Cities Index.
Agenda packet, regular meeting

San Mateo City Council
June 1, 2026

Document
Agenda packet, regular meeting
Meeting
June 1, 2026
Body
San Mateo City Council
Original file
91.9 MB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on sanmateo.primegov.com. That file is the official record.

The Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund accounts for charges to user departments to fund the replacement of vehicles and equipment. This includes vehicles, computers, radios, furniture, and other major equipment. Funds for future replacement are collected while vehicles and equipment are in service so that when it is time for replacement, adequate funds are available.

Accumulated fund balance in this fund is estimated to be over $8 million at the end of fiscal year 2025-26. Unlike the Fleet and Building Maintenance Fund, which is entirely an operating fund and doesn't require a significant fund balance, the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund should have a significant fund balance by nature. Because of that, funds will accumulate over time for replacement.

This fund collects annually from the operating departments, so it is also important that the amount of available fund balance considers this. To that end, a long-term spending plan is an important tool for managing this type of fund. Understanding spending needs over the short- and long-term and factoring in fund balance allows the City to set a collection amount that ensures funding is available when vehicles and equipment need to be replaced, but does not maintain such a large fund balance that creates an unneccesary burden on the other funds, particularly the General Fund. This five-year plan captures the long-term spending plans for each of the replacement categories, and sets future collections to ensure funding for replacements is available and fund balance is set at an appropriate level.

The five-year plan further captures a portion of the fund balance that is reserved for major building component replacements. Since 2017-18, the General Fund has transferred $410,000 each year to this reserve and in 2022-23, the Sewer Fund contributed $294,000.

As the reserve balance reaches an appropriate level and major building replacement projects are identified, the accumulated funds will be utilized to fund the projects through a transfer to the Capital Projects Fund, and this plan will be updated accordingly.

The Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund accounts for charges to user departments to fund the replacement of vehicles and equipment. This includes vehicles, computers, radios, furniture, and other major equipment. Funds for future replacement are collected while vehicles and equipment are in service so that when it is time for replacement, adequate funds are available. Accumulated fund balance in this fund is estimated to be over $6.8 million at the end of fiscal year 2026-27. Unlike the Fleet and Building Maintenance Fund, which is entirely an operating fund and doesn't require a significant fund balance, the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund typically has a significant fund balance by nature. This is because it is designed to cover large, infrequent capital expenditures. As a result, funds will accumulate over time for replacement.

This fund collects annually from the operating departments, an important consideration to balance against the amount of available fund balance. As such, a long-term spending plan is an important tool for managing this type of fund. Understanding spending needs over the short- and long-term and factoring in fund balance allows the City to set a collection amount that ensures funding is available when vehicles and equipment need to be replaced, but does not unecessarily burden other funds, particularly the General Fund. This five-year plan captures the long-term spending plans for each of the replacement categories, and sets future collections to ensure funding for replacements is available and fund balance is set at an appropriate level.

The five-year plan further captures a portion of the fund balance that is reserved for major building component replacements. Since 2017-18, the General Fund has transferred $410,000 each year to this reserve. As the reserve balance reaches an appropriate level and major building replacement projects are identified, the accumulated funds will be utilized to fund the projects through a transfer to the Capital Projects Fund, and this plan will be updated accordingly. 72 393 of 510

Fleet and Building Maintenance
Fleet and Building Maintenance 2024-25
Actuals
2025-26
Estimated
Actuals
2026-27
Proposed
Budget
2027-28
Projected
Budget
2028-29
Forecast
2029-30
Forecast
2030-31
Forecast
Beginning Fund Balance 196 $ 12 $ 418 $ 132 $ 232 $ 326 $ 363 $ Revenues
Charges to Dept. - Building 3,566 $ 3,816 $ 4,197 $ 4,617 $ 4,617 $ 4,617 $ 4,617 $ Charges to Dept. - Fleet 1,997 2,000 2,117 2,223 2,334 2,451 2,573 Other Revenues 1 8 8 8 8 8 8 Total Revenues 5,564 $ 5,823 $ 6,322 $ 6,847 $ 6,958 $ 7,075 $ 7,198 $ Expenses
Personnel 1,879 $ 2,186 $ 2,188 $ 2,232 $ 2,276 $ 2,322 $ 2,368 $ Operating 3,397 3,156 3,680 3,778 3,827 3,933 4,041 Indirect & Overhead 471 485 740 739 761 784 807 Total Expenses 5,747 $ 5,827 $ 6,608 $ 6,748 $ 6,864 $ 7,038 $ 7,217 $ Transfer In - $ 410$ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ Ending Fund Balance 12 $ 418$ 132$ 232$ 326$ 363$ 344$ Values are shown in thousands.

The Fleet and Building Maintenance Fund accounts for charges to user departments and the related expenses for maintaining City vehicles and facilities. This fund is primarily operational, with vehicle and equipment replacement costs tracked separately in a dedicated internal service fund. As such, charges to user departments should be set to closely match anticipated expenses, and there is generally no need to maintain a large fund balance. In recent years, expenses have outpaced revenues, prompting a gradual increase in departmental charges to ensure the fund remains financially stable and maintains an ap propriate level of reserves. 73 394 of 510

Benefits Fund
Benefits 2024-25
Actuals
2025-26
Estimated
Actuals
2026-27
Proposed
Budget
2027-28
Projected
Budget
2028-29
Forecast
2029-30
Forecast
2030-31
Forecast
Beginning Fund Balance 1,084 $ 1,621 $ 2,257 $ 2,577 $ 2,943 $ 3,356 $ 3,821 $ Revenues
Internal Service Charge - Pension 30,340 $ 31,727 $ 33,396 $ 34,100 $ 36,478 $ 36,892 $ 37,182 $ Internal Service Charge - Social
Security/Medicare 3,889 4,107 4,271 4,399 4,531 4,667 4,807 Internal Service Charge - Healthcare 10,142 11,462 11,641 12,354 13,144 13,985 14,881 Internal Service Charge - Severance Tru 1,395 1,505 1,500 1,575 1,654 1,737 1,824 Internal Service Charge - Other 3,059 3,205 3,327 3,387 3,448 3,510 3,575 Total Revenues 48,825 $ 52,005 $ 54,135 $ 55,815 $ 59,255 $ 60,792 $ 62,269 $ Expenses
Pension 30,359 $ 31,747 $ 33,396 $ 34,100 $ 36,478 $ 36,892 $ 37,182 $ Social Security/Medicare 3,889 4,170 4,271 4,399 4,531 4,667 4,807 Healthcare 10,264 11,411 11,560 12,273 13,063 13,905 14,800 Severance Trust 847
867 1,298 1,324 1,350 1,377 1,405 Other 2,929 3,174 3,289 3,353 3,419 3,486 3,555 Total Expenses 48,289$ 51,369$ 53,814$ 55,450$ 58,841$ 60,327$ 61,750$ Ending Fund Balance 1,621$ 2,257$ 2,577$ 2,943$ 3,356$ 3,821$ 4,341$ Values are shown in thousands.

The Benefits Fund accounts for the collection of funds from operating departments to cove r the cost of employee benefits. The expenses covered by this fund include pension, social security/medicare, retiree healthcare, the City's payment for medical premiums for active employees, funding for the severance trust (to pay for the cashout of unused vacation to employees who retire or otherwise leave the City), as well as a few other benefit costs, such as life insurance and long-term disability insurance. In some cases, the cost of providing these benefits is known and collections can be set accordingly. For example, th e normal cost of pensions is set as a percentage of pay, so collections can be set based on that percentage of pay. In other cases, such as for the funding of the se verance trust, the cost is an estimate based on historical actuals, but will fluctuate annually based on different factors. Thus, to accommodate the fluctuation of ex penses like those related to the severance trust, the fund should maintain some level of fund balance. To that end, collections for the various components of this fund ha ve been set to collect costs to fund the programs adequately while maintaining a level of fund balance that allows for the year-over-year fluctuations without requiring a transfer from the General Fund.

The largest expense category in this fund is related to pension expenses. As discussed in detail in the Budget Overview section of the budget document, pension expenses are expected to increase significantly over the next five years as the result of a number of factors. These increases will continue to put pressure on the operating funds, as a larger and larger percentage of the bu dget will be required to cover pension cost increases.

After the transfer of the City's fire operations to SMC Fire in FY 2018-19, the former fire department employees' unfunded pension liability and retiree health benefits remained the City's responsibility, as those costs are attributable to years of service to the City, with the exception of the Bureau of Fire Protection and Life Safety (Bureau). These legacy costs are transferred from the General Fund and administered through this fund. Bureau activities are designed to be full cost recovery, so with the transition to SMC Fire, legacy pension costs for former Bureau personnel are the responsibility of SMC Fire.

Staff continue to monitor and adjust the collection rates for futu re years in the five-year plan. The long-term forecast has th e fund building up its fund balance gradually.

Actual expenses will be analyzed over time and annual collections will be adjusted accordingly. 74 395 of 510

Dental Fund
Dental 2024-25
Actuals
2025-26
Estimated
Actuals
2026-27
Proposed
Budget
2027-28
Projected
Budget
2028-29
Forecast
2029-30
Forecast
2030-31
Forecast
Beginning Fund Balance 935 $ 962 $ 1,315 $ 1,629 $ 1,944 $ 2,260 $ 2,576 $ Revenues
Internal Service Charges 843 $ 1,184 $ 1,202 $ 1,238 $ 1,275 $ 1,313 $ 1,352 $ Total Revenues 843 $ 1,184 $ 1,202 $ 1,238 $ 1,275 $ 1,313 $ 1,352 $ Expenses
Insurance Premiums 815 $ 831 $ 888 $ 923 $ 959 $ 997 $ 1,036 $ Total Expenses 815 $ 831 $ 888 $ 923 $ 959 $ 997 $ 1,036 $ Ending Fund Balance 962 $ 1,315 $ 1,629 $ 1,944 $ 2,260 $ 2,576 $ 2,892 $ Values are shown in thousands.

The Dental Self-Insurance Fund accounts for the City's self-insurance activities related to the dental plan the City provides its employees. Collections for this fund are made by charging departments a flat amount for each employee. Expen ses in this fund consist almost entirely of the premiums the City pays on behalf of its employees for dental coverage. As actual expenses are analyzed over time, annual collections amounts will be adjusted accordingly. 75 396 of 510

Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund
Workers' Compensation Insurance 2024-25
Actuals
2025-26
Estimated
Actuals
2026-27
Proposed
Budget
2027-28
Projected
Budget
2028-29
Forecast
2029-30
Forecast
2030-31
Forecast
Beginning Fund Balance 7,595$ 9,081$ 9,816$ 5,502$ 4,242$ 3,008$ 1,819$ Revenues
Interest Earnings 938$ 400$ 400$ 400$ 400$ 400$ 400$ Internal Service Charges 4,380 2,671 2,700 2,781 2,864 2,950 3,039 Total Revenues 5,318$ 3,071$ 3,100$ 3,181$ 3,264$ 3,350$ 3,439$ Expenses
Personnel 434$ 552$ 780$ 803$ 827$ 852$ 877$ Operating 676 743 1,003 1,003 1,033 1,045 1,057 Claims 598 913 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 Indirect Costs 123 127 131 135 139 143 147 Total Expenses 1,831$ 2,336$ 4,414$ 4,441$ 4,499$ 4,540$ 4,581$ Transfer Out 2,000$ -$ 3,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Ending Fund Balance 9,081$ 9,816$ 5,502$ 4,242$ 3,008$ 1,819$ 676$
Values are shown in thousands.

The Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund accounts for all workers' compensation self-insurance activities. This includes the cost of claims, insurance, legal and other professional services, and program administration. The total cost of claims constitutes the largest expense in this fund. Workers' compensation expenses can fluctuate significantly year-over-year based on the total cost of claims, which includes any adjustments to the total liability of the fund due to actuarially-determined changes in experience. Over the past 10 years, total expenses (excluding acturial accounting adjustment) have been as high as $4.3 million and as low as $1.6 million.

Funding for the Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund comes from collections from all of the operations across all funds that include personnel. Departments are charged a percentage of pay for each employee, and the amount of the charge depends on the type of employee. Positions that historically have higher workers' compensation experience, such as sworn-in police employees, are charged a higher rate than positions with historically lower experience. Collections from departments are set in an effort to ensure adequate funding for this program, including having funds set aside in reserve to cover years where claims expenses are unusually high.

The Fund has built up a healthy balance in recent years. As such, excess fund balance of $3.0 million will be transferred to support the Comprehensive Liability Fund in fiscal year 2026-27.

When the City transferred its fire operations to San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire), the department established its own Worker's Compensation Fund.

However, claims that were incurred while the Fire employees were City employees will remain in this fund and continue to be the City's responsiblility, with the exception of former Fire personnel that served in the Bureau of Fire Protection and Life Safety (Bureau), as it is a cost recovery program. While SMC Fire has paid the City for the present value of former Bureau legacy workers' compensation, which reflects open claims and claims that have been closed since SMC Fire commencement of operations, updated analysis and cost assignment may be needed as updated actuarial studies are performed in subsequent fiscal years. To that end, the City will prepare an annual analysis to 1) compare actuarial assumptions to the current actuarial study, including the discount rate or cost of healthcare, 2) evaluate new claims if the City is assigned proportional responsiblity. 76 397 of 510

Comprehensive Liability Insurance Fund
Comprehensive Liability Insurance 2024-25
Actuals
2025-26
Estimated
Actuals
2026-27
Proposed
Budget
2027-28
Projected
Budget
2028-29
Forecast
2029-30
Forecast
2029-30
Forecast
Beginning Fund Balance (2,423)$ (2,639)$ (3,218)$ 442$ 1,260$ 1,866$ 2,323$ Revenues
Interfund Charges 3,700$ 6,300$ 6,750$ 7,425$ 7,796$ 8,186$ 8,595$ Investment/Interest Earnings 120 - - - - - - Misc. Revenues 15 32 - - - - - Total Revenues 3,834$ 6,332$ 6,750$ 7,425$ 7,796$ 8,186$ 8,595$ Expenses
Personnel 199$ 183$ 189$ 194$ 201$ 207$ 213$ Insurance Premiums 3,109 4,100 5,000 5,500 6,000 6,500 7,000 Claims 133 1,100 250 250 250 250 250 Attorney's Fees 984 784 430 430 500 525 551 Other Costs 320 534 221 232 239 247 255 Actuarial Adjustment 1,305
211 - - - - - Total Expenses 6,049$ 6,912$ 6,090$ 6,607$ 7,190$ 7,729$ 8,269$ Transfer In 2,000$ -$ 3,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Ending Fund Balance (2,639)$ (3,218)$ 442$ 1,260$ 1,866$ 2,323$ 2,649$ Values are shown in thousands.

The Comprehensive Liability Insurance Fund accounts for the City's general liability program. Expenses in this fund primarily consist of insurance premiums, the cost of claims, legal and other professional services, and program administration.

For FY 2026-27, this program is budgeted at $6.8 million, an increase of $1.6 million from the prior year, primarily due to rising insurance premiums. Over the past ten years, the City's general liability insurance premium has increased by an average 26% annually, rising from $0.6 million in FY 2016-17 to the projected $5.0 million in 2026-27. If this trend continues, insurance premiums could reach $6.0 ~ $7.0 million by 2029-30, pushing the total program costs beyond $8.0 million annually.

