planning organizations with a path to become direct recipients of federal planning funds; and improves the flow of funds to communities of all sizes.

Garamendi represents California’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives which includes a majority of Solano County and portions of Contra Costa County.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Supervisors adopt $7.248 billion 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget

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Source: Contra Costa County

1.79% decrease in revenue from the current year revised budget resulting in $125 million decrease in expenditures

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted the $7.248 billion Fiscal Year 2026-2027 County and Special Districts Budget during its regular meeting at 9 a.m., in Board Chambers in Martinez.

The budget reflects the Board’s continued commitment to delivering essential public services amid the growing challenges counties face as federal and state funding shifts. The projected revenue represents a 1.79% decrease from the current year revised budget. Budgeted expenditures are projected to decrease by 1.70% or $125.63M to $7.25B in FY2027.

“Contra Costa County is preparing thoughtfully and responsibly for what lies ahead,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “As we navigate continued fiscal uncertainty, our priority remains protecting essential services, supporting vulnerable residents, and maintaining long-term fiscal stability. Community input during budget discussions will help guide the County’s priorities and decisions in the coming year and beyond.”

The budget is balanced using a combination of ongoing revenues and one-time departmental funds, as departments respond to increasing costs and evolving policy changes.

Source: Contra Costa County

Responding to Federal and State Changes

The upcoming fiscal year is expected to be significantly affected by state and federal policy changes, including H.R. 1, which will reduce funding and tighten eligibility for safety-net programs such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh. These changes are likely to increase demand for County services while reducing outside funding support.

Contra Costa County’s Health Services and Employment and Human Services departments are among the most affected and will rely on one-time fund balances to maintain services in the near term. Approximately 53 percent of the County’s budget is funded by state and federal sources.

The budget includes 11,261 full-time equivalent positions, with continued efforts to manage vacancies, control costs, and align staffing with service needs.

Source: Contra Costa County

Fiscal Outlook and Community Impact

While balanced for the coming fiscal year, the budget reflects ongoing fiscal pressures, including:

  • Uncertainty in federal and state funding and implementation of H.R. 1;
  • Rising labor and operational costs; and
  • Slower growth in local revenues.

To help address these challenges, the Board of Supervisors has placed a five-year, 5/8-cent general-purpose sales tax measure on the June ballot. If approved by voters and authorized by the state, the measure is projected to generate approximately $150 million annually to help stabilize services during this period of transition.

Regardless of the outcome, the County anticipates future budget adjustments to ensure ongoing revenues match expenditures.

Additional information on the County’s strategic plan, General Purpose Revenue allocations, budgeted positions, and key budget issues are available in the FY26-27 Recommended Budget book.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Move Bay Area East Bay Summit May 29

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Free event

By Metropolitan Transportation Commission

MTC is a proud sponsor of the Move Bay Area summit series. The East Bay Summit will be held Friday, May 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Don Tatzin Community Hall in the Lafayette Library at 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette.

This free event brings together public officials, community advocates and transportation leaders to look ahead and define the innovative funding strategies and bold transit improvements needed to truly connect the Bay Area.

Seats are limited — reserve a spot today at movebayarea.org and be part of shaping the region’s transportation vision. Breakfast and lunch included.

What to expect:

  • Visionary + Successes Panel— Hear from leaders who are championing the transformational funding and infrastructure needed to deliver mobility, clean air, and healthier communities across the Bay Area.
  • Full-Room Discussion & Activity— Every voice in the room contributes to shaping our shared regional transportation vision.
  • Keynote Q&A— Local luminary answers questions big and small.

 Invited and Confirmed Speakers Include:

  • Opening Remarks by Congresswoman Lateefah Simon
  • Keynote Q&A by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (invited)
  • Seamus Murphy, Executive Director of SF Bay Ferry
  • Ryan Manriquez, Disability Justice Advocate, Civic Spark Fellow and former President of the Associated Students at UC Davis
  • Stephen Baiter, Executive Director of East Bay EDA
  • Robert Rayburn, BART Board Member
  • Debbie Toth, President of Choice in Aging
  • Carlyn Obringer, Concord City Councilmember
  •  Rob Thompson, WestCAT General Manager
  •  Harpreet S. Sandhu, AC Transit Board Member (invited)
  • Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County District 2 Supervisor, Metropolitan Transportation Commission Commissioner (invited)

Who Should Attend: All are welcome: transit riders, transportation professionals, planners, advocates, local officials, community organizations, students, and anyone invested in improving transportation in the East Bay.

