1https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1674 TO: CITY OF CUPERTINO
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
FROM: ANTHONY, JASON, AND PAUL GONSALVES
SUBJECT: CONSIDER ADOPTING A POSITION ON AB 1674 (AHRENS)
FOOD AFFORDABILITY ACT
DATE: APRIL 6, 2026
Bill Information:
The official text of AB 1674 can be found here1.
Summary:
AB 1674 establishes a statewide Food Desert Elimination Grant Program designed to expand access to grocery stores in underserved communities. The bill creates a dedicated funding source through the Food Desert Elimination Fund and the California Equitable Food Access Account, which can leverage state, federal, and private funds.
The program supports both the development of new grocery stores and the stabilization or retention of existing stores in food desert areas. Under this policy, any new housing development proposed in a food desert (or an area at risk of becoming one) must meet specific requirements before approval:
• Protect Retail Space: The developer must prove that the project does not reduce the site's capacity to host a large-scale grocery store. • Mitigation Requirement: If the project does reduce the potential for a grocery store on that site, the developer is required to provide equivalent mitigation to offset the loss of food access.
The legislation also encourages the integration of grocery stores into housing developments by prioritizing mixed-use projects and imposes requirements on new housing developments in areas identified as food deserts. The program includes a sunset date of 2031.
Support:
Support has been expressed by A Voice for Choice Advocacy, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the California Family Resource Association, and the Child Abuse Prevention Center and its affiliates, including Safe Kids California.
Opposition:
Opposition has been expressed by the California Building Industry Association and the California Apartment Association.
Status:
AB 1674 was heard in the Assembly Agriculture Committee on March 25, 2026, where it passed on a 5-0 vote.
Legislative Platform:
This bill falls under Cupertino’s 2026 Legislative Platform in the following areas:
• Economic Development section Page 3, Item #12: Support legislation that preserves retail and commercial spaces.
• Health & Public Safety section Page 6, Item #3, “Support legislation to provide funding and services for vulnerable populations.”
Recommended Action:
Adopt a support position on AB 1674 and authorize the Mayor to send letters to the state legislature.