Although interfund charges (cost recovery revenues) have been increased, more may be needed to cover future costs.

To help stabilize the fund, the City redirected $3 million in one-time support that was originally allocated to the Workers’ Compensation Fund (Fund 870) to the Comprehensive Liability Fund (Fund 880).

The California public entity insurance marketplace has been changing dramatically in recent years, and public agencies throughout the state are seeing a significant increase in plaintiff demands and high dollar liability claims. Areas of concern include wildfires, dangerous conditions, road design, intersections, sidewalks, and public safety services. Future insurance costs will be determined by the loss run experience for the City’s General Liability Program. It is anticipated that insurance premiums will remain high for the next few years before any reduction is seen. 77 398 of 510

Five- Year Capital
Improvement Program
78 399 of 510

Funded Projects

PROJECT NAME
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28
PLAN
2028-29
PLAN
2029-30
PLAN
2030-31
PLAN
5-Year
TOTAL
101/92 MULTI-MODAL (FASHION ISLAND CLASS IV BIKE LANE) 613,636$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 613,636$ 41ST AVE/PACIFIC BLVD TRASH CAPTURE 50,000 - - - - 50,000 ADA COMPLIANCE AND TRANSITION PLANNING 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS & BARNESON INTERSECTION SAFETY OPTIMIZATION - 150,000 700,000 - 850,000 ANNUAL SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION 9,000,000 10,350,000 9,000,000 8,755,000 9,850,000 46,955,000 BERESFORD PARK SITE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 - - - - 100,000 BIKE SAN MATEO PROGRAM - - 500,000 500,000 400,000 1,400,000 CENTRAL PARK - (550,000) - - - (550,000) CENTRAL PARK TENNIS COURTS - 200,000 200,000 - - 400,000 CITYWIDE BICYCLE PARKING - 10,000 10,000 - - 20,000 CITYWIDE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 375,000 CITYWIDE EMERGENCY FIELD LIGHTING 120,000 120,000 120,000 - - 360,000 CITYWIDE FACILITY INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 2,000,000 CITYWIDE FACILITY ROOF REPLACEMENTS 600,000 1,300,000 600,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 5,000,000 CITYWIDE FACILITY WATERPROOFING IMPROVEMENTS 500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 4,500,000 CITYWIDE FENCE IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 CITYWIDE FIRE - INTRUSION ALARM SYSTEM UPGRADE 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,250,000 CITYWIDE HVAC & PLUMBING IMPROVEMENTS 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,250,000 CITYWIDE PICNIC AREA IMPROVEMENTS 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 CITYWIDE PLAY COURT RESURFACING 150,000 350,000 350,000 350,000 350,000 1,550,000 CITYWIDE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM - 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 800,000 CITYWIDE SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM 265,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 865,000 CITYWIDE SIGN INVENTORY AND REPLACEMENT - 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 400,000 CITYWIDE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PACKAGE III (2,000,000) - - - - (2,000,000) CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PACKAGE II (130,000) - - - - (130,000) CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM 10,348,000 8,393,000 8,403,000 8,503,000 8,503,000 44,150,000 CITYWIDE TRAFFIC CALMING 100,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 - 700,000 CITYWIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL RETIMING 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 125,000 CLEAN WATER PROGRAM (CWP) WWTP ANNUAL MAJOR COMPONENTS 8,200,000 - - - - 8,200,000 COLLECTION SYSTEM ODOR CONTROL 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,000,000 COLUMBIA DRIVE AND CRYSTAL SPRINGS ROAD STORM DRAIN CHANNEL (150,000) - - - - (150,000) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS 443,108 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 2,243,108 COMPREHENSIVE RECREATION AND AQUATIC FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT 250,000 - - - - 250,000 CORP YARD MISC IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 CORPORATION YARD PAVING - 500,000 - - - 500,000 DALE AVENUE PUMP STATION H2O2 SYSTEM - 300,000 - - - 300,000 DALE AVENUE PUMP STATION WET WELL MIXER - 500,000 - - - 500,000 DOWNTOWN PARKING ANALYSIS 250,000 - - - - 250,000 DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENTS (700,000) 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 (300,000) DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS 17,537 - - - - 17,537 E 3RD/NORFOLK INTERSECTION RECONSTRUCTION 6,892 - - - - 6,892 ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 1,500,000 3,500,000 EMERGENCY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM UPGRADE 175,000 - - - - 175,000 FIRE STATION 25 TRAFFIC SUBSTATION IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 - - - - 100,000 GOLF BUNKERS 400,000 - - - - 400,000 GOLF IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS & MAINLINE - 50,000 - - - 50,000 GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM 750,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,550,000 HIGH PRIORITY STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS 2,250,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 14,250,000 HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL/31ST AVENUE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - 700,000 - - - 700,000 J
APANESE GARDEN REPAIR - 500,000 250,000 - - 750,000 KING RECREATION & SWIM CENTER 4,000,000 - - - - 4,000,000 LAKESHORE COMMUNITY CENTER - 1,200,000 - - - 1,200,000 LAURELWOOD PARK PLAYGROUND - 50,000 1,000,000 - - 1,050,000 LAURELWOOD PARK RETAINING WALL REPAIR - 1,000,000 1,000,000 - - 2,000,000 LOCAL ROADWAY SAFETY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 749,600 345,000 805,000 665,000 485,000 3,049,600 MARINA LIBRARY STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS 400,000 - - - - 400,000 MLK JR PARK PLAYGROUND - 75,000 1,000,000 - - 1,075,000 NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 NEW FIRE STATION 27 2,200,000 - - - - 2,200,000 NORFOLK AND ROBERTA INTERSECTION SAFETY AND CONGESTION RELIEF PROJECT - 150,000 700,000 - 850,000 PARK CITYWIDE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT - PUBLIC WORKS 350,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 2,150,000 PARKING LOT RESURFACING (SHORELINE/LAKESHORE/LOS PRADOS/BERESFORD) 300,000 300,000 300,000 - - 900,000 PARKS AMENITIES ASSESEMENT - - - 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 PARKS IRRIGATION CONTROLLER UPGRADE 80,000 - - - - 80,000 PENINSULA/DELAWARE INTERSECTION SAFETY IMPROVEMENT 150,000 - - - - 150,000 PUMP STATION AND FORCE MAIN CONDITION ASSESSMENT 350,000 - - - - 350,000 QUICK BUILD MOBILITY PROGRAM 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,000,000 REAL TIME INFORMATION CENTER - 550,000 - - - 550,000 RECREATION CENTER BACKUP GENERATOR CONNECTION 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 REGIONAL AND CITYWIDE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 125,000 ROOT FOAMING 450,000 750,000 450,000 775,000 500,000 2,925,000 RYDER PARK WATER FEATURE FILTRATION SYSTEM 50,000 - - - 1,000,000 1,050,000 79 400 of 510

Funded Projects

PROJECT NAME
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28
PLAN
2028-29
PLAN
2029-30
PLAN
2030-31
PLAN
5-Year
TOTAL
SANITARY SEWER CCTV INSPECTION PROGRAM 1,000,000 950,000 900,000 1,200,000 1,500,000 5,550,000 SANITARY SEWER FLOW MONITORING & REPORTING 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 625,000 SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 25,000,000 SANITARY SEWER MASTER PLAN 350,000 200,000 - - - 550,000 SANITARY SEWER PUMP STATION UPGRADES 5,300,000 5,500,000 5,600,000 5,800,000 6,000,000 28,200,000 SEAL POINT PARK POND H2S INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIATION 80,000 - - - - 80,000 SKATE PLAZA UPDATES 250,000 - - - - 250,000 SPORTS FIELDS CONVERSION: SYNTHETIC TURF (354,323) - - - - (354,323) STORM SYSTEM MINOR REPAIR 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,250,000 STORMWATER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 SYNTHETIC FIELD REPLACEMENT 700,000 - 100,000 2,000,000 600,000 3,400,000 TMDL ENHANCED PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 12,500,000 TRAIN QUIET ZONE 300,000 - - - - 300,000 TRASH CAPTURE AT POPLAR AND GOLF COURSE (50,000) - - - - (50,000) TREE PLANTING - PARKS DIVISION 175,000 175,000 175,000 175,000 175,000 875,000 TRFIC IMPRVMENTS- ECR/CRYSTAL SPRINGS RD (17,537) - - - - (17,537) TRINTA PARK PLAYGROUND 50,000 500,000 - - - 550,000 WASHINGTON PARK PLAYGROUND 50,000 900,000 - - - 950,000 WWTP SLUDGE HEAT EXCHANGERS REPLACEMENT - - 2,000,000 - - 2,000,000 WWTP ANNUAL DEMO AND SALVAGE OF ABANDONED EQUIP. - - - - 2,000,000 2,000,000 WWTP ANNUAL UPGRADE OF ELECTICAL WIRING - 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 5,200,000 WWTP CENTRIFUGE REPLACEMENT - - 3,000,000 3,900,000 - 6,900,000 WWTP COVERT OLD ADMIN BUILDING - - - - 1,500,000 1,500,000 WWTP DAFT REPLACEMENT 5,000,000 7,700,000 5,000,000 - - 17,700,000 WWTP DIGESTER 1 REPAIRS 1,000,000 3,400,000 - - - 4,400,000 WWTP DIURNAL EQUALIZATION IMPROVEMENTS - - - - 1,300,000 1,300,000 WWTP DIURNAL FLOW EQUALIZATION STUDY - - - 300,000 - 300,000 WWTP EFFLUENT PUMP STATION VFDS AND MISC. IMPS. - - 1,000,000 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 WWTP ELECTRICAL CART SHED - - - - 800,000 800,000 WWTP MISC. CONCRETE REPAIRS - MAIN STRUCTURE, BASINS AND DECKS 200,000 600,000 - - - 800,000 WWTP NEW DIGESTER 3 - 3,000,000 7,000,000 15,000,000 15,000,000 40,000,000 WWTP PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - 500,000 3,100,000 - - 3,600,000 WWTP POLYMER INJECTION 700,000 - - - - 700,000 WWTP SOLIDS HANDLING BLDG FLOOR DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS - 500,000 1,000,000 - - 1,500,000 WWTP SOLIDS HANDLING BLDG FLOOR DRAIN STUDY - 500,000 - - - 500,000 WWTP SOLIDS INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 400,000 400,000 - - - 800,000 WWTP WATERLINE REPLACEMENTS - - - 1,200,000 1,200,000 2,400,000 Grand Total 66,271,913$ 69,618,000$ 70,363,000$ 72,523,000$ 70,463,000$ 349,238,913$ 80 401 of 510

CIP Projects by Category

PROJECT NAME
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28
PLAN
2028-29
PLAN
2029-30
PLAN
2030-31
PLAN
5-Year
TOTAL
Bikeway/Pedestrian
101/92 MULTI-MODAL (FASHION ISLAND CLASS IV BIKE LANE) 613,636$ - $ - $ - $ - $ 613,636$ ADA COMPLIANCE AND TRANSITION PLANNING 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 BIKE SAN MATEO PROGRAM - - 500,000 500,000 400,000 1,400,000 CITYWIDE BICYCLE PARKING - 10,000 10,000 - - 20,000 CITYWIDE SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM 265,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 865,000 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS 443,108 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 2,243,108 E 3RD/NORFOLK INTERSECTION RECONSTRUCTION 6,892 - - - - 6,892 HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL/31ST AVENUE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - 700,000 - - - 700,000 QUICK BUILD MOBILITY PROGRAM 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,000,000 Bikeway/Pedestrian 1,578,636$ 1,560,000$ 1,360,000$ 1,350,000$ 1,250,000$ 7,098,636$ Bridges
CITYWIDE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000$ 375,000$ Bridges Total 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000$ 375,000$ Buildings
CITYWIDE EMERGENCY FIELD LIGHTING 120,000$ 120,000$ 120,000$ -$ -$ 360,000$ CITYWIDE FACILITY INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 2,000,000 CITYWIDE FACILITY ROOF REPLACEMENTS 600,000 1,300,000 600,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 5,000,000 CITYWIDE FACILITY WATERPROOFING IMPROVEMENTS 500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 4,500,000 CITYWIDE FENCE IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 CITYWIDE FIRE - INTRUSION ALARM SYSTEM UPGRADE 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,250,000 CITYWIDE HVAC & PLUMBING IMPROVEMENTS 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,250,000 CITYWIDE PICNIC AREA IMPROVEMENTS 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 CITYWIDE PLAY COURT RESURFACING 150,000 350,000 350,000 350,000 350,000 1,550,000 CORP YARD MISC IMPROVEMENTS 100,000
100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 CORPORATION YARD PAVING - 500,000 - - - 500,000 DOWNTOWN PARKING ANALYSIS 250,000 - - - - 250,000 DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENTS (700,000) 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 (300,000) ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 1,500,000 3,500,000 KING RECREATION & SWIM CENTER 4,000,000 - - - - 4,000,000 LAKESHORE COMMUNITY CENTER - 1,200,000 - - - 1,200,000 MARINA LIBRARY STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS 400,000 - - - - 400,000 NEW FIRE STATION 27 2,200,000 - - - - 2,200,000

PARKING LOT RESURFACING (SHORELINE/LAKESHORE/LOS
PRADOS/BERESFORD) 300,000 300,000 300,000 - - 900,000 RECREATION CENTER BACKUP GENERATOR CONNECTION 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 Buildings Total 9,520,000$
6,570,000$ 4,170,000$ 4,650,000$ 5,150,000$ 30,060,000$ Misc/Other
EMERGENCY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM UPGRADE 175,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 175,000$ FIRE STATION 25 TRAFFIC SUBSTATION IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 - - - - 100,000 LAURELWOOD PARK RETAINING WALL REPAIR - 1,000,000 1,000,000 - - 2,000,000 REAL TIME INFORMATION CENTER - 550,000 - - - 550,000 SEAL POINT PARK POND H2S INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIATION 80,000 - - - - 80,000 TRAIN QUIET ZONE 300,000 - - - - 300,000 Misc/Other Total 655,000$ 1,550,000$ 1,000,000$ -$ -$ 3,205,000$ Parks
BERESFORD PARK SITE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS 100,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 100,000$ CENTRAL PARK - (550,000) - - - (550,000) CENTRAL PARK TENNIS COURTS - 200,000 200,000 - - 400,000 COMPREHENSIVE RECREATION AND AQUATIC FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT 250,000 - - - - 250,000 GOLF BUNKERS 400,000 - - - 400,000 GOLF IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS & MAINLINE - 50,000 - - - 50,000 JAPANESE GARDEN REPAIR - 500,000 250,000 - - 750,000 LAURELWOOD PARK PLAYGROUND - 50,000 1,000,000 - - 1,050,000 MLK JR PARK PLAYGROUND - 75,000 1,000,000 - - 1,075,000 PARK CITYWIDE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT - PUBLIC WORKS 350,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 2,150,000 PARKS AMENITIES ASSESEMENT - - - 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 PARKS IRRIGATION CONTROLLER UPGRADE 80,000 - - - - 80,000 RYDER PARK WATER FEATURE FILTRATION SYSTEM 50,000 - - - 1,000,000 1,050,000 SKATE PLAZA UPDATES 250,000 - - - - 250,000 SPORTS FIELDS CONVERSION: SYNTHETIC TURF (354,323) - - - - (354,323) SYNTHETIC FIELD REPLACEMENT 700,000 - 100,000 2,000,000 600,000 3,400,000 81 402 of 510

