TO: City of Cupertino
Legislative Review Committee
FROM: Anthony, Jason, And Paul Gonsalves
SUBJECT: Consider Adopting An Oppose Unless Amended Position On AB 1976 (Wicks) Streets and highways: pedestrian and bicycle facilities DATE: August 17, 2026
The official text of AB 1976 (Wicks) can be found at the California Legislative Information webpage.
Summary:
AB 1976 (Wicks), as amended on June 17, 2026, streamlines the implementation of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects by limiting the ability of local agencies to reconsider or cancel projects once they have substantially progressed. The bill prohibits cities and counties from reopening projects after they have reached approximately 90% design or after construction has been authorized, except under limited circumstances. It also modernizes the State's Pedestrian Mall Law, expands CEQA exemptions for pedestrian mall projects, and limits local petition requirements for traffic-calming improvements.
For cities, the bill would provide greater certainty for delivering active transportation projects and reduce delays for grant-funded improvements. However, it also limits local discretion by restricting the ability of elected officials to revisit projects in response to community concerns after significant project development has occurred.
The League of California Cities currently has an oppose unless amended position on this bill and are requesting amendments to AB 1976 that would preserve local authority and existing protections while still allowing pedestrian and bicycle safety projects to move forward efficiently. Specifically, they want cities and counties to retain the ability to conduct project-specific public outreach even when a project has already been included in an approved planning document, maintain appropriate environmental review requirements, and preserve existing authority under the Pedestrian Mall Law of 1960 to levy assessments for the maintenance, operation, repair, and improvement of pedestrian malls. They also seek to maintain local discretion to pause, modify, or terminate projects after construction has been authorized when circumstances such as costs, funding, or community impacts change, rather than requiring local agencies to satisfy a state-imposed evidentiary standard.
Support:
AARP, Active San Gabriel Valley, California Yimby, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, South Pas Active Streets, Spur, Streets for All, Sustainable Claremont, Transform, Walk San Francisco Opposition:
California Contract Cities Association, California State Association of Counties, County of Fresno, League of California Cities, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), Urban Counties Caucus
Status:
The bill is now on the Senate Floor and was ordered to a third reading on August 4, 2026.
Legislative Platform:
This bill falls under the Local Authority section Page 4, Item #1, “Oppose legislation that may reduce municipal authority, with an emphasis on land use policy, local review, and design standards,” and Item #2, “Oppose preemption of local authority.” Recommended Action:
Adopt an opposition unless amended position on AB 1976 and authorize the Mayor to send letters to the State Legislature.