Let’s keep up the momentum!

About Move Bay Area

Move Bay Area brings transportation, climate, and health leaders with community in-person to discover commonality and regional solutions to our transportation challenges with the goal of shaping a regional transportation vision together.

Rep. DeSaulnier secures over $16 million for projects to benefit Contra Costa, Alameda Counties

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Includes $1.1 million for CC District Attorney’s Office to fight organized retail theft, labor trafficking

By Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he secured over $16 million for community projects across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. These projects will support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10th Congressional District.

Each year, Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.

“From lowering everyday costs for families to bolstering traffic safety to increasing access to public, recreational spaces, these projects will improve quality of life in our community, and I am proud to have fought for and secured the funding that will make them possible,” said DeSaulnier. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local governments and organizations in developing such thoughtful projects.”

Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:

  1. $1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion.
  2. $1,200,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
  3. $1,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
  4. $850,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
  5. $850,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
  6. $850,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.

Public Health and Safety Projects:

  1. $1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
  2. $1,145,144 for the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
  3. $1,034,487 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
  4. $1,000,000 for the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
  5. $600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
  6. $500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:

  1. $2,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
  2. $1,092,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
  3. $273,000 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,700 students and their teachers in Contra Costa County and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.

“Federal Community Project Funding for Organized Retail Theft Prevention is an investment in safer communities and a stronger justice system. These resources empower my office to hold offenders accountable, disrupt organized criminal enterprises, and protect the businesses and residents that help our county thrive,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County. “Supporting the Healing and Justice for Labor Trafficking Survivors Project honors the resilience of survivors and reinforces the commitment to justice with compassion. This funding will expand critical services, remove barriers to recovery, and ensure that trafficking survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for securing this federal investment for the Antioch and Oakley Smart Signals Project. These upgrades will improve safety and make travel more reliable for everyone. They also complement CCTA’s countywide effort to modernize intersections across every city and town in Contra Costa County, building a more connected signal network that helps traffic flow and improves safety regionwide as more locations come online,” said Darlene Gee, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board of Commissioners.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support of our Community Project Funding request, which will allow us to strengthen and modernize the emergency power infrastructure that supports the East Bay Regional Communications System. This investment will fund the replacement and installation of critical equipment at radio tower sites throughout Contra Costa County. These improvements will significantly enhance the reliability of the public safety radio network for firefighters, emergency medical services, and all first responders serving Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County, particularly during emergencies and disasters that include power outages. Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued advocacy helps ensure we have the dependable infrastructure to protect and serve our communities,” said Lewis Broschard, former Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

“The Town of Danville is deeply grateful to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff for their steadfast support in securing federal funding for our Townwide Fiber Project. This critical investment will modernize our traffic infrastructure, creating smarter, safer, and more efficient streets for everyone in our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to deliver these transformative improvements,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, Town of Danville.

“Central San is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman DeSaulnier in securing Community Project Funding for our UV Disinfection Replacement Project. This funding will allow us to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, improve system resilience, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards. By transitioning to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient UV disinfection system, we expect to reduce energy demand by up to 60 percent while enhancing reliability for the communities we serve,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San).

“This funding is a powerful investment in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at The Marine Mammal Center. “Through our Ocean Ambassadors program in Contra Costa County and beyond, we equip educators and young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to protect our ocean and the wildlife that depend on it. We are deeply grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and for recognizing the critical role education plays in conservation.”

“This $2 million award represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient transit system for central Contra Costa County and leverages our state efforts to advance zero-emission infrastructure. We thank Congressman DeSaulnier for recognizing the value of this project and for his strong support of investments that benefit our community,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection).