CIP Projects by Category

PROJECT NAME
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28
PLAN
2028-29
PLAN
2029-30
PLAN
2030-31
PLAN
5-Year
TOTAL
Parks (Continued)
TREE PLANTING - PARKS DIVISION 175,000$ 175,000 $ 175,000 $ 175,000 $ 175,000 $ 875,000$ TRINTA PARK PLAYGROUND 50,000 500,000 - - - 550,000 WASHINGTON PARK PLAYGROUND 50,000 900,000 - - - 950,000 Parks Total 2,100,677$ 2,350,000$ 3,175,000$ 3,625,000$ 2,225,000$ 13,475,677$ Sewer
ANNUAL SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION 9,000,000$ 10,350,000$ 9,000,000$ 8,755,000$ 9,850,000$ 46,955,000$ CLEAN WATER PROGRAM (CWP) WWTP ANNUAL MAJOR COMPONENTS 8,200,000 - - - - 8,200,000 COLLECTION SYSTEM ODOR CONTROL 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,000,000 DALE AVENUE PUMP STATION H2O2 SYSTEM - 300,000 - - - 300,000 DALE AVENUE PUMP STATION WET WELL MIXER - 500,000 - - - 500,000 PUMP STATION AND FORCE MAIN CONDITION ASSESSMENT 350,000 - - - - 350,000

ROOT FOAMING 450,000 750,000 450,000 775,000 500,000 2,925,000 SANITARY SEWER CCTV INSPECTION PROGRAM 1,000,000 950,000 900,000 1,200,000 1,500,000 5,550,000 SANITARY SEWER FLOW MONITORING & REPORTING 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 625,000 SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 25,000,000 SANITARY SEWER MASTER PLAN 350,000 200,000 - - - 550,000 SANITARY SEWER PUMP STATION UPGRADES 5,300,000 5,500,000 5,600,000 5,800,000 6,000,000 28,200,000 TMDL ENHANCED PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 12,500,000 WWTP SLUDGE HEAT EXCHANGERS REPLACEMENT - - 2,000,000 - - 2,000,000 WWTP ANNUAL DEMO AND SALVAGE OF ABANDONED EQUIP. - - - - 2,000,000 2,000,000 WWTP ANNUAL UPGRADE OF ELECTICAL WIRING - 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 5,200,000 WWTP CENTRIFUGE REPLACEMENT - - 3,000,000 3,900,000 - 6,900,000

WWTP COVERT OLD ADMIN BUILDING -
- - - 1,500,000 1,500,000 WWTP DAFT REPLACEMENT 5,000,000 7,700,000 5,000,000 - - 17,700,000 WWTP DIGESTER 1 REPAIRS 1,000,000 3,400,000 - - - 4,400,000 WWTP DIURNAL EQUALIZATION IMPROVEMENTS - - - - 1,300,000 1,300,000 WWTP DIURNAL FLOW EQUALIZATION STUDY - - - 300,000 - 300,000 WWTP EFFLUENT PUMP STATION VFDS AND MISC. IMPS. - - 1,000,000 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 WWTP ELECTRICAL CART SHED - - - - 800,000 800,000 WWTP MISC. CONCRETE REPAIRS - MAIN STRUCTURE, BASINS AND DECKS 200,000 600,000 - - - 800,000 WWTP NEW DIGESTER 3 - 3,000,000 7,000,000 15,000,000 15,000,000 40,000,000 WWTP PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - 500,000 3,100,000 - - 3,600,000 WWTP POLYMER INJECTION 700,000 - - - - 700,000 WWTP SOLIDS HANDLING BLDG FLOOR DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS - 500,000 1,000,000 - - 1,500,000 WWTP SOLIDS HANDLING BLDG FLOOR DRAIN STUDY - 500,000 - - - 500,000 WWTP SOLIDS INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 400,000 400,000 - - - 800,000 WWTP WATERLINE REPLACEMENTS - - - 1,200,000 1,200,000 2,400,000 Sewer Total 39,775,000$ 44,275,000$ 47,175,000$ 48,055,000$ 48,775,000$ 228,055,000$ Stormwater
41ST AVE/PACIFIC BLVD TRASH CAPTURE 50,000$ - - - - 50,000$ COLUMBIA DRIVE AND CRYSTAL SPRINGS ROAD STORM DRAIN CHANNEL (150,000) - - - - (150,000) GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM 750,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,550,000 HIGH PRIORITY STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS 2,250,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 14,250,000 STORM SYSTEM MINOR REPAIR 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,250,000 STORMWATER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 TRASH CAPTURE AT POPLAR AND GOLF COURSE (50,000) - - - - (50,000) Stormwater Total 3,200,000$ 3,550,000$ 3,550,000$ 3,550,000$ 3,550,000$ 17,400,000$ Streets
CITYWIDE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PACKAGE III (2,000,000)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (2,000,000)$ CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PACKAGE II (130,000) - - - - (130,000) CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM 10,348,000 8,393,000 8,403,000 8,503,000 8,503,000 44,150,000 LOCAL ROADWAY SAFETY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 749,600 345,000 805,000 665,000 485,000 3,049,600 Streets Total 8,967,600$ 8,738,000$ 9,208,000$ 9,168,000$ 8,988,000$ 45,069,600$ Traffic
ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS & BARNESON INTERSECTION SAFETY OPTIMIZATION -$ 150,000$ -$ 700,000$ -$ 850,000$ CITYWIDE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM - 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 800,000 CITYWIDE SIGN INVENTORY AND REPLACEMENT - 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 400,000 CITYWIDE TRAFFIC CALMING 100,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 - 700,000 CITYWIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL RETIMING 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 125,000 DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS 17,537 - - - - 17,537 NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 82 403 of 510

CIP Projects by Category

PROJECT NAME
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28
PLAN
2028-29
PLAN
2029-30
PLAN
2030-31
PLAN
5-Year
TOTAL
Traffic (Continued)

NORFOLK AND ROBERTA INTERSECTION SAFETY AND CONGESTION RELIEF PROJECT -$ 150,000$ - $ 700,000$ - $ 850,000$ PENINSULA/DELAWARE INTERSECTION SAFETY IMPROVEMENT 150,000 - - - - 150,000 REGIONAL AND CITYWIDE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 125,000 TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS- ECR/CRYSTAL SPRINGS RD (17,537) - - - - (17,537) Traffic Total 400,000$ 950,000 $ 650,000 $ 2,050,000$ 450,000 $ 4,500,000$ Grand Total 66,271,913$ 69,618,000 $ 70,363,000 $ 72,523,000 $ 70,463,000 $ 349,238,913 $ 83 404 of 510

CIP Projects by Funding Source

PROJECT NAME
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28
PLAN
2028-29
PLAN
2029-30
PLAN
2030-31
PLAN
5-Year
TOTAL
Gas Tax
CITYWIDE BICYCLE PARKING -$ 10,000$ 10,000 $ - $ - $ 20,000$ CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM 2,193,000 1,293,000 1,303,000 1,303,000 1,303,000 7,395,000 Gas Tax Total 2,193,000$ 1,303,000 $ 1,313,000 $ 1,303,000 $ 1,303,000 $ 7,415,000 $ General Fund
ADA COMPLIANCE AND TRANSITION PLANNING 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 250,000$ BERESFORD PARK SITE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 - - - - 100,000 CITYWIDE EMERGENCY FIELD LIGHTING 120,000 120,000 120,000 - - 360,000 CITYWIDE FACILITY INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS - 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 1,600,000 CITYWIDE FACILITY WATERPROOFING IMPROVEMENTS 500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 4,500,000 CITYWIDE FENCE IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 CITYWIDE FIRE - INTRUSION ALARM SYSTEM UPGRADE 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,250,000 CITYWIDE HVAC & PLUMBING IMPROVEMENTS - 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,000,000 CITYWIDE PICNIC AREA IMPROVEMENTS 50,000
50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 CITYWIDE SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM 265,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 865,000 CITYWIDE TRAFFIC CALMING 100,000 - - - - 100,000 COLUMBIA DRIVE AND CRYSTAL SPRINGS ROAD STORM DRAIN CHANNEL (150,000) - - - - (150,000) COMPREHENSIVE RECREATION AND AQUATIC FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT 250,000 - - - - 250,000 CORP YARD MISC IMPROVEMENTS 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 CORPORATION YARD PAVING - 500,000 - - - 500,000 DOWNTOWN PARKING ANALYSIS 250,000 - - - - 250,000 DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENTS (700,000) 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 (300,000) ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 1,500,000 3,500,000 FIRE STATION 25 TRAFFIC SUBSTATION IMPROVEMENTS 100,000 - - - - 100,000 KING RECREATION & SWIM CENTER 4,000,000 - - - - 4,000,000

LAURELWOOD PARK RETAINING WALL REPAIR -
1,000,000 1,000,000 - - 2,000,000 MARINA LIBRARY STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS 400,000 - - - - 400,000 NEW FIRE STATION 27 2,200,000 - - - - 2,200,000 PARK CITYWIDE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT - PUBLIC WORKS - 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 1,800,000 PARKING LOT RESURFACING (SHORELINE/LAKESHORE/LOS PRADOS/BERESFORD) 300,000 300,000 300,000 - - 900,000 RECREATION CENTER BACKUP GENERATOR CONNECTION 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 General Fund Total 8,785,000$ 5,320,000$ 4,820,000$ 3,400,000$ 4,400,000$ 26,725,000$ Grants
101/92 MULTI-MODAL (FASHION ISLAND CLASS IV BIKE LANE) 613,636$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 613,636$ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 2,250,000 LAKESHORE COMMUNITY CENTER - 1,200,000 - - - 1,200,000 LOCAL ROADWAY SAFETY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 663,600 - - - - 663,600 REAL TIME INFORMATION CENTER - 550,000 - - - 550,000 Grants Total 1,727,236$ 2,200,000$
450,000$ 450,000$ 450,000$ 5,277,236$ Measure A
ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS & BARNESON INTERSECTION SAFETY OPTIMIZATION -$ 150,000$ -$ 700,000$ -$ 850,000$ CITYWIDE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 375,000 CITYWIDE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM - 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 800,000 CITYWIDE SIGN INVENTORY AND REPLACEMENT - 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 400,000 CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PACKAGE II (130,000) - - - - (130,000) CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM 2,605,000 2,250,000 2,250,000 2,250,000 2,250,000 11,605,000 CITYWIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL RETIMING 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 125,000 HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL/31ST AVENUE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJ E - 700,000 - - - 700,000 LOCAL ROADWAY SAFETY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 86,000 345,000 805,000 665,000 485,000 2,386,000 NORFOLK AND ROBERTA INTERSECTION SAFETY AND CONGESTION RELIEF PROJEC - 150,000 700,000 - 850,000 REGIONAL AND CITYWIDE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 125,000 Measure A Total 2,686,000$ 4,020,000 $ 3,480,000 $ 4,740,000 $ 3,160,000 $ 18,086,000 $ Measure CC
CITYWIDE FACILITY INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS 400,000 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 400,000$ CITYWIDE HVAC & PLUMBING IMPROVEMENTS 250,000 - - - - 250,000 PARK CITYWIDE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT - PUBLIC WORKS 350,000 - - - - 350,000 SKATE PLAZA UPDATES 250,000 - - - - 250,000 Measure CC Total 1,250,000$ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1,250,000$ 84 405 of 510

CIP Projects by Funding Source

PROJECT NAME
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28
PLAN
2028-29
PLAN
2029-30
PLAN
2030-31
PLAN
5-Year
TOTAL
Measure S
CITYWIDE FACILITY ROOF REPLACEMENTS 600,000$ 1,200,000$ 500,000$ 500,000$ 500,000$ 3,300,000$ CITYWIDE PLAY COURT RESURFACING 150,000 350,000 350,000 350,000 350,000 1,550,000 CITYWIDE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PACKAGE III (2,000,000) - - - - (2,000,000) CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM 1,500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 3,500,000 NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 PENINSULA/DELAWARE INTERSECTION SAFETY IMPROVEMENT 150,000 - - - - 150,000 QUICK BUILD MOBILITY PROGRAM 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,000,000 Measure S Total 700,000$ 2,350,000$ 1,650,000$ 1,650,000$ 1,650,000$ 8,000,000$ Measure W
CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM 700,000$ 1,000,000$ 1,000,000$ 1,000,000$ 1,000,000$ 4,700,000$ TRAIN QUIET ZONE 300,000 - - - - 300,000 Measure W Total 1,000,000$ 1,000,000$ 1,000,000$ 1,000,000$ 1,000,000$ 5,000,000$
Miscellaneous
CITYWIDE FACILITY ROOF REPLACEMENTS -$ 100,000$ 100,000$ 1,000,000$ 500,000$ 1,700,000$ EMERGENCY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM UPGRADE 50,000 - - - - 50,000 SEAL POINT PARK POND H2S INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIATION 80,000 - - - - 80,000 Miscellaneous Total 130,000$ 100,000$ 100,000$ 1,000,000$ 500,000$ 1,830,000$ Other Agencies
CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM 350,000$ 350,000$ 350,000$ 350,000$ 350,000$ 1,750,000$ Other Agencies Total 350,000$ 350,000$ 350,000$ 350,000$ 350,000$ 1,750,000$ P&R Taxes & Fees
CENTRAL PARK -$ (550,000)$ -$ -$ -$ (550,000)$ CENTRAL PARK TENNIS COURTS - 200,000 200,000 - - 400,000 GOLF BUNKERS 400,000 - - - - 400,000
GOLF IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS & MAINLINE - 50,000 - - - 50,000 JAPANESE GARDEN REPAIR - 500,000 250,000 - - 750,000 LAURELWOOD PARK PLAYGROUND - 50,000 1,000,000 - - 1,050,000

