Western Riverside Council of Governments
Executive Committee Meeting Recap
August 3, 2026
Following is a summary of key items discussed at the last Executive Committee meeting.
Agenda Packet: https://www.wrcog.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/EC-0826-AP.pdf PowerPoint Presentation: https://www.wrcog.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/EC-PPT-080326.pdf 2026 Agency Accomplishments and Work Plan
• Chris Gray, WRCOG Interim Executive Director, provided an overview of recent WRCOG accomplishments and upcoming efforts.
• Each of these efforts is tied into the 7 Goals of WRCOG’s Strategic Plan. • Key accomplishments included:
o General Assembly revenue was the highest in the history of the event. Net revenue for General Assembly was $70K.
o WRCOG has partially completed a comprehensive update of HR/Personnel Policies. A key milestone was a comprehensive update of all leave policies and a transition to a PTO system. o Staff for the I-REN Program was increased from 2 full-time staff to 8 full-time staff. o WRCOG held 2 major events (Women’s Day Event & Sustainability Summit) with over 500 attendees. Both events were well received.
o Development of AB 230, which requires Caltrans to coordinate with WRCOG cities along the southern I-15 Corridor to address congestion through short-term improvements like traffic signal coordination.
o The Interim Executive Director is actively involved in regional events, speaking at multiple events throughout the larger region.
o WRCOG retained its first full-time lobbyist to assist with lobbying efforts. o Improved overall Agency transparency based on staff feedback. o WRCOG received 6 statewide or regional awards.
• Key initiatives over the forthcoming months include:
o Finalize the personnel policy update.
o Complete a review and update of Fiscal policies.
o Update WRCOG By-Laws.
o Strategic Plan update.
o Planning a WRCOG Sacramento Lobbying Trip.
o Updating the legislative platform.
o Planning the 2028 General Assembly.
o Determining the future direction of C-PACE.
o Class & Comp Study.
Legislative Update: Townsend Public Affairs
• California’s $351.7B State budget maintains key reserves while adding funding for housing and homelessness, public safety, and other priority programs. • WRCOG is actively supporting legislation related to regional traffic signal synchronization, wildfire resilience financing, artificial intelligence governance, and affordable housing funding. • With the legislative session ending August 31, attention is shifting to the November ballot, which includes measures addressing housing, state reserves, infrastructure, taxes, healthcare, and election requirements.
Fee Comparison Analysis Findings
• WRCOG recently updated its fee comparison analysis to evaluate development impact fees across western Riverside County, including how fees vary by land use, how they have changed since 2022, and how they relate to total development costs.
• WRCOG member agency fees have been adjusted and steadily increased since 2016. Annual rate of growth for majority of agencies is equal to CPI and less than CCI. Member agency reliance on fee adjustments may reflect the lack of State investment in infrastructure. • WRCOG member agency fees are now higher on average than SB County agencies. Comparison is skewed because SB County fees have not increased consistent with either CCI or CPI. • Analysis shows that fees are 10% - 15% of the total project cost for residential units.
Next Meeting
The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in the County of Riverside Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon Street, 1st Floor, Board Chambers, Riverside.