“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which will enable us to upgrade our Body-Worn Cameras and strengthen evidence preservation infrastructure. These tools are vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public safety. While our department already utilizes Body-Worn Cameras, this upgrade is essential to maintaining cutting-edge technology and best practices in the years ahead. We sincerely thank Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his team for their support and collaboration in securing this critical investment for our community,” said Ryan Hibbs, Chief of Police, City of Walnut Creek.

“The Marsh Drive Class I bike and pedestrian path will close a critical gap in Contra Costa County’s active transportation network, improving safety and access for people walking and biking in the Pacheco area. We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and helping deliver infrastructure that directly benefits the community,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department. “The Treat Boulevard Complete Streets project will make a key corridor safer and more accessible for non-motorized users, supporting walking and biking. The project will help connect non-motorized transport users from the high-density housing at the Pleasant Hill BART station with grocery stores and other essential services in Walnut Creek. We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in securing this funding and advancing transportation improvements that enhance quality of life in Contra Costa County.”

“We thank Representative DeSaulnier for securing critical funding to advance the South of Bailey Road project at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said John Mercurio, Director, East Bay Regional Park District. “The Representative is a longtime friend of the Park District. This support helps us move forward in opening public access to a landscape of both remarkable natural value and deep historical significance. As we develop the park, the Park District remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and ensuring this important chapter of our nation’s history is remembered and shared with future generations.”

Transparency and Accountability

The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

 

California schools could get billions more in Newsom’s final budget plan — with one catch

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Source: Office of the California Governor

Increases K-12 spending by $2.5 billion,

Association of California School Administrators “rejects the Administration’s proposal”

California School Boards Association President, California Teachers Association President not satisfied

By John Fensterwald – This story was originally published by EdSource.org (republished with permission)

Top Takeaways

  • The governor included $1.7 billion in his allocation to K-12 and community colleges, but is keeping $3.9 billion until next year.
  • Newsom would raise the statutory minimum COLA from 2.87% to 4.31%.
  • The revised budget reduces the cost-of-living adjustment for the California State Preschool Program to 2.01% from the January proposal of 2.41%.

With one contentious exception, school districts can check off most items on their wish list for 2026-27 with the release on Thursday of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised state budget.

Newsom is proposing to target unexpected billions of dollars from surging state revenues to the priorities that school district leaders had prized, including a higher cost-of-living adjustment, billions of dollars more annually for special education, and a one-time, much larger discretionary block grant.

Also, all employees of community colleges and TK-12 schools will be entitled to up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability leave beginning in 2026-27, which the higher COLA will pay for.

But there remains a major point of contention: Newsom is still withholding $3.9 billion in Proposition 98 funding that school organizations say should go to schools and community colleges now.

School districts had complained loudly that their base funding hadn’t kept up with rising expenses, particularly special education and declining enrollment. Amid overall record state funding, Newsom prioritized new initiatives, including the addition of transitional kindergarten, the creation of community schools and expanded learning after school and during the summer.

“People were looking for base money in their pocket,” said Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee. “The attention to a higher COLA and special education is welcome news.”

Source: EdSource.org

Ted Lempert, president of the nonprofit advocacy organization Children Now, said, “Big picture, the May revision puts $8.1 billion more than the January budget into education. While it’s not perfect, we really appreciate it. The governor and Legislature have done a better job in the last couple of years of protecting funding. That said, kids are still way behind.”

Tempering praise for the higher COLA and special education funding, California School Boards Association President Debra Schade said in a statement, “Unfortunately, the Governor’s May Revise masks the underfunding of the Proposition 98 school funding guarantee and the prolific use of one-time money to inflate funding levels in the short term without providing the stability and predictability schools need to plan effectively for student support. “

In his January budget, Newsom said he would withhold $5.6 billion from schools and community colleges until he was certain, early in 2027, that state revenue had actually come through. Schools objected, and the California Teachers Association and the school boards association have threatened to sue on the principle that the Prop. 98 allocations are a voter-approved constitutional guarantee.

In the May revision, Newsom included $1.7 billion in his allocation, but is still keeping $3.9 billion until early next year, when the next governor can reassess. This continues to frustrate school organizations.

“ACSA rejects the Administration’s proposal, as these funds belong in classrooms supporting students,” said Edgar Zazueta, executive director of the Association of California School Administrators. “As budget negotiations move forward, ACSA will continue advocating for a final budget that fully honors the state’s constitutional commitment to public education.”