MLK JR PARK PLAYGROUND - 75,000 1,000,000 - - 1,075,000 PARKS AMENITIES ASSESEMENT - - - 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 PARKS IRRIGATION CONTROLLER UPGRADE 80,000 - - - - 80,000 RYDER PARK WATER FEATURE FILTRATION SYSTEM 50,000 - - - 1,000,000 1,050,000 SPORTS FIELDS CONVERSION: SYNTHETIC TURF (354,323) - - - - (354,323) SYNTHETIC FIELD REPLACEMENT 700,000 - 100,000 2,000,000 600,000 3,400,000 TRINTA PARK PLAYGROUND 50,000 500,000 - - - 550,000 WASHINGTON PARK PLAYGROUND 50,000 900,000 - - - 950,000 P&R Taxes & Fees Total 975,677$ 1,725,000$ 2,550,000$ 3,000,000$ 1,600,000$ 9,850,677$ Private Contributions
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS (6,892)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (6,892)$ DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS 17,537 - - - - 17,537 E 3RD/NORFOLK INTERSECTION RECONSTRUCTION 6,892 - - - - 6,892
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS- ECR/CRYSTAL SPRINGS RD (17,537) - - - - (17,537) Private Contributions Total -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
RMRA
CITYWIDE STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM 3,000,000$ 3,000,000$ 3,000,000$ 3,100,000$ 3,100,000$ 15,200,000$ P&R Taxes & Fees Total 3,000,000$ 3,000,000$ 3,000,000$ 3,100,000$ 3,100,000$ 15,200,000$ Sewer
ANNUAL SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION 9,000,000$ 10,350,000$ 9,000,000$ 8,755,000$ 9,850,000$ 46,955,000$ CLEAN WATER PROGRAM (CWP) WWTP ANNUAL MAJOR COMPONENTS 8,200,000 - - - - 8,200,000 COLLECTION SYSTEM ODOR CONTROL 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,000,000 CORP YARD MISC IMPROVEMENTS 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 DALE AVENUE PUMP STATION H2O2 SYSTEM - 300,000 - - - 300,000 DALE AVENUE PUMP STATION WET WELL MIXER - 500,000 - - - 500,000 EMERGENCY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM UPGRADE 100,000 - - - - 100,000 PUMP STATION AND FORCE MAIN CONDITION ASSESSMENT 350,000 - - - - 350,000 ROOT FOAMING 450,000 750,000
450,000 775,000 500,000 2,925,000 SANITARY SEWER CCTV INSPECTION PROGRAM 1,000,000 950,000 900,000 1,200,000 1,500,000 5,550,000 SANITARY SEWER FLOW MONITORING & REPORTING 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 625,000 SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 25,000,000 SANITARY SEWER MASTER PLAN 350,000 200,000 - - - 550,000 SANITARY SEWER PUMP STATION UPGRADES 5,300,000 5,500,000 5,600,000 5,800,000 6,000,000 28,200,000 TMDL ENHANCED PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 12,500,000 85 406 of 510

CIP Projects by Funding Source

PROJECT NAME
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28
PLAN
2028-29
PLAN
2029-30
PLAN
2030-31
PLAN
5-Year
TOTAL
Sewer (Continued)
WWTP SLUDGE HEAT EXCHANGERS REPLACEMENT - - 2,000,000 - - 2,000,000 WWTP ANNUAL DEMO AND SALVAGE OF ABANDONED EQUIP. - - - - 2,000,000 2,000,000 WWTP ANNUAL UPGRADE OF ELECTICAL WIRING - 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,300,000 5,200,000 WWTP CENTRIFUGE REPLACEMENT - - 3,000,000 3,900,000 - 6,900,000 WWTP COVERT OLD ADMIN BUILDING - - - - 1,500,000 1,500,000 WWTP DAFT REPLACEMENT 5,000,000 7,700,000 5,000,000 - - 17,700,000 WWTP DIGESTER 1 REPAIRS 1,000,000 3,400,000 - - - 4,400,000 WWTP DIURNAL EQUALIZATION IMPROVEMENTS - - - - 1,300,000 1,300,000 WWTP DIURNAL FLOW EQUALIZATION STUDY - - - 300,000 - 300,000 WWTP EFFLUENT PUMP STATION VFDS AND MISC. IMPS. - - 1,000,000 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 WWTP ELECTRICAL CART SHED - - - - 800,000 800,000 WWTP MISC. CONCRETE REPAIRS - MAIN STRUCTURE, BASINS AND DECKS 200,000 600,000 - - - 800,000 WWTP NEW DIGESTER 3 - 3,000,000 7,000,000 15,000,000 15,000,000 40,000,000 WWTP PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - 500,000 3,100,000 - - 3,600,000 WWTP POLYMER INJECTION 700,000 700,000
WWTP SOLIDS HANDLING BLDG FLOOR DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS - 500,000 1,000,000 - - 1,500,000 WWTP SOLIDS HANDLING BLDG FLOOR DRAIN STUDY - 500,000 - - - 500,000 WWTP SOLIDS INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 400,000 400,000 - - - 800,000 WWTP WATERLINE REPLACEMENTS - - - 1,200,000 1,200,000 2,400,000 Sewer Total 39,925,000$ 44,325,000$ 47,225,000$ 48,105,000$ 48,825,000$ 228,405,000$ Storm
EMERGENCY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM UPGRADE 25,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 25,000$ GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM 750,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,550,000 HIGH PRIORITY STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS 2,250,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 14,250,000 STORM SYSTEM MINOR REPAIR 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,250,000 STORMWATER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 Storm Total 3,375,000$ 3,550,000$ 3,550,000$ 3,550,000$ 3,550,000$ 17,575,000$ Taxes, Fees & Charges
41ST AVE/PACIFIC BLVD TRASH CAPTURE 50,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 50,000$ TRASH CAPTURE AT POPLAR AND GOLF COURSE (50,000) - - - - (50,000) Taxes, Fees & Charges Total -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Traffic Impact Fees
BIKE SAN MATEO PROGRAM -$ -$ 500,000$ 500,000$ 400,000$ 1,400,000$ CITYWIDE TRAFFIC CALMING - 200,000 200,000 200,000 - 600,000 Traffic Impact Fees Total -$ 200,000$ 700,000$ 700,000$ 400,000$ 2,000,000$ Tree Replacement Fee
TREE PLANTING - PARKS DIVISION 175,000$ 175,000$ 175,000$ 175,000$ 175,000$ 875,000$ Tree Replacement FeeTotal 175,000$ 175,000$ 175,000$ 175,000$ 175,000$ 875,000$ Grand Total 66,271,913$ 69,618,000$ 70,363,000$ 72,523,000$ 70,463,000$ 349,238,913$ 86 407 of 510

Unfunded Projects

PROJECT NAME
TOTAL

ESTIMATED
COST
CENTRAL PARK MASTER PLAN (REMAINING PHASES) 60,000,000$ NEW CENTRAL PARK PARKING GARAGE 32,000,000
BAY MEADOWS COMMUNITY PARK 30,000,000
NEW CORPORATION YARD FACILITY 26,000,000
CITYWIDE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE 22,000,000
KING RECREATION & SWIM CENTER 16,000,000
19TH AVENUE DRAINAGE AREA 11,972,000
MARINA LAGOON DREDGING 11,900,000
SHOREVIEW RECREATION CENTER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 11,000,000 LAUREL CREEK DRAINAGE AREA 9,567,000
16TH AVENUE DRAINAGE AREA 9,521,000
NEW FIRE STATION 27 8,800,000
BERESFORD RECREATION CENTER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 8,000,000 CENTRAL RECREATION CENTER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 7,000,000 LAKESHORE RECREATION CENTER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 6,000,000 SENIOR CENTER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 6,000,000
HILLSDALE LIBRARY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 6,000,000 DETROIT DRIVE DRAINAGE AREA 5,728,000
SHORELINE PARKS 5,000,000
CITYWIDE PARK SIGNS 5,000,000
LAURELWOOD/SUGARLOAF OPEN SPACE 5,000,000
BOAT LAUNCH RENOVATION AT PARKSIDE AQUATIC 4,500,000
MARINER'S ISLAND BRIDGE APPROACH STABILIZATION 3,610,000 MONTE DIABLO AVENUE PEDESTRIAN SCALE LIGHTING 3,300,000 PALM AVENUE PEDESTRIAN SCALE LIGHTING 3,300,000
SAN MATEO CREEK DRAINAGE AREA 2,620,000
28TH AVE GAP CLOSURE CONSTRUCTION 2,310,000
PASADENA ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION 1,800,000
BMP-L PROJECT 10 1,450,000
PARK RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS PHASE VI 1,300,000
PARK RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS PHASE VII 1,300,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 2 1,264,000
LRSP SYSTEMIC PRIORITY - TRAFFIC SIGNAL BACKPLATE 1,150,000 BMP-ML PROJECT 1 1,051,000
2ND & EL CAMINO REAL GARAGE LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS 1,000,000 CITYWIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES 1,000,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 4 944,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 5 878,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 7 878,000
GOLF COURSE MAINTENCE BUILDING AND CART BARN RENOVATIONS 750,000 BMP-L PROJECT 17 692,000
BMP-L PROJECT 8 625,000
PACIFIC BOULEVARD DRAINAGE CHANNEL REHABILITATION 600,000 RYDER CREEK BRIDGE PAINTING 475,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 14 439,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 6 426,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 8 426,000
CITYWIDE ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES 400,000
CITY HALL IMPROVEMENTS 400,000
BMP-L PROJECT 2 399,000
87 408 of 510

Unfunded Projects

PROJECT NAME
TOTAL

ESTIMATED
COST
PATHWAY REPAIRS AT VARIOUS PARKS 375,000
BMP-L PROJECT 5 372,000
3RD AVENUE/NORFOLK PED/BIKE ACCESS IMPROVEMENT 370,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 11 359,000
RESTROOM BUILDING REPLACEMENT TRINTA 350,000
PLANNING PARK DEVELOPMENT AT DALE AVENUE AND ANCHOR ROAD SITES 350,000 BMP-ML PROJECT 9 319,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 13 306,000
POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTERIOR - REPAINT DECK FENCING 300,000 BMP-L PROJECT 7 266,000
BMP-L PROJECT 3 253,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 3 226,000
EAST 5TH AVENUE PEDESTRIAN SCALE LIGHTING 220,000
STREETLIGHT MASTER PLAN 200,000
CITYWIDE PARKS SECURITY UPGRADES - CAMERAS 200,000
BMP-L PROJECT 1 200,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 10 186,000
REFURBISH NORTH END OF KOI POND 180,000
BMP-L PROJECT 4 173,000
BMP-L PROJECT 14 160,000
POLICE DEPARTMENT INTERIOR WORK REORGANIZATION 150,000
BMP-L PROJECT 15 146,000
BMP-L PROJECT 16 146,000
BMP-L PROJECT 13 133,000
BMP-ML PROJECT 12 133,000
BMP-L PROJECT 6 106,000
BMP-L PROJECT 9 80,000
BMP-L PROJECT 12 53,000
BMP-L PROJECT 11 40,000
Grand Total 348,127,000$
88 409 of 510

APPENDIX
Appendix
89 410 of 510

Gann Appropriations Limit
City of San Mateo Gann Appropriations Limit as Defined in Article XIII B of the California State
Constitution
The voters of California, during a special election in 1979, approved Article XIII-B of the California State Constitution.

Informally
known as the “Gann Initiative,” Article XIII-B provides limits regardin g the total amount of appropriations in any fiscal year from “the proceeds of taxes.”
In 1980, the State Legislature added Section 7900 et seq. to the Government Code, providing that the governing body of each local jurisdiction must establish, by resolution, an appropriations limit for the following year. The appropriations limit for any fiscal year was equal to the pre
vious year’s limit, adjusted for population changes and the changes in the US Consumer Price Index (or California per capita pe rsonal income, if smaller). The necessary statistical information is prov
ided by the California Department of Finance.

However, the original Article XIII-B (Proposition 4) and its implementing legislation were modified by Proposition 111 and SB 88 by the voters in June 1980. The changes were incorporated into the fiscal year 1990-91 and fiscal year 1991- 92 appropriations limits. Beginning with the fiscal year 1990- 91 appropriations limit, a city may choose annual adjustment factors. The adjustment factors include the growth in the California per capita income or the growth in the non- residential assessed valuation due to construction within the City and the population growth within the county or the city.

The table below provides the calculation for the appropriations limit for fiscal year 2026-27, as well as the total appropriations subject to the limit. The adjustment factors utilized for the fiscal year 2025-26 cal culation include the growth in California per capita income and the population growth within the County of San Mateo. As the table demonstrates, the City’s appropriations subject to the limit ($145.98 million) are well below the appropriations limit itself ($304.41 million).

CITY OF SAN MATEO APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 AMOUNT SOURCE A Last Year's Limit 286,074,454$ 2025-26 Limit
B Adjustment Factors

1. Population 0.9997 CA Dept. of Finance

2. Inflation 1.0644 CA Dept. of Finance

1.0641 B1*B2
Total Adjustment % 0.064 B1*B2-1
C Annual Adjustment 18,331,846$ A*B
D This Year's Limit 304,406,300$ A+C
E Tax Proceeds Subject to the Limit
Property Tax 84,966,000$ 2026-27 Budget
Sales Tax 28,350,000 2026-27 Budget
Property Transfer Tax 9,000,000 2026-27 Budget
Other Tax 12,420,000 2026-27 Budget
Interest Allocation 11,240,000 2026-27 Budget
Total 145,976,000$
Amount Under / (Over) Limit 158,430,300$ D-E
90 411 of 510

Budget Changes
Full Time Equivilant (FTE) Personnel Changes
DEPARTMENT ACTION 2026-27

PROPOSED POSITION/SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS FUNDING SOURCE
NET
FISCAL
IMPACT
City Employee Merit FTE Before Changes: 554.13 FTE
Reallocate Sustainability Analyst to Business
Manager
Reallocate position to provide for management of
sustainability items in addition to oversight of City
Manager's Office budget, Customer Relationship
Management program, Citywide CIP budget and
other Citywide projects.

Create three Fellow positions
Authorize three new Fellow positions that are
unfunded positions that can only be utilized with one-
time funding to address strategic plan priority
initiatives.

Reallocate Senior Business Systems Analyst to
Management Analyst I/II
Reallocate position to support economic
development initiatives from within CDD.

Reallocate Payroll Technician to Payroll Analyst
Reallocate to provide for higher level payroll support
needed to operate within Workday and reduce
dependence on outside consultants.

Total Changes to Merit Positions 3.00 FTE
Total Merit FTE 557.13 FTE
Finance Reallocate -
5% Advanced Planning Fund
10% Solid Waste Fund
35% Construction Services Fund
50% Sewer Fund
8,000$
Community
Development Reallocate -
10% General Fund
15% Advanced Planning Fund
75% Construction Services Fund
(48,000)$
City Manager's
Office New 3.00 - $
City Manager's
Office Reallocate -
50% General Fund
50% Construction Services Fund 10,000$
91 412 of 510

Budget Changes
Non-Personnel Operating Changes

DEPARTMENT SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS FUNDING
SOURCE
2026-27

PROPOSED
BUDGET
2027-28

PROJECTED
BUDGET
CCTV Equipment
The existing sewer CCTV camera system is 14 years old and has exceeded the industry standard useful life expectance of approximately 10 years for this type of equipment. Due to its age, the current system has become increasingly unreliable, with replacement parts and manufacturer support becoming unavailable. Field Maintenance also recommends the equipment be added to the replacement schedule with an estimated life span of 10-12 years.

On Site Generators
For 3rd and Detroit and the Marina Lagoon storm pump stations: These onsite generators have been in place for over 30 years and have exceeded the industry useful life expectance of approximately 15 years.

Additionally, Field Maintenance recommends adding these generators to a replacement list of 10-12 years.

Bobcat/Skid Steer
The Storm and Sewer Maintenance team is requesting the purchase of a dedicated Bobcat/Skid Steer to support daily operations and maintenance activities. Currently, the division does not have a dedicated Bobcat to address vegetation removal, creek cleaning, sediment and debris removal, and emergency response activities. Staff must rely on borrowing equipment from other divisions when available, which can create delays in responding to operational needs and emergencies.

EV or Hybrid Truck
This truck will be assigned to the Storm Supervisor. This is a newer position created to oversee the storm maintenance, creek maintenance, weed abatement, and the Pump team/group. This will be an additional vehicle to the current fleet and this vehicle will need to be added to the 10- year replacement list.

Totals 295,000 $ 80,000 $
Public Works
Storm Fund 80,000 - Public Works Storm Fund 65,000 - Public Works
Sewer Fund 150,000$ -$
Public Works
50% Sewer Fund
50% Storm Fund - 80,000
92 413 of 510

Proposed 2026-27
Budget & 2026-31
Capital
Improvement
Plan
June 1, 2026
1 414 of 510

Agenda
2 • Budget Timeline
• Proposed 2026-27 Citywide Budget
• Proposed 2026-27 General Fund Budget
• Proposed 2026-27 Capital Budget and Five-Year CIP Plan • Challenges and Financial Sustainability

415 of 510

Budget Timeline
December 2025 February 2026 April 2026 June 2026
Budget
Kickoff
February 23
FY 2025-26 Mid-Year
Budget Updates
April 20
2026-27
Budget Preview
GF and CIP
June 1
Proposed Budget
Public Hearing
June 15
Budget Adoption
Public Hearing
Budget Process

416 of 510

FY 2026-27 Citywide Budget (in millions)
4 Proposed FY 2026-27
Citywide Budget
$356.5 million
General Fund
$183.8
51%
Enterprise Funds
(Sewer/Storm)
$74.9
21%
Capital Projects
Fund
$66.3
19%
Other Funds
$31.6
9%

417 of 510

General Fund
FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget - Revenues
5 FY 2026-27
Proposed Budget
General Fund Revenues
$173.9 million
Property Tax
49%
Sales Tax
16%
RPTT 5%
Business License 5%
Other Taxes 4%
Permits, Fines,
Fees 9%
2%
4%
3% 3%
Property Tax
Sales Tax
Property Transfer Tax (RPTT)
Business License Tax
Other Taxes
Permits, Fees, and Fines
Intergovernmental
Interest and Other
In-Lieu Charges
Transfers

418 of 510

General Fund
FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget - Revenues
6 Property Tax: 3.2% assessed value growth
Sales Tax: minimal growth
Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT): baseline $9.0 million Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): baseline $4.1 million Other Revenues: remain flat or grow modestly.

419 of 510

General Fund Property Tax In-Lieu of
Vehicle License Fee (VLF) Revenue Impact
7 $12
$16
$11
$14 $14
$10
$13 $13
$15
$13
$17 $17
$14
$19 $19
$-
$5
$10
$15
$20
$25Millions
Practical Scenario
VLF available VLF shortall VLF -Practical Scenario VLF entitlement

420 of 510

General Fund
FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget - Expenditures
8 FY 2026-27
Proposed Budget
General Fund Expenditures
$190.9 million
35%
21%
13%
6%
5%
1% 11% 4% 4%Police
Fire
Parks and Recreation
Public Works
Library
Community Development
General Admin
Non-Departmental
Transfers

421 of 510

General Fund
FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget
9 GENERAL FUND 2025-26 Adopted
Budget
2026-27 Proposed
Budget Change in $ Change in %

REVENUES
Total Revenues 175.8 173.9 (1.9) -1.1%

EXPENDITURES
Personnel Costs $ 80.7 $ 83.7 $ 2.9 3.6% Pension Unfunded Liability $ 13.6 $ 14.3 $ 0.7 5.0% Non-Personnel Operating Expenses $ 42.3 $ 45.1 $ 2.8 6.6% SMC Fire and Legacy Costs $ 38.8 $ 40.7 $ 2.0 5.1% Operating Expenses $ 175.4 $ 183.8 $ 8.5 4.8% Transfers to CIP $ 8.9 $ 4.0 $ (5.0) -55.7% Transfers Out - Debt Service & Other $ 3.5 $ 3.1 $ (0.3) -9.9% Total Expenditures 187.7 190.9 3.2 1.7%
Surplus / (Deficit) (11.9) (17.0)
General Fund - Beginning Fund Balance 119.5 87.4
Transfer to Capital Invesment Reserve (25.0)
General Fund - Ending Fund Balance $87.6 $70.3

422 of 510

Sewer Enterprise Fund
FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget
10 Sewer Fund (CASH BASIS) 2024-25
Actuals
2025-26
Estimated
Actuals
2026-27
Proposed
Budget
2027-28
Projected Budget
Beginning Fund Balance $ 184,575 $ 301,950 $ 332,426 $ 339,562 Revenues
Interest Earnings $ 13,100 $ 5,003 $ 5,000 $ 5,000 Operating Revenues 86,110 89,042 92,168 94,852
Capital Contributions from Other 25,606 3,915 9,377 9,667 Total Revenues $ 124,817 $ 97,959 $ 106,545 $ 109,519 Expenses
Operating and Maintenance $ 28,369 $ 28,761 $ 40,537 $ 40,119 Debt Service 19,030 24,593 28,333 29,727
Capital Projects 39,448 29,639 39,925 44,325
Total Expenses $ 86,847 $ 82,994 $ 108,795 $ 114,170 Loan Proceeds $ 79,405 $ 15,511 $ 9,386 $ - Ending Fund Balance $ 301,950 $ 332,426 $ 339,562 $ 334,910 Values are shown in thousands.

423 of 510

Storm Enterprise Fund
FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget
11 Storm Enterprise 2024-25
Actuals
2025-26
Estimated
Actuals
2026-27
Proposed
Budget
2027-28
Projected Budget
Beginning Fund Balance $ - $ 3,333 $ 5,768 $ 5,558 Revenues
Charges for Services $ 3,860 $ 4,050 $ 4,071 $ 4,193 Interest Earnings 152 120 120 120
Total Revenues $ 4,012 $ 4,170 $ 4,191 $ 4,313 Expenditures
Personnel $ 587 $ 240 $ 384 $ 395 Operating 92 345 497 185
Capital - 650 145 120
Total Expenditures $ 679 $ 1,235 $ 1,026 $ 700 Transfer Out $ - $ 500 $ 3,375 $ 3,550 Ending Fund Balance $ 3,333 $ 5,768 $ 5,558 $ 5,621 Values are shown in thousands.

424 of 510

12 FY 2026-27 Proposed Capital Budget
and
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

425 of 510

FY 2026-27 Proposed Capital Budget
and Five-Year CIP
The following is a breakdown of CIP expenses by program areas:
13 CAPITAL PROJECTS 2026-27 Proposed
Budget 2027-28 Plan 2028-29 Plan 2029-30 Plan 2030-31 Plan 2026-31 5-Year Total
Bikeway/Pedestrian $ 1,578,636 $ 1,560,000 $ 1,360,000 $ 1,350,000 $ 1,250,000 $ 7,098,636 Bridges 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 375,000
Buildings 9,520,000 6,570,000 4,170,000 4,650,000 5,150,000 30,060,000 Misc/Other 655,000 1,550,000 1,000,000 - - 3,205,000 Parks 2,100,677 2,350,000 3,175,000 3,625,000 2,225,000 13,475,677 Sanitary Sewer 39,775,000 44,275,000 47,175,000 48,055,000 48,775,000 228,055,000 Stormwater 3,200,000 3,550,000 3,550,000 3,550,000 3,550,000 17,400,000 Streets 8,967,600 8,738,000 9,208,000 9,168,000 8,988,000 45,069,600 Traffic 400,000 950,000 650,000 2,050,000 450,000 4,500,000 Grand Total $ 66,271,913 $ 69,618,000 $ 70,363,000 $ 72,523,000 $ 70,463,000 $ 349,238,913

426 of 510

Five Year CIP Highlights
• Wastewater Treatment Plant – New funding for solids processing facilities of the WWTP • Smooth Streets/Street Rehabilitation Programs – Commit at least $8 million annually • Storm and Flood Controls – Funding for “Very High” priority projects as identified in the Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan
• City Buildings and Facilities Improvements – Dedicated funding for King Recreation & Swim Center and New Fire Station #27
• Parks and Recreation Facilities – Lakeshore Center Feasibility Study and Recreation & Aquatics Facility Study
• Bikeway and Pedestrian Safety – Five-Year CIP allocates additional $7.1 million including Local Roadway Safety Plan Implementation funding
14 427 of 510

Unfunded Projects
15 Unfunded Project Totals:
• Approximately $348 million
Priority Unfunded Projects:
• Central Park (Phases 2-4): $60 million
• New Central Park Parking Garage $32 million
• MLK Recreation Center (Phase 2): $16 million
• Fire Station # 27 (Phase 2): $8.8 million • Corporation Yard: $26 million
• Bike Master Plan projects: ~$13 million

428 of 510

16 Challenges to the General Fund
and
Financial Sustainability Plan

429 of 510

Challenges to the General Fund
17 • Slow growth in revenues
• VLF shortfall remains an uncertainty.
• Rising costs of providing essential city services.
• Aged City facilities & infrastructure – Over $348 million unfunded CIP

430 of 510

General Fund - Revenues vs. Expenditures
18 -
50 100
150
200
250
2018-19

ACTUALS
2019-20

ACTUALS
2020-21

ACTUALS
2021-22

ACTUALS
2022-23

ACTUALS
2023-24
Actuals
2024-25
Actuals
2025-26
Estimates
2026-27
Proposed
Millions
General Fund Historical Trend
Operating Expenditures Contribution to CIP Revenues

431 of 510

General Fund - Structural Deficit
19 (shown in millions)
GENERAL FUND 2025-26
Est. 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 2031-32 2032-33 2033-34 2034-35 2035-36

REVENUES
Total Revenues 177.2 173.9 180.8 184.6 191.4 193.8 202.8 209.4 211.5 223.3 230.7

EXPENDITURES
Operating Expenses 174.0 183.8 186.2 190.6 195.4 198.9 204.2 209.2 213.3 218.3 223.5 Transfers to CIP 8.9 4.0 6.6 5.9 5.9 5.9 6.5 6.5 6.8 6.8 6.8 Transfers Out - Debt Service & Other 1.3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 Total Expenditures 184.3 190.9 195.9 199.7 204.5 208.1 214.0 219.0 223.4 228.4 233.5 Surplus / (Deficit) (7.1) (17.0) (15.1) (15.1) (13.2) (14.3) (11.2) (9.6) (11.9) (5.1) (2.8) General Fund - Beginning Fund
Balance 119.5 87.4 71.9 56.8 41.7 28.5 14.2 3.0 (6.6) (18.5) (23.5) Transfer to Capital Invesment
Reserve (25.0)
General Fund - Ending Fund Balance $87.4 $70.3 $56.8 $41.7 $28.5 $14.2 $3.0 ($6.6) ($18.5) ($23.5) ($26.3)

432 of 510

Financial Sustainability Plan
Expenditure
Controls
• Freeze
positions
• Non-General
Fund Charges
• Operating
Budget Savings
Revenue
Enhancements
• Sales Tax
Measure
• Revenue
Agreements
Cost Recovery &
Cost Allocation
• Cost Recovery
• Citywide
Updated Cost
Allocation
Grant
Opportunities
• Grants
Coordination &
Acquisition
Economic
Development
• Adopted Work
Plan Activities

433 of 510

Thank you
Abby Veeser
Finance Director
[email protected]
650-522-7102
21 434 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
RESOLUTION NO. (2026)

ADOPTING A TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTION POLICY FOR
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS PURSUANT TO THE BROWN ACT (SB 707) WHEREAS, the City of San Mateo is committed to preserving and ensuring public access and participation in meetings of the City Council and its legislative bodies; and

WHEREAS, on October 3, 2025, Governor Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 707 (SB 707); and

WHEREAS, SB 707 amended the Ralph M. Brown Act to require legislative bodies to adopt policies addressing procedures in the event of a disruption to telephonic or internet-based access to public meetings; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(1)(A), legislative bodies must approve a Technology Disruption Policy prior to July 1, 2026; and

WHEREAS, such policy must establish procedures for recessing and reconvening meetings and outline the good faith efforts the City will undertake to restore disrupted service; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Technology Disruption Policy (“Policy”) ensures compliance with SB 707 and maintains the City’s commitment to transparency and public participation; and WHEREAS, the Policy is proposed to take effect on July 1, 2026.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO DOES HEREBY FIND AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

1. This policy adoption is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)

2. The Technology Disruption Policy attached as Exhibit A to this Resolution is approved and the City Manager is authorized to make non-substantive changes.

435 of 510

Resolution No. (2026) Page 2 of 5
Technology Disruption Policy for City Council Meetings
1 3
4 3
7 Exhibit A
S t a f f P o l i c i e s M a n u a l
Title: Technology Disruption Policy
Policy #: 119
Sponsored by: City Clerk’s Office
Approved by: City Council
Date: Issued: __/__/____ Amended: __/__/____
Purpose and Effective Date
Senate Bill 707 (2025) amended the Brown Act to require eligible legislative bodies to adopt, on or before July 1, 2026, a policy addressing how the agency will respond to disruptions in telephonic or internet service that prevent members of the public from attending or observing a meeting remotely.

This policy is adopted to comply with that requirement and to ensure continuity of public participation during technical disruptions. This policy shall go into effect on July 1, 2026.

Policy
This policy applies to all open and public meetings in which remote public participation is offered or required under the Brown Act pursuant to Government Code section 54953.4, as may be amended periodically. The policy ensures transparency, public participation, and continuity of government during technology disruptions of the telephonic or internet services facilitating remote participation.

Scope
This policy applies to all open and public meetings of the City Council and advisory bodies at which remote public participation is offered or required under the Brown Act.

Definitions

1. Clerk: the City Clerk or designated Board/Commission Clerk responsible for administering legislative meeting proceedings.

2. Disruption: Any failure, outage, or other interruption that prevents members of the public from attending or observing the meeting via these remote services.

3. Presiding Officer: the Mayor or in their absence, the Deputy Mayor or designated Council Member; Board/Commission Chair, or in their absence, the Vice Chair or designated Board Member/Commissioner/Trustee.

4. Remote access services: The two-way telephonic service and/or two-way audiovisual platform used to provide real-time remote public attendance and observation of meetings.

436 of 510

Resolution No. (2026) Page 3 of 5
Technology Disruption Policy for City Council Meetings
1 3
4 3
7 Responsibility

1. Clerk
A. Restoration of Services

1. Communicate technology disruption event to the Presiding Officer.

2. Coordinate supportive staff and technology partners to address the disruption.

B. Recordkeeping

1. Record efforts to restore services in the meeting minutes.

2. Presiding Officer
A. Calling and declaring official actions of the legislative body, as necessary.

Procedures

1. Response to Service Disruption
A. If a disruption occurs that prevents members of the public from attending or observing the meeting through the agency’s remote access services:

1. Once aware of the disruption, the Presiding Officer or Clerk shall immediately announce the disruption to the public.

2. The Presiding Officer may then call for a recess of the open session or convene the legislative body in closed session, consistent with the Brown Act.