CTA President David Goldberg said withholding the funds “causes serious harm to public schools. This means overcrowded, under-resourced, destabilized classrooms.” This week, he said, “more than 2,000 educators will find out if their layoff notice is permanent heading into the next school year … and their future is in jeopardy with threats to withhold vital funds from our local school districts.”

Asked about the issue during a state budget presentation Thursday, Newsom said education advocates should take a wider view.

“We made some accommodation to that concern, and I would just have them look at the entire balance sheet and be hard-pressed to find an administration over a seven-year period that’s invested more in transforming our TK — a brand new grade — to 12 education system,” Newsom told reporters “(We’ve made) unprecedented, historic investments per pupil, investments that are the envy of many other states.”

The revised funding estimate for Proposition 98, the 40% of the state general fund that must go to TK-12 and community colleges, would be a record $127.1 billion in 2026-27. Per student funding would increase to a record $21,013 per pupil. Funding per pupil from federal and other sources would be $28,282.

That overall revenue estimate, however, would appear at least several billion dollars less than the Senate and the independent Legislative Analyst’s Office had forecast. The May revision marks the starting line for a final dash toward the Legislature’s June 15 deadline, followed by negotiations between Newsom and legislative leaders, with final passage by the July 1 start of the fiscal year.

Laird said that including the withheld $3.9 billion for schools and community colleges will be one of the items. Additional revenue projections, based on May tax receipts, will be a factor.

The table presents proposed and revised budget year expenditures for each agency area. These totals are comprised of State funds which include General Fund, special funds, and selected bond funds. These totals do not include federal funds, other non-governmental cost funds, or reimbursements. Source: Office of the California Governor

Here are some budget specifics:

COLA: Newsom would raise the statutory minimum COLA of 2.87%, determined by a federal formula that does not consider the price of housing, to 4.31%. The effect would raise COLA for districts’ operating expenses, through the Local Control Funding Formula, from $3.1 billion proposed in January to $4 billion. Other programs, including special education, would get the statutory COLA of 2.87%

The 4.31% would become the new base for determining COLA calculations in future years.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: State and federal special education fall well short of districts’ obligations for students with disabilities. Additional state funding for special education offsets districts’ base expenses. Newsom would add $1.8 billion to the extra $509 million increase he proposed in January for a total of $2.4 billion — 43% more than a year ago.

Newsom characterized it as “the largest investment in special education in California’s history … maybe in American history.”

“It’s an area that has continued to be anxiety-inducing because you meet with parents, and they’re demanding more, and we’ve heard that call,” he said.

BLOCK GRANT: In January, Newsom proposed a one-time $2.8 billion grant; he has raised it to $5 billion. He calls it the Student Support and Professional Development Block Grant, and implies it should be used for teacher training for math, reading and literacy support for English learners, along with career pathways and expanding dual enrollment. But districts will have wide latitude to spend the money as they choose.

RAINY DAY FUND: Newsom would raise the Proposition 98 reserve to $10.3 billion, approaching the statutory maximum, as a cushion in the event of a recession or if the spigot of projected revenues from tax receipts from AI startups runs dry.

John Affeldt, managing attorney for Public Advocates, a public interest law firm, warned that the state should plan for that to happen. “Our state cannot continue to rely on temporary AI stock market bubbles,” he said. “To build a budget that will enable our residents to thrive, California needs more robust permanent revenue streams to support our schools and healthy communities. We cannot ask teachers to transform students’ lives while those same teachers are being priced out of the communities they serve.”

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: Newsom would add $1 billion to the $4.1 billion previously invested in creating 2,500 community schools, which provide community partnerships involving wellness, mental health and career opportunities. His May revision would also repurpose nearly $500 million in extension grants to add more community schools.

“We lead and dominate the nation in community schools,” Newsom said Thursday.

LITERACY AND MATH INSTRUCTION: Since 2019, the state has funded $715 million to hire and train reading specialists and coaches in high-poverty schools — a key element in the state’s comprehensive early literacy plan. But that money, in one-time grants, will expire over the next three years. Newsom proposes $440 million to extend the grants through 2031.

He would also add $60 million to the $30 million funded last year for the Mathematics Professional Learning Partnership, which is creating a statewide network to train coaches and math specialists in the 2023 math framework. Still missing: funding for elementary schools to hire coaches.

Newsom is also encouraging districts to use some of the $5 billion in the discretionary block grant for literacy and math instruction.

Early education and care

In his presentation, the governor largely overlooked early education and child care. The proposal allocates $15 million toward training to help with the implementation of programs such as Transitional Kindergarten and $5 million in ongoing funding to support the use of the Multitudes dyslexia screener at no cost to districts.

But the revised budget reduces the cost-of-living adjustment for the California State Preschool Program to 2.01% from the January proposal of 2.41%. The governor also did not address calls from early education advocates to help support pre-K programs that have been struggling after losing large numbers of children to the new TK programs offered by the state’s public schools.

Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California, a nonprofit organization that advocates for accessible, high-quality early learning, said the reduction to the cost-of-living adjustment sends a troubling signal to providers who are already operating on the margins.

“Access to affordable child care isn’t just an early learning issue, it’s essential to families’ economic well-being,” she said. “The governor has been a strong champion for children during his years in office, and we’ll be urging the Administration and the Legislature to fulfill the promise of funding additional child care slots and restoring COLA before the budget is finalized.”

In particular, the governor’s plan to significantly increase the cost-of-living allowance for TK-12 schools while cutting it for preschools drew fire.

“He decided to backstop health premiums and local schools, while punting on aiding families who desperately search for affordable child care,” said Bruce Fuller, who co-authored a new report from the UC Berkeley Equity and Excellence in Early Childhood alliance on the dire outlook many pre-K programs are facing.

Lempert, of Children Now, said he hoped the cuts to the early education COLA would be reversed by the Legislature in the final budget.

the STATE BUDGET PROCESS

Governor’s initial budget proposal:

  • Must be released by Jan. 10.
  • Assumes an estimate of revenues the state will collect over the next 18 months (by June 30, 2027). Actual revenues often differ significantly due to economic conditions, federal policy and unforeseen events, such as the destructive fires in Los Angeles.

MAY 14 revision:

Governor issues May budget with revised general fund revenues, including its impact on Proposition 98.

LATE MAY to EARLY JUNE:

Legislature’s budget subcommittees report to the full budget committees.

JUNE 15:

Constitutional deadline for the Legislature to pass the budget bill.

MID-JUNE TO LATE JUNE:

Negotiations between the Assembly speaker and the Senate president pro tempore with the governor; the Legislature passes the final budget, and the governor signs it before the fiscal year starts on July 1.

Legislature’s response: 

The Assembly and Senate have until June 15 to hold hearings and respond with their own version.

Negotiation: 

Behind closed doors, legislative leaders and the governor settle differences. Lawmakers sign off, and the governor signs the final version.

Governors have increasingly used the budget to rewrite statutes outside the legislative process. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print in massive “budget trailer bills” written after the budget is passed.

About 40% of the state’s general fund will go to schools and community colleges. The bulk goes to keeping schools running, but in some years, new money is spent on new programs, such as transitional kindergarten and community schools.

Budget summaries

You can find the full budget by areas here.

 

City of Concord offers first time homebuyer subsidy program

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Up to $60,000 for downpayment; Introductory Workshop May 19th

By Walter Zhovreboff, Administrative Director, Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance, City of Concord Program Administrator

Tuesday May 19, 2026 6PM to 7:30PM

The City of Concord, along with the Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA) and A-1 Housing Community Services (A-1 CHS), is hosting a workshop to introduce Concord’s First Time Home Buyer program. The virtual zoom workshop will be held from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday May 19, 2026.

Concord’s First Time Home Buyer Program (FTHB) assists low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers with purchasing a home in Concord. The FTHB loan does not charge an interest rate or require monthly payments. The loan must be repaid in full within 15 years, at which point the City receives the original principal amount plus a share of the home’s increased value.

The FTHB program provides the following valuable resources.

  • Down Payment Assistance Funds – Eligible low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers could receive up to $60,000 through the City FTHB; and up to an additional $40,000 provided through other organizations. FTHB funds can either increase the purchase power and/or decrease the cost of ownership for eligible first-time homebuyers. FTHB funds are strictly limited to purchasing homes within Concord city limits.
  • Homebuyer Education and Counseling – A-1 CHS, a HUD approved non-profit homebuyer education and counseling organization, will be delivering free homebuyer education and counseling to interested applicants. Education and counseling assists homebuyers with establishing a stronger understanding of the requirements, steps, and capacity for households to purchase a home. FTHB homebuyers must secure a HUD approved education and counseling certificate of completion in order to secure Concord’s FTHB funds and other partnering funding sources.

The FTHB introductory workshop will provide additional details on:

  • FTHB Funds – directed towards assisting low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers to purchase a home in Concord.
  • FTHB Participation Guidelines – an overview of Program requirements and guidelines to receive access to FTHB resources and funds.
  • Next Steps – for eligible first-time homebuyers to take in order to access FTHB’s beneficial homebuyer resources.

Workshop presenters will include:

  • City of Concord – housing staff will introduce the FTHB program.
  • Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA) – the City’s contracted FTHB administrator will provide additional information on FTHB and the steps required to become an FTHB participant.
  • A-1 Community Housing Services – a representative will provide information on HUD approved required FTHB homebuyer education; and on financial and homebuyer counseling available for eligible Concord residents and workforce.

A reservation is required to attend the free FTHB Informational Virtual Zoom workshop. To make a reservation please go to BAAHA’s FTHB workshop webpage at https://www.myhomegateway.org/concord-fthb-introworkshop.html. Reservations must be submitted by no later than 7:00PM Monday May 18, 2026.

About BAAHA

The Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance, Inc., or BAAHA, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was formed as the successor organization of a public joint powers authority, the East Bay Delta Housing & Finance Agency (AKA the Bay Area HomeBuyer Agency). BAAHA’s mission is to promote homeownership for low to moderate income and workforce homebuyers in the San Francisco Bay Area region. We will accomplish our mission by: Supporting the preservation of affordable homeownership in the community Expanding affordable homeownership opportunities Structuring a comprehensive, informational and educational resource and service clearinghouse

 

Concord City Council approves Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Program for 1,000 affordable units

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Examples of multifamily housing located within the Study Area include the Argent (left) and Galindo Terrace (right) projects currently under construction. Renderings source: City of Concord

Rezoned 10 parcels for five development sites

By Colleen Awad, City of Concord Community Relations Manager

Concord, CA – On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Concord City Council approved the City’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Program, a key initiative designed to expand equitable housing opportunities and support Concord’s long-term housing strategy.

The AFFH Program fulfills requirements under California state law, which directs jurisdictions to proactively plan for a diverse range of housing opportunities, particularly in higher-resource areas with strong access to employment, education, transit, and community services. Implementation of the program was identified as a commitment in the City’s state-certified 2023–2031 Housing Element.

In Concord, the AFFH program is being implemented through an overlay zoning approach, allowing up to 60 dwelling units per acre on approximately 20 acres of land. The overlay zoning district allows higher-density residential uses in addition to the uses already permitted. This approach enables residential development consistent with the AFFH Program while preserving the underlying zoning regulations and currently permitted uses.

As part of the approval, the City Council amended the Concord Municipal Code to apply the AFFH Overlay Zoning District to five sites that include 10 parcels: the former Kmart property; Clayton Faire near Centre Concord, along Clayton Road; Palm Lake Apartments at 780 Oak Grove Road; 5390 Myrtle Drive; and 1539 Kirker Pass Road. In total, the program allows for the potential development of up to 1,000 new housing units across these five sites.

“The AFFH Program represents an important milestone in Concord’s efforts to expand housing opportunities throughout the community,” said Mayor Nakamura. “This program, shaped through robust public engagement, supports the City’s commitment to fair and equitable housing while maintaining flexibility for property owners and ensuring thoughtful growth in areas with strong access to jobs, transportation, and services.”

For more Existing Multifamily Housing Examples located within the Study Area click, here.

For more information about the AFFH Program, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/AFFH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Board of Supervisors to consider $7.248 billion Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommended Budget

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Hearings Monday & Tuesday, April 27 & 28

Adoption scheduled for Tuesday, May 19

“We continue to find ways to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining service levels for our community.” – County Administrator Monica Nino

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) –  As counties across the nation face growing fiscal pressure driven by federal and state policy changes, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will convene a two-day public hearing to consider the County’s $7.248 billion proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

Hearings will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28 at the Board Chambers, 1025 Escobar Street, in Martinez. The proposal reflects a significant shift in fiscal responsibility from federal and state governments to counties. The budget is balanced using a combination of ongoing revenues and one-time departmental funds, as departments respond to increasing costs and evolving policy changes.

“This year’s recommended budget reflects our continued commitment to delivering essential public services and the growing challenges counties face as federal and state funding shifts,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “We are navigating a period of uncertainty while continuing to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our community through responsible fiscal management and long-term planning. Community members are encouraged to attend the hearings and provide input on County priorities and services.”

Responding to Federal and State Changes

The upcoming fiscal year is shaped in part by anticipated impacts from federal legislation, including H.R. 1, which is expected to reduce funding for safety-net programs and tighten eligibility for services such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh. These changes are likely to increase demand for County services while reducing external funding support.

Contra Costa County’s Health Services and Employment and Human Services departments are among the most affected, relying on one-time fund balances to maintain service levels in the near term, essentially drawing on savings from prior years.

Approximately 53 percent of the County’s budget is funded by state and federal sources.

The budget includes 11,261 full-time equivalent positions, with continued efforts to manage vacancies, control costs, and align staffing with service needs.

Fiscal Outlook and Community Impact

While the budget is balanced for the coming year, it relies on one-time resources and reflects ongoing fiscal pressures, including:

In response to these challenges, the Board of Supervisors has placed a five-year, 5/8-cent general-purpose sales tax measure on the June ballot. If approved by voters and authorized by the state, the measure is projected to generate approximately $150 million annually to help stabilize services during this period of transition. (See related article CCH)

Regardless of the outcome, the County expects to make budget adjustments in future years to ensure ongoing revenues match expenditures.

“The Recommended Budget reflects years of ongoing review and refinement of County operations as we respond to changing economic conditions,” said County Administrator Monica Nino. “We continue to find ways to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining service levels for our community. This work is made possible by our dedicated workforce, strong partnership among our Department Heads, and a continued commitment to sound fiscal management and disciplined decision-making as we adapt to ongoing challenges.”

More details about the County’s strategic plan, General Purpose Revenue allocations, budgeted positions, and key budget issues are provided in the FY26-27 Recommended Budget book.

The Board meeting agenda will be available at: https://contra-costa.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. The budget discussion is scheduled to continue at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28. Budget adoption is scheduled for the Board’s meeting on Tuesday, May 19.

Would you like to serve on the Contra Costa County Planning Commission?

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Help build a great community!

By Diana Oyler, Senior Deputy County Administrator

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking an individual who is interested in serving on the County’s Planning Commission.  The Commission is responsible for hearing and deciding applications for proposed projects that generate more than 100 peak hour trips, and all appeals from decisions of the zoning administrator.  The Commission also may initiate preparation of general plans, specific plans, regulations, programs, and legislation to implement the land use planning power of the county; is generally responsible for advising the Board of Supervisors of matters relating to planning; is the designated advisory agency for the purpose of passing on subdivisions; and hears and makes recommendations regarding proposed development agreements.

Meetings of the Planning Commission are generally held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Martinez.  Members of the Planning Commission receive $50 per meeting up to a monthly maximum of $300, plus mileage expense.  The appointment will be for a full four-year term beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the County webpage at www.contracosta.ca.gov. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA  94553 no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026.  Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

For more information about the County Planning Commission, contact Hiliana Li, Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development, at (925) 655-2860 or hiliana.li@dcd.cccounty.us.

Rep. Garamendi’s affordable housing bill included in bipartisan Senate package

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Congressman John Garamendi. Official photo

Funds new units across California

By Cameron Niven, Communications Director, Office of Congressman John Garamendi

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) issued the following statement after the Senate passage of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which includes his HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act—a bill to significantly increase the amount of federal funding available for affordable housing across the country:

“Hardworking Californians face a severe shortage of affordable housing options, and minimum wage workers must work an average of 88 hours per week to afford a modest one-bedroom rental at fair market rates. The HOME Act will help change that,” said Representative Garamendi.

“The Senate’s affordable housing legislation includes my HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which, for the first time since 1994, will bring this crucial program into the 21st century,” Garamendi continued. “It will provide states and local governments with the funding needed to construct and rehabilitate affordable rental housing, as well as expand homeownership opportunities for working families. I’d also like to thank Senator Masto for introducing this bill in the Senate and Representative Beatty for co-leading in the House.”

On February 9th, Garamendi voted in favor of the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644), which passed the House with strong bipartisan support. Then, on March 12, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The bipartisan bill combines elements of both the House and Senate-passed legislation. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes 18 sections drawn from both the House and Senate bills, including Garamendi’s HOME Act.

This comprehensive housing package will take important steps to boost the nation’s housing supply, improve affordability, and increase oversight and efficiency of federal regulators and housing programs.

HOME Background

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is the largest federal affordable housing block grant and is HUD’s flagship affordable housing production program.

Since 1990, HOME has helped state and local housing agencies support a wide variety of housing needs, from financing new construction and home repairs to funding down payment and rental assistance. It also provides additional funding to housing developments financed by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, helping the program serve more extremely low-income people, including seniors, veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities.

Since 1992, the HOME program in California has:

  • Invested $5.27 billion into housing across the state;
  • Built or preserved 121,727 homes;
  • Given rental assistance to 43,840 families;
  • Supported 277,318 jobs; and
  • Generated $19.2 billion in local income.

The program was last re-authorized in 1994 and needs critical updates to better address today’s housing crisis. Garamendi’s HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act would reauthorize the HOME program and make several much-needed improvements. Specifically, it would:

  • Authorize $5 billion in HOME funding for fiscal year 2024 and boost the funding for the program by five percent annually through 2028. Garamendi’s legislation would address chronic underfunding of the affordable housing investment program, which received only $1.5 billion in 2023;
  • Improve HOME’s ability to provide downpayment assistance to homebuyers and home repair assistance to homeowners;
  • Enable HOME funds to support Community Land Trusts and other shared equity homeownership programs; and
  • Increase access to HOME funds for nonprofits and provide state and local governments loan guarantee options that would allow them to leverage their future HOME funds for investments today.

Representative Garamendi has spent his entire career advocating for affordable housing, robust homeowner protections, and rental assistance programs. As California’s first-ever elected Insurance Commissioner, Garamendi successfully implemented Proposition 103, which reformed the homeowner insurance industry and lowered homeownership insurance rates.

In 2023, Garamendi and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) led members of California’s congressional delegation in sending a letter to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara urging him to use his power under state law to protect homeowners in the face of an insurance crisis. During his congressional tenure, Garamendi worked with Habitat for Humanity to establish a financing mechanism that utilized existing funding to build new veteran housing units.

Garamendi originally introduced the HOME Investment Partnership Reauthorization Act in 2020 and has continued to champion the legislation in Congress. He is also a cosponsor of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which would support the financing of more affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.

The Office of Congressman John Garamendi has also worked with local partners to increase access and support the development of affordable housing projects throughout California’s 8th Congressional District including: Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, East Bay Housing Organizations, Tiny Village Spirit, Eden Housing, Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition (MFAC), Hope Solutions, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa, Crankstart Foundation, and the California Association of Housing Authorities.

The bill is endorsed by: Hercules Vice Mayor Alexander Walker-Griffin, Hercules Council Member Dilli Bhattarai, Richmond City Council Member Cesar Zapeda, National Council of State Housing Agencies, Institute of Real Estate Management, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, National Association of Realtors, Enterprise Community Partners, National Apartment Association, National Multifamily Housing Council, National NeighborWorks Association, National Community Development Association, National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations, National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, Council of State Community Development Agencies, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Grounded Solutions Network, and Habitat for Humanity.

Garamendi represents California’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives which includes the northern and western portions of Contra Costa County and a majority of Solano County.