3. Staff shall begin efforts to diagnose and restore the disrupted service.

4. The meeting shall remain in recess for at least one hour or until service is restored, whichever is sooner. The recess period may be extended if restoration efforts are ongoing.

2. Efforts to Restore Service
A. The City shall make good faith efforts to restore remote access services, which may include, but are not limited to:

1. Troubleshooting platform or teleconferencing software

2. Resetting or replacing audiovisual equipment

3. Attempting alternative connection methods

4. Contacting necessary support staff or service providers

437 of 510

Resolution No. (2026) Page 4 of 5
Technology Disruption Policy for City Council Meetings
1 3
4 3
7 5. Switching to back-up equipment or platforms, if available B. The Clerk shall document the restoration efforts undertaken.

3. Reconvening the Open Session
A. Timing

1. The open session may be reconvened after at least one hour has elapsed from the time of disruption or as soon as service is restored, whichever occurs earlier.

B. If Service Is Restored

1. If remote access service is restored before or at the time the meeting reconvenes, the meeting shall continue as normal.

C. If Service Is Not Restored

1. If service has not been restored when the legislative body is ready to reconvene the legislative body may:
a. Adjourn the meeting
b. Continue the open session by adopting, by rollcall vote, the following finding or a substantially similar one:
“The City has made good faith efforts to restore (telephonic/ internet service) in accordance with its adopted policy, and the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote public access because _________ [identify the factual basis for making this finding].”
Upon adoption of the finding, the legislative body may continue the open session despite the disruption.

4. Recordkeeping
A. The Clerk shall enter a brief statement into the meeting minutes including the following:

1. The nature and time of the disruption

2. The restoration efforts undertaken

3. The time the meeting was reconvened (if applicable)

4. Any finding adopted pursuant to Section 3 regarding reconvening the meeting without restoring remote access service.

5. Review and Updates
A. This policy may be amended by the legislative body at a noticed public meeting in open session, not on the consent calendar.

438 of 510

Resolution No. (2026) Page 5 of 5
Technology Disruption Policy for City Council Meetings
1 3
4 3
7 Related Policies
Note any related policies that should be cross-referenced using the following format:

1.Policy 108 – Public Meeting Security Policy

2.Policy 115 – Public Meeting Reasonable Accommodation Policy

3.Policy 504 – Technology Security Policy
Contact for this Policy
City Clerk
Approval
This policy was issued on ________ and approved by the City Council.

Resolution No. ___

439 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
1 3
4 3
9 CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 19 Section Name: OLD BUSINESS Account Number: 10-1511 File ID: 26-11300 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: City Clerk's Office
MEETING DATE: June 1, 2026
SUBJECT:

Senate Bill 707 (Brown Act Amendments): Technology Disruption Policy and Public Outreach and Interpretation Policy — Adoption
RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution to approve the City’s Technology Disruption Policy; adopt a Resolution approving the City’s Public Outreach and Public Interpretation Assistance Practices; and receive a presentation on Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), which made extensive amendments to the Brown Act, and its impacts on the City’s legislative bodies.

BACKGROUND:

On October 3, 2025, the Governor signed SB 707 into law. This legislation updates the Ralph M. Brown Act with the goal of improving public access, participation, and transparency in local government meetings. The revised Brown Act is included as Attachment 3.

SB 707 establishes new requirements for cities, counties, and special districts. Certain provisions apply specifically to “eligible legislative bodies,” including city councils in jurisdictions with populations over 30,000. The City of San Mateo meets this threshold and is subject to these requirements.

The law includes two primary effective dates:
January 1, 2026
July 1, 2026
The City Clerk’s Office, in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office, has reviewed SB 707 and identified necessary actions to ensure compliance. This report provides a high-level summary of key provisions and recommended implementation steps.

DISCUSSION:

Provisions Effective January 1, 2026

1. Distribution of Brown Act Materials and Available Meeting Locations The City is required to provide all legislative body members, including boards and commissions, with a copy of the Brown Act and a list of available meeting locations. This requirement has been completed.

2. Executive Compensation Reporting
For items involving executive compensation, which now includes department heads, staff must provide a verbal

440 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
1 3
4 3
9 summary to the City Council prior to final action. This summary must occur outside of the Consent Calendar.

3. ADA Accommodations for Legislative Body Members
Members of the legislative body may participate remotely as a reasonable accommodation for a disability. When doing so, participation must be conducted via both audio and video, unless a medical condition necessitates audio- only participation. Any adults present in the room with the member must be disclosed at the start of the meeting.

For purposes of quorum and attendance, a member participating under this provision is considered present in person, and the location from which they are participating is not required to be open to the public.

4. Social Media Use
SB 707 eliminates the prior sunset date for Government Code Section 54952.2(b)(3), making permanent the rules governing how members of legislative bodies may use social media in relation to agency business. Under this provision, members may use their personal or official social media accounts to share information or solicit input from the public. However, members are prohibited from engaging with one another on social media regarding agency business. This includes commenting on, replying to, or reacting (e.g., “liking”) each other’s posts or related comments if the subject pertains to matters within the body’s jurisdiction.

For example, a City Council Member may post on social media to seek community feedback on an upcoming project. Other City Council Members may view the post, but no other Council Member may respond to it or interact with any comments on that post, as doing so could constitute an impermissible serial meeting under the Brown Act.

5. Just Cause Expansion
SB 707 updates the rules governing remote participation by City Council Members by building on and expanding the framework established under AB 2449. The legislation consolidates the prior “just cause” and “emergency circumstances” categories into a single standard, broadens the range of allowable reasons for remote participation, and removes the requirement for City Council approval of a member’s remote attendance (Government Code Section 54953.8.3).

Under the revised law, a Council Member may participate remotely for “just cause,” which includes, but is not limited to:
Childcare or caregiving responsibilities for a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner;
A contagious illness that prevents in-person attendance; A need related to a physical or mental condition not otherwise covered under Government Code Section 54953(c);
Travel while conducting official business on behalf of the legislative body or another state or local agency; The need to care for an immunocompromised family member; A personal or family medical emergency; or
Military service obligations requiring the member to be at least 50 miles outside the jurisdiction, including active duty, training, or other official orders.

A Council Member may use the “just cause” provision for up to five meetings per calendar year. When participating remotely under this provision, the member’s location does not need to be disclosed on the agenda or made accessible to the public.

To utilize remote participation under Government Code Sections 54953.8 and 54953.8.3, the following conditions must be met:
A quorum of the legislative body must be physically present at a single meeting location; The remote Council Member must participate via both audio and video; Meeting minutes must identify the participating member and cite the applicable legal authority for the remote

441 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
1 3
4 3
9 participation (without requiring disclosure of personal or medical details); and The public must be provided the ability to participate remotely via a two-way audiovisual or telephonic platform, along with a live webcast of the meeting.

If remote participation is used and the platform providing public access is disrupted, the City Council may not take further action until remote public access has been restored.

6. Teleconferencing – Eligible Subsidiary Legislative Bodies Government Code Section 54953.8.6 allows (but does not require) certain subsidiary bodies to conduct meetings via teleconferencing, provided specific eligibility criteria and requirements are met.

Definition of Eligible Subsidiary Body
An eligible subsidiary body is one that:
Serves in an advisory capacity only and does not have final decision-making authority over legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, entitlements, grants, or the allocation of funds; and Does not have primary subject matter jurisdiction over budgets, elections, police oversight, privacy, public library material access, taxes, or related spending proposals.

City Council Authorization
To permit remote meetings, the City Council must take formal action to make required findings both initially and every six months thereafter. These findings must:
Determine that remote participation will enhance public access; Consider the specific circumstances of the subsidiary body; and Address the format of remote participation, methods of public notice, and potential impacts on member diversity and retention.

Meeting Requirements
Eligible subsidiary bodies conducting remote meetings must comply with the following:
Approve the use of teleconferencing by majority vote after Council authorization; A physical meeting location within the jurisdiction must be designated for public attendance; At least one staff member must be physically present at that location; The meeting agenda must be posted at the physical location (posting at remote locations is not required); Members must appear on camera during the meeting. If video is disabled due to technical issues, the reason must be stated; and
Any elected official serving on the body must comply with Government Code Section 54953(b)(3), including publicly noticing their remote location and making it accessible to the public.

Interaction with the Legislative Body
The statute also establishes a process for consideration of subsidiary body recommendations:
A subsidiary body may formally request to present its recommendations to the legislative body; The legislative body must schedule a discussion within 60 days at a regular meeting; The item may not be placed on the consent calendar; and Final action on the recommendations may not occur until a subsequent regular meeting.

442 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
1 3
4 3
9 Provisions Effective July 1, 2026
Under SB 707, several key provisions take effect beginning July 1, 2026. These provisions apply if the City Council qualifies as an “eligible legislative body.” Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(e)(2), eligible legislative bodies include:
City Councils of cities with populations of 30,000 or more; County boards of supervisors of counties with populations of 30,000 or more; and City Councils located within counties with populations of 600,000 or more.

The City of San Mateo City Council meets both criteria, as the City has a population exceeding 30,000 and is located within San Mateo County, which has a population greater than 600,000 based on the 2020 Census. Accordingly, the provisions of Government Code Section 54953.4 apply to the City Council.

1. Mandatory Remote Public Attendance Option
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(1)(A)(i)(I)(ia), all open and public meetings of eligible legislative bodies must provide an opportunity for the public to attend remotely through either a two-way telephonic or two- way audiovisual platform.

The City of San Mateo has continued to offer remote participation options since resuming in-person meetings following the COVID-19 pandemic and is already in compliance with this requirement. This provision will also apply to off-site City Council meetings, such as goal-setting sessions, State of the City events, and other workshops, and will require that remote participation options be made available for those meetings.

2. Policy on Disruption of Telephonic or Internet
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(1)(A)(i)(I)(ib), the City Council is required to adopt a policy establishing procedures for addressing disruptions to telephonic or internet service during meetings. The policy must outline procedures for recessing and reconvening meetings, as well as the efforts the Council will undertake to restore service. This policy may not be adopted on the consent calendar.

SB 707 establishes specific requirements for the content of this policy. If a technological disruption prevents public access to a meeting, the City Council must recess the open session for at least one hour, or until service is restored, while making good faith efforts to reestablish telephonic or internet access. Closed session items may be conducted during this recess. The City Council cannot reconvene the open session of the meeting until at least one hour following the disruption, or until telephonic or internet service is restored, whichever is earlier.

If service has not been restored after one hour, the City Council must reconvene and either: (1) adjourn the meeting; or (2) adopt a finding, by roll call vote, that good faith efforts were made in accordance with the adopted policy and that continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in maintaining remote access.

A proposed Technology Disruption Policy and corresponding resolution are included as Attachment 1 for the City Council’s consideration. If adopted, the policy will take effect on July 1, 2026.

3. Equal Opportunity for Remote Public Comment
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(1)(B), all eligible legislative bodies must provide an opportunity for remote public comment. Individuals participating remotely must be afforded the same amount of speaking time as those providing comment in person.

This requirement represents no change to the City’s current practices, as both in-person and virtual speakers are currently allotted the same amount of speaking time.

443 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
1 3
4 3
9 4. Translation of Meeting Agendas into “Applicable Languages” Government Code Section 54953.4(c)–(e) requires eligible legislative bodies to translate and post meeting agendas in all “applicable languages.” Each translated agenda must include instructions in that language for accessing the meeting remotely. Translated agendas must be posted within the standard timelines established under the Brown Act.

Under SB 707, “applicable languages” are defined as those identified through the most recent American Community Survey as being spoken by at least 20% of the applicable population, provided that at least 20% of individuals speaking that language report speaking English less than “very well” (Government Code Section 54953.4(e)(1)(A)).

Staff has reviewed the City of San Mateo’s most recent American Community Survey data for languages spoken by residents age five and older (Attachment 4). Based on this analysis, Spanish meets both threshold requirements to trigger mandatory agenda translation under the statute. Accordingly, the City Clerk’s Office will begin translating and posting meeting agendas in Spanish effective July 1, 2026.

Language Estimated Number of
Speakers
Percentage
Of Applicable Population
English 51,770 53.4%
Spanish 19,909 20.5%
Chinese 9,121 9.4%
Tagalog 2,786 2.9%
Russian 1,454 1.5%
French 965 1.0%
Korean 718 0.7%
Source: American Community Survey 2024 5-Year Estimates

5. Public Meetings Information Webpage
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(3)(B), eligible legislative bodies are required to establish and maintain an accessible, centralized webpage dedicated to public meetings. This webpage must include, or clearly link to, the following information:
A general overview of the public meeting process
Instructions for providing public comment, both in person and remotely A calendar of all public meetings, including date, time, and location Direct access to posted meeting agendas
A translation of the foregoing into applicable languages (explained below), accessible through a prominent direct link on the City’s home page.

In addition, Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(3)(A) requires legislative bodies to implement a system for electronically accepting and fulfilling requests for meeting agendas and related documents, either via email or through an integrated agenda management platform. This information must also be accessible through a prominent, direct link on the City’s homepage, as required by Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(3)(B)(ii).

The City currently complies with this requirement through its agenda management system. Additionally, the City maintains a notification alert system that allows members of the public to receive alerts when agendas are published. The City also publishes the list of all scheduled meetings for the year on the public meeting portal and a PDF list of regularly scheduled meetings.

444 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
1 3
4 3
9 6. Outreach to Underrepresented Groups and Non-English-Speaking Communities Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(3)(C), the City is required to make reasonable efforts—at a level determined by the City Council—to encourage participation in public meetings by individuals and groups that have not traditionally been engaged. This may include outreach to media outlets serving non-English-speaking communities, local community-based organizations, and neighborhood groups.

To support this requirement, the City Clerk’s Office is developing and will maintain a comprehensive outreach distribution list that includes media contacts, community organizations, and other local stakeholders serving the San Mateo community. These groups will receive City Council meeting agendas via email, enabling them to share information directly with their respective communities.

The City Clerk’s Office will coordinate with department heads, City Council Members, and staff to ensure the distribution list remains current and continues to expand its reach. In addition, the City’s website will include information on how organizations can subscribe to this list to receive meeting materials.

A resolution outlining the City’s proposed approach to meeting this requirement is included as Attachment 2 for City Council consideration and adoption.

7. Public Location for Agenda Translations by the Community Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(c)(3)–(4), legislative bodies are required to provide a physical location, adjacent to where meeting agendas are posted, that is freely accessible to the public. This location must allow members of the public to post translations of the agenda in languages other than English. The City is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or posting of these translations.

To comply with this requirement, the City Clerk’s Office is coordinating with Public Works to install a designated bulletin board next to the existing agenda posting board outside of City Hall. This bulletin board will be reserved for translated versions of City Council agendas and will include clear signage indicating its intended use. The signage will also note that the City does not review or assume responsibility for any materials posted.

The City Clerk’s Office will maintain this bulletin board to ensure ongoing compliance with Government Code Section 54953.4(c)(3)–(4).

8. Public Interpretation Assistance
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(2)(A)–(C), legislative bodies are required to provide reasonable assistance to members of the public who wish to use interpretation services during a meeting, provided such assistance does not disrupt the proceedings. This may include allowing additional time for interpretation, accommodating the use of personal or third-party interpretation services, or providing space for interpreters.

The City has an established process to support these requests. All City Council agendas include language inviting members of the public to request ADA or language assistance in advance of a meeting. When a request is received, the City Clerk’s Office works directly with the individual to identify and provide appropriate accommodations.

These may include additional time for public comment to allow for interpretation, assistive equipment such as a wireless microphone, or other necessary support.

In addition, the City’s virtual meeting platform offers automated language translation features to further expand access. The resolution included with this item formalizes the City’s commitment to continuing these practices and clearly communicating how members of the public may request assistance.

BUDGET IMPACT:

Implementation of SB 707 may result in minor administrative and operational costs related to technology, translation services, and outreach efforts. These costs are expected to be absorbed within existing departmental budgets at this time.

445 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
1 3
4 3
9 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:

This policy approval is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)

NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.

ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Resolution - Technology Disruption Policy for City Council Meetings Att 2 – Proposed Resolution - Public Outreach and Interpretation Assistance Practices Att 3 – The Brown Act
Att 4 – SB 707 Applicable Languages Determination Guide and Worksheet

STAFF CONTACT
Martin McTaggart, City Clerk
[email protected]
(650) 522-7042

446 of 510

CITY OF SAN MATEO
RESOLUTION NO. (2026)

APPROVING PUBLIC OUTREACH AND PUBLIC INTERPRETATION ASSISTANCE PRACTICES WHEREAS, the City of San Mateo is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and engaged community and ensuring meaningful public participation in meetings of the City Council and its Boards and Commissions; and
WHEREAS, on October 3, 2025, Governor Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 707 (SB 707); and WHEREAS, SB 707 amended the Ralph M. Brown Act to require legislative bodies to implement practices to expand public outreach and provide interpretation assistance; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(3)(C), beginning July 1, 2026, the City must make reasonable efforts to invite participation from groups that do not traditionally engage in public meetings; and
WHEREAS, to support these efforts, the City Clerk’s Office will maintain and periodically update a list of media organizations, faith-based organizations, community groups, and neighborhood associations and provide notice of City meetings to those groups; and
WHEREAS, the City will continue to provide information on its website inviting organizations and members of the public to register to receive meeting notifications and will review and update outreach contact lists at least annually; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Sections 54953.4(b)(2)(A)–(C), beginning July 1, 2026, the City must reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate meetings or receive interpretation services, provided such assistance does not disrupt the meeting, and must publicize instructions on how to request such assistance; and
WHEREAS, City Council, Board, and Commission agendas include standardized language informing the public how to request language assistance, disability-related accommodations, and alternative formats in advance of meetings; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(2), the City will continue to provide accessibility services for public meetings, including closed captioning.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY RESOLVES that:

1. This action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5)).

447 of 510

1 3
4 3
5 2. The City Clerk’s Office shall maintain and update a list of media organizations, faith-based groups, community organizations, and neighborhood associations for the purpose of providing notice of City meetings. The City Council finds that these efforts constitute reasonable measures pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(3)(C).

3. Agendas for the City Council, Boards, and Commissions shall continue to include information on how to request language assistance and disability-related accommodations. The City Clerk is authorized to continue providing accessibility services, including those described in this Resolution. The City Manager and City Clerk are authorized to take such actions as necessary to implement and administer the practices described in this resolution.

448 of 510

Code: Select Code Section: 1 or 2 or 1001 Search
54950.
54950.5.
54951.
54952.

Up^ Add To My Favorites

GOVERNMENT CODE - GOV
TITLE 5. LOCAL AGENCIES [50001 - 57607] ( Title 5 added by Stats. 1949, Ch. 81. ) DIVISION 2. CITIES, COUNTIES, AND OTHER AGENCIES [53000 - 55821] ( Division 2 added by Stats. 1949, Ch. 81. ) PART 1. POWERS AND DUTIES COMMON TO CITIES, COUNTIES, AND OTHER AGENCIES [53000 - 54999.7] ( Part 1 added by Stats. 1949, Ch. 81. )
CHAPTER 9. Meetings [54950 - 54963] ( Chapter 9 added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 1588. ) In enacting this chapter, the Legislature finds and declares that the public commissions, boards and councils and the other public agencies in this State exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business. It is the intent of the law that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly.

The people of this State do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.
(Added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 1588.)
This chapter shall be known as the Ralph M. Brown Act.
(Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 115.)
As used in this chapter, “local agency” means a county, city, whether general law or chartered, city and county, town, school district, municipal corporation, district, political subdivision, or any board, commission or agency thereof, or other local public agency.
(Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 1417.)
As used in this chapter, “legislative body” means:
(a) The governing body of a local agency or any other local body created by state or federal statute. (b) A commission, committee, board, or other body of a local agency, whether permanent or temporary, decisionmaking or advisory, created by charter, ordinance, resolution, or formal action of a legislative body.

However, advisory committees, composed solely of the members of the legislative body that are less than a quorum of the legislative body are not legislative bodies, except that standing committees of a legislative body, irrespective of their composition, which have a continuing subject matter jurisdiction, or a meeting schedule fixed by charter, ordinance, resolution, or formal action of a legislative body are legislative bodies for purposes of this chapter. (c) (1) A board, commission, committee, or other multimember body that governs a private corporation, limited liability company, or other entity that either:
(A) Is created by the elected legislative body in order to exercise authority that may lawfully be delegated by the elected governing body to a private corporation, limited liability company, or other entity. (B) Receives funds from a local agency and the membership of whose governing body includes a member of the legislative body of the local agency appointed to that governing body as a full voting member by the legislative body of the local agency.
(2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), no board, commission, committee, or other multimember body that governs a private corporation, limited liability company, or other entity that receives funds from a local agency and, as of February 9, 1996, has a member of the legislative body of the local agency as a full voting Home Bill InformationCalifornia Law PublicationsOther ResourcesMy SubscriptionsMy Favorites 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 1/41

449 of 510

54952.1.
54952.2.
member of the governing body of that private corporation, limited liability company, or other entity shall be relieved from the public meeting requirements of this chapter by virtue of a change in status of the full voting member to a nonvoting member.
(d) The lessee of any hospital the whole or part of which is first leased pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 32121 of the Health and Safety Code after January 1, 1994, where the lessee exercises any material authority of a legislative body of a local agency delegated to it by that legislative body whether the lessee is organized and operated by the local agency or by a delegated authority. (Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1073, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.) Any person elected to serve as a member of a legislative body who has not yet assumed the duties of office shall conform his or her conduct to the requirements of this chapter and shall be treated for purposes of enforcement of this chapter as if he or she has already assumed office. (Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 32, Sec. 2. Effective March 30, 1994. Operative April 1, 1994, by Sec. 23 of Ch. 32.) (a) As used in this chapter, “meeting” means any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location, including teleconference location as permitted by Section 54953, to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.
(b) (1) A majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. (2) Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as preventing an employee or official of a local agency, from engaging in separate conversations or communications outside of a meeting authorized by this chapter with members of a legislative body in order to answer questions or provide information regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency, if that person does not communicate to members of the legislative body the comments or position of any other member or members of the legislative body. (3) (A) Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as preventing a member of the legislative body from engaging in separate conversations or communications on an internet-based social media platform to answer questions, provide information to the public, or to solicit information from the public regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body provided that a majority of the members of the legislative body do not use the internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. A member of the legislative body shall not respond directly to any communication on an internet-based social media platform regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body that is made, posted, or shared by any other member of the legislative body.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph, all of the following definitions shall apply:
(i) “Discuss among themselves” means communications made, posted, or shared on an internet-based social media platform between members of a legislative body, including comments or use of digital icons that express reactions to communications made by other members of the legislative body. (ii) “Internet-based social media platform” means an online service that is open and accessible to the public.
(iii) “Open and accessible to the public” means that members of the general public have the ability to access and participate, free of charge, in the social media platform without the approval by the social media platform or a person or entity other than the social media platform, including any forum and chatroom, and cannot be blocked from doing so, except when the internet-based social media platform determines that an individual violated its protocols or rules.
(c) Nothing in this section shall impose the requirements of this chapter upon any of the following:
(1) Individual contacts or conversations between a member of a legislative body and any other person that do not violate subdivision (b).
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 2/41

450 of 510

54952.3.
54952.6.
54952.7.
54953.
(2) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a conference or similar gathering open to the public that involves a discussion of issues of general interest to the public or to public agencies of the type represented by the legislative body, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a specified nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to allow members of the public free admission to a conference or similar gathering at which the organizers have required other participants or registrants to pay fees or charges as a condition of attendance. (3) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and publicized meeting organized to address a topic of local community concern by a person or organization other than the local agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
(4) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and noticed meeting of another body of the local agency, or at an open and noticed meeting of a legislative body of another local agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled meeting, business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
(5) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a purely social or ceremonial occasion, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency. (6) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and noticed meeting of a standing committee of that body, provided that the members of the legislative body who are not members of the standing committee attend only as observers.
(Amended (as amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 89, Sec. 1) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) A legislative body that has convened a meeting and whose membership constitutes a quorum of any other legislative body may convene a meeting of that other legislative body, simultaneously or in serial order, only if a clerk or a member of the convened legislative body verbally announces, prior to convening any simultaneous or serial order meeting of that subsequent legislative body, the amount of compensation or stipend, if any, that each member will be entitled to receive as a result of convening the simultaneous or serial meeting of the subsequent legislative body and identifies that the compensation or stipend shall be provided as a result of convening a meeting for which each member is entitled to collect compensation or a stipend. However, the clerk or member of the legislative body shall not be required to announce the amount of compensation if the amount of compensation is prescribed in statute and no additional compensation has been authorized by a local agency. (b) For purposes of this section, compensation and stipend shall not include amounts reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred by a member in the performance of the member’s official duties, including, but not limited to, reimbursement of expenses relating to travel, meals, and lodging. (Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 91, Sec. 1. (AB 23) Effective January 1, 2012.) As used in this chapter, “action taken” means a collective decision made by a majority of the members of a legislative body, a collective commitment or promise by a majority of the members of a legislative body to make a positive or a negative decision, or an actual vote by a majority of the members of a legislative body when sitting as a body or entity, upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order or ordinance. (Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 1671.)
A local agency shall provide a copy of this chapter to any person elected or appointed to serve as a member of a legislative body of the local agency.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 3. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) All meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the legislative body of a local agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing for the benefit of the public and the legislative body of a local agency in connection with any meeting or proceeding 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 3/41

451 of 510

authorized by law. The teleconferenced meeting or proceeding shall comply with all otherwise applicable requirements of this chapter and all otherwise applicable provisions of law relating to a specific type of meeting or proceeding.
(2) Teleconferencing, as authorized by this section, may be used for all purposes in connection with any meeting within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, the legislative body of a local agency shall comply with all of the following:
(A) All votes taken during a teleconferenced meeting shall be by rollcall. (B) The teleconferenced meetings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties or the public appearing before the legislative body of a local agency. (C) The legislative body shall give notice of the meeting and post agendas as otherwise required by this chapter.
(D) The legislative body shall allow members of the public to access the meeting and the agenda shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3. (3) If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, it shall post agendas at all teleconference locations. Each teleconference location shall be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and each teleconference location shall be accessible to the public. During the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as expressly provided in this chapter. (4) The teleconferencing requirements of this subdivision shall not apply to remote participation described in subdivision (c).
(c) (1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a member of a legislative body with a disability from participating in any meeting of the legislative body by remote participation as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law.
(2) A member of a legislative body participating in a meeting by remote participation pursuant to this subdivision shall do both of the following:
(A) The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology, except that any member with a disability, as defined in Section 12102 of Title 42 of the United States Code, may participate only through audio technology if a physical condition related to their disability results in a need to participate off camera. (B) The member shall disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with any of those individuals. (3) Remote participation under this subdivision shall be treated as in-person attendance at the physical meeting location for all purposes, including any requirement that a quorum of the legislative body participate from any particular location. The provisions of subdivision (b) and Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, inclusive, shall not apply to remote participation under this subdivision.
(d) (1) No legislative body shall take action by secret ballot, whether preliminary or final. (2) The legislative body of a local agency shall publicly report any action taken and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action.
(3) (A) Prior to taking final action, the legislative body shall orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of either of the following during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken:
(i) A local agency executive, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1. (ii) A department head or other similar administrative officer of the local agency. (B) This paragraph shall not affect the public’s right under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1) to inspect or copy records created or received in the process of developing the recommendation.
(e) For purposes of this section, both of the following definitions apply:
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 4/41

452 of 510

54953.1.
54953.2.
54953.3.
54953.4.
(1) “Disability” means a physical disability or a mental disability as those terms are defined in Section 12926 and used in Section 12926.1, or a disability as defined in Section 12102 of Title 42 of the United States Code. (2) (A) “Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both. (B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), “teleconference” does not include one or more members watching or listening to a meeting via webcasting or any other similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively speak, discuss, or deliberate on matters. (3) “Remote participation” means participation in a meeting by teleconference at a location other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. (Amended (as amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 534, Sec. 2) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 4. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to prohibit the members of the legislative body of a local agency from giving testimony in private before a grand jury, either as individuals or as a body. (Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 950.)
All meetings of a legislative body of a local agency that are open and public shall meet the protections and prohibitions contained in Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. (Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 300, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2003.) A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition to attendance at a meeting of a legislative body of a local agency, to register his or her name, to provide other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his or her attendance.

If an attendance list, register, questionnaire, or other similar document is posted at or near the entrance to the room where the meeting is to be held, or is circulated to the persons present during the meeting, it shall state clearly that the signing, registering, or completion of the document is voluntary, and that all persons may attend the meeting regardless of whether a person signs, registers, or completes the document. (Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 968, Sec. 28.)
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that public access, including through translation of agendas as required by this section, is necessary for an informed populace. The Legislature encourages local agencies to adopt public access requirements that exceed the requirements of this chapter by translating additional languages, employing human translators, and conducting additional outreach. (b) (1) In addition to any other applicable requirements of this chapter, a meeting held by a eligible legislative body pursuant to this chapter shall comply with both of the following requirements:
(A) (i) (I) (ia) All open and public meetings shall include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform, except if adequate telephonic or internet service is not operational at the meeting location. If adequate telephonic or internet service is operational at the meeting location during only a portion of the meeting, the legislative body shall include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform during that portion of the meeting.
(ib) (Ia) On or before July 1, 2026, an eligible legislative body shall approve at a noticed public meeting in open session, not on the consent calendar, a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet service occurring during meetings subject to this sub-subclause. The policy shall address the procedures for recessing and reconvening a meeting in the event of disruption and the efforts that the eligible legislative body shall make to attempt to restore the service. (Ib) If a disruption of telephonic or internet service that prevents members of the public from attending or observing the meeting via the two-way telephonic service or two-way audiovisual platform occurs during the meeting, the eligible legislative body shall recess the open session of the meeting for at least one hour and make a good faith attempt to restore the service. The eligible legislative body may meet in closed session during this period. The eligible legislative body 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 5/41

453 of 510

shall not reconvene the open session of the meeting until at least one hour following the disruption, or until telephonic or internet service is restored, whichever is earlier. (Ic) Upon reconvening the open session, if telephonic or internet service has not been restored, the eligible legislative body shall adopt a finding by rollcall vote that good faith efforts to restore the telephonic or internet service have been made in accordance with the policy adopted pursuant to sub-sub-subclause (Ia) and that the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote public access.
(II) Subclause (I) does not apply to a meeting that is held to do any of the following:
(ia) Attend a judicial or administrative proceeding to which the local agency is a party. (ib) Inspect real or personal property provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the real or personal property.
(ic) Meet with elected or appointed officials of the United States or the State of California, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction.
(id) Meet in or nearby a facility owned by the agency, provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the facility.
(ie) Meet in an emergency situation pursuant to Section 54956.5. (ii) If an eligible legislative body elects to provide a two-way audiovisual platform, the eligible legislative body shall publicly post and provide a call-in option, and activate any automatic captioning function during the meeting if an automatic captioning function is included with the two-way audiovisual platform. If an eligible legislative body does not elect to provide a two-way audiovisual platform, the eligible legislative body shall provide a two-way telephonic service for the public to participate in the meeting, pursuant to subclause (I).
(B) (i) All open and public meetings for which attendance via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform is provided in accordance with paragraph (1) shall provide the public with an opportunity to provide public comment in accordance with Section 54954.3 via the two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platform, and ensure the opportunity for the members of the public participating via a two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platform to provide public comment with the same time allotment as a person attending a meeting in person.
(2) (A) An eligible legislative body shall reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate a public meeting into any language or wish to receive interpretation provided by another member of the public, so long as the interpretation is not disrupting to the meeting, as defined in Section 54957.95. The eligible legislative body shall publicize instructions on how to request assistance under this subdivision. Assistance may include any of the following, as determined by the eligible legislative body:
(i) Arranging space for one or more interpreters at the meeting location. (ii) Allowing extra time during the meeting for interpretation to occur. (iii) Ensuring participants may utilize their personal equipment or reasonably access facilities for participants to access commercially available interpretation services. (B) This section does not require an eligible legislative body to provide interpretation of any public meeting, however, an eligible legislative body may elect to provide interpretation of any public meeting. (C) The eligible legislative body is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any interpretation facilitated, assisted with, or provided under this subdivision. An action shall not be commenced or maintained against the eligible legislative body arising from the content or accuracy of any interpretation facilitated, assisted with, or provided under this subdivision.
(3) An eligible legislative body shall take the following actions to encourage residents, including those in underrepresented communities and non-English-speaking communities, to participate in public meetings:
(A) Have in place a system for electronically accepting and fulfilling requests for meeting agendas and documents pursuant to Section 54954.1 through email or through an integrated agenda management 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 6/41

454 of 510

platform. Information about how to make a request using this system shall be accessible through a prominent direct link posted on the primary internet website home page of the eligible legislative body. (B) (i) Create and maintain an accessible internet webpage dedicated to public meetings that includes, or provides a link to, all of the following information:
(I) A general explanation of the public meeting process for the eligible legislative body. (II) An explanation of the procedures for a member of the public to provide in-person or remote oral public comment during a public meeting or to submit written public comment. (III) A calendar of all public meeting dates with calendar listings that include the date, time, and location of each public meeting.
(IV) The agenda posted online pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 54954.2. (ii) The eligible legislative body shall include a link to the webpage required by subparagraph (A) on the home page of the eligible legislative body’s internet website. (C) (i) Make reasonable efforts, as determined by the legislative body, to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings to attend those meetings, which may include, but are not limited to, all the following:
(I) Media organizations that provide news coverage in the jurisdiction of the eligible legislative body, including media organizations that serve non-English-speaking communities. (II) Good government, civil rights, civic engagement, neighborhood, and community group organizations, or similar organizations that are active in the jurisdiction of the eligible legislative body, including organizations active in non-English-speaking communities. (ii) Legislative bodies shall have broad discretion in the choice of reasonable efforts they make under this subparagraph. No action shall be commenced or maintained against an eligible legislative body arising from failing to provide public meeting information to any specific group pursuant to this subparagraph. (c) (1) (A) The agenda for each meeting of an eligible legislative body shall be translated into all applicable languages, and each translation shall be posted in accordance with Section 54954.2. Each translation shall include instructions in the applicable language describing how to join the meeting by the telephonic or internet-based service option, including any requirements for registration for public comment. (B) The accessible internet webpage provided under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be translated into all applicable languages, and each translation shall be accessible through a prominent direct link posted on the primary internet website home page of the eligible legislative body. (2) A translation made using a digital translation service shall satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1). (3) The eligible legislative body shall make available a physical location that is freely accessible to the public in reasonable proximity to the physical location in which the agenda and translations are posted as described in paragraph (1), and shall allow members of the public to post additional translations of the agenda in that location.
(4) The eligible legislative body is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any translation provided pursuant to this subdivision. No action shall be commenced or maintained against an eligible legislative body arising from the content, accuracy, posting, or removal of any translation provided by the eligible legislative body or posted by any person pursuant to this subdivision.
(5) For the purposes of this section, the agenda does not include the entire agenda packet. (d) This section shall not be construed to affect or supersede any other applicable civil rights, nondiscrimination, or public access laws.
(e) For purposes of this section, all of the following definitions apply:
(1) (A) “Applicable languages” means languages, according to data from the most recent American Community Survey, spoken jointly by 20 percent or more of the applicable population, provided that 20 percent or more of the population that speaks that language in that city or county speaks English less than “very well.” (B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the applicable population shall be determined as follows:
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 7/41

455 of 510

54953.5.
(i) For an eligible legislative body that is a city council or county board of supervisors, the applicable population shall be the population of the city or county. (ii) For an eligible legislative body of a special district, the applicable population shall be either of the following, at the discretion of the board of directors of the special district:
(I) The population of the county with the greatest population within the boundaries of the special district.
(II) The population of the service area of the special district, if the special district has the data to determine what languages spoken by the population within its service area meet the requirements of paragraph (A).
(C) If more than three languages meet the criteria set forth in subparagraph (A), “applicable languages” shall mean the three languages described in subparagraph (A) that are spoken by the largest percentage of the population.
(D) An eligible legislative body may elect to determine the applicable languages based upon a source other than the most recent American Community Survey if it makes a finding, based upon substantial evidence, that the other source provides equally or more reliable data for the territory over which the eligible legislative body exercises jurisdiction.
(2) “Eligible legislative body” means any of the following:
(A) A city council of a city with a population of 30,000 or more. (B) A county board of supervisors of a county, or city and county, with a population of 30,000 or more. (C) A city council of a city located in a county with a population of 600,000 or more. (D) The board of directors of a special district that has an internet website and meets any of the following conditions:
(i) The boundaries of the special district include the entirety of a county with a population of 600,000 or more, and the special district has over 200 full-time equivalent employees. (ii) The special district has over 1,000 full-time equivalent employees. (iii) The special district has annual revenues, based on the most recent Financial Transaction Report data published by the California State Controller, that exceed four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000), adjusted annually for inflation commencing January 1, 2027, as measured by the percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index from January 1 of the prior year to January 1 of the current year, and the special district employs over 200 full-time equivalent employees. (3) “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. (4) “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate. (f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2026. (g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 5. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026. Operative July 1, 2026, by its own provisions.

Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.) (a) Any person attending an open and public meeting of a legislative body of a local agency shall have the right to record the proceedings in the absence of a reasonable finding by the legislative body of the local agency that the recording cannot continue without noise, illumination, or obstruction of view that constitutes, or would constitute, a persistent disruption of the proceedings. (b) Any recording of an open and public meeting made for whatever purpose by or at the direction of the local agency shall be subject to inspection pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1), but, notwithstanding Section 34090, may be erased or destroyed 30 days after the recording. Any inspection of an audio or video recording shall be provided without charge on equipment made available by the local agency.
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 8/41

456 of 510

54953.6.
54953.7.
54953.8.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 6. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) No legislative body of a local agency shall prohibit or otherwise restrict the broadcast of its open and public meetings in the absence of a reasonable finding that the broadcast cannot be accomplished without noise, illumination, or obstruction of view that would constitute a persistent disruption of the proceedings. (Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 32, Sec. 6. Effective March 30, 1994. Operative April 1, 1994, by Sec. 23 of Ch. 32.) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, legislative bodies of local agencies may impose requirements upon themselves which allow greater access to their meetings than prescribed by the minimal standards set forth in this chapter. In addition thereto, an elected legislative body of a local agency may impose those requirements on appointed legislative bodies of the local agency.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 7. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) The legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing as authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54953 without complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953 in any of the circumstances described in Sections 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7, inclusive. (b) A legislative body that holds a teleconference meeting pursuant to this section shall, in addition to any other applicable requirements of this chapter, comply with all of the following:
(1) The legislative body shall provide at least one of the following as a means by which the public may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body:
(A) A two-way audiovisual platform.
(B) A two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. (2) In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconference meeting held pursuant to this section is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option.
(3) In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the local agency’s control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored.

Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
(4) The legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time. (5) Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate.
(6) (A) A legislative body that provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register, pursuant to paragraph (5), to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed. (B) A legislative body that does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register pursuant to paragraph (5), or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment. (C) A legislative body that provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond to a specific agenda item shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, pursuant to 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 9/41

457 of 510

54953.8.1.
paragraph (5), until the timed general public comment period has elapsed. (7) Any member of the legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to this section and the specific provision of law that the member relied upon to permit their participation by teleconferencing shall be listed in the minutes of the meeting. (8) The legislative body shall have and implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility. In each instance in which notice of the time of the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the procedure for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation. (9) The legislative body shall conduct meetings subject to this chapter consistent with applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination laws.
(c) A local agency shall identify and make available to legislative bodies a list of one or more meeting locations that may be available for use by the legislative bodies to conduct their meetings. (d) (1) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional teleconference locations.
(2) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional physical locations in which the public may observe and address the legislative body by electronic means. (e) A member of a legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to this section shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with those individuals.
(f) The teleconferencing provisions described in Section 54953 and Sections 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7, inclusive, are cumulative. A legislative body may elect to use any teleconferencing provisions that are applicable to a meeting, regardless of whether any other teleconferencing provisions would also be applicable to that meeting. (g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Remote location” means a location from which a member of a legislative body participates in a meeting pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b), other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Remote locations need not be accessible to the public. (2) “Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both. (3) “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for the public participants. (4) “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate. (5) “Webcasting” means a streaming video broadcast online or on television, using streaming media technology to distribute a single content source to many simultaneous listeners and viewers. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 8. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) A health authority may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section.
(b) Nothing in this section or Section 54953.8 shall be construed as discouraging health authority members from regularly meeting at a common physical site within the jurisdiction of the authority or from using teleconference locations within or near the jurisdiction of the authority. (c) For purposes of this section, a health authority means any entity created pursuant to Sections 14018.7, 14087.31, 14087.35, 14087.36, 14087.38, and 14087.9605 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, any joint powers authority created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 for the purpose of contracting pursuant to Section 14087.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and any advisory committee to a county-sponsored health plan licensed pursuant to Chapter 2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code if the advisory committee has 12 or more members. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 10/41

458 of 510

54953.8.2.
54953.8.3.
(Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 9. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) A legislative body of a local agency may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 during a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and the teleconferencing is used in either of the following circumstances:
(1) For the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. (2) After a determination described in paragraph (1) is made that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. (b) If the state of emergency or local emergency remains active, in order to continue to teleconference pursuant to this section, the legislative body shall, no later than 45 days after teleconferencing for the first time pursuant to this section, and every 45 days thereafter, make the following findings by majority vote:
(1) The legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency or local emergency. (2) The state of emergency or local emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person.
(c) This section shall not be construed to require the legislative body to provide a physical location from which the public may attend or comment.
(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953.8, a legislative body conducting a teleconference meeting pursuant to this section may elect to use a two-way telephonic service without a live webcasting of the meeting.
(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Local emergency” means a condition of extreme peril to persons or property proclaimed by the governing body of the local agency affected, in accordance with Section 8630 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2), as defined in Section 8680.9, or a local health emergency declared pursuant to Section 101080 of the Health and Safety Code. Local emergency, as used in this section, refers only to local emergencies in the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction.
(2) “State of emergency” means state of emergency proclaimed pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2). (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 10. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) A legislative body of a local agency may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 if, during the teleconference meeting, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a singular physical location clearly identified on the agenda, which location shall be open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, provided that the legislative body complies with the requirements of Section 54953.8 and all of the following additional requirements:
(1) A member of the legislative body notifies the legislative body at the earliest opportunity possible, including at the start of a regular meeting, of their need to participate remotely for just cause, including a general description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting. (2) The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology. (3) (A) The provisions of this subdivision shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for just cause for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
(i) Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less. (ii) Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 11/41

459 of 510

54953.8.4.
(iii) Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month. (B) For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
(b) The minutes for the meeting shall identify the specific provision in subdivision (c) that each member relied upon to participate remotely. This subdivision shall not be construed to require the member to disclose any medical diagnosis or disability, or any personal medical information that is otherwise exempt under existing law, including, but not limited to, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 56) of Part

2.6 of Division 1 of the Civil Code).
(c) For purposes of this section, “just cause” means any of the following:
(1) Childcare or caregiving need of a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. “Child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms do in Section 12945.2.
(2) A contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person. (3) A need related to a physical or mental condition that is not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953. (4) Travel while on official business of the legislative body or another state or local agency. (5) An immunocompromised child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the member that requires the member to participate remotely. (6) A physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person. (7) Military service obligations that result in a member being unable to attend in person because they are serving under official written orders for active duty, drill, annual training, or any other duty required as a member of the California National Guard or a United States Military Reserve organization that requires the member to be at least 50 miles outside the boundaries of the local agency.
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 11. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)
(a) An eligible neighborhood council may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following have occurred:
(1) (A) The city council for a city described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) considers whether to adopt a resolution to authorize eligible neighborhood councils to use teleconferencing as described in this section at an open and regular meeting.
(B) If the city council adopts a resolution described in subparagraph (A), an eligible neighborhood council may elect to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section if a majority of the eligible neighborhood council votes to do so. The eligible neighborhood council shall notify the city council if it elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section and its justification for doing so.
(C) Upon receiving notification from an eligible neighborhood council described in subparagraph (B), the city council may adopt a resolution to prohibit the eligible neighborhood council from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section.
(2) After completing the requirements of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), an eligible neighborhood council that holds a meeting pursuant to this subdivision shall do all of the following:
(A) At least a quorum of the members of the eligible neighborhood council shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the city in which the eligible neighborhood council is established. (B) At least once per year, at least a quorum of the members of the eligible neighborhood council shall participate in person from a singular physical location that is open to the public and within the boundaries of the eligible neighborhood council.
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 12/41

460 of 510

54953.8.5.
(3) If the meeting is during regular business hours of the offices of the city council member that represents the area that includes the eligible neighborhood council, the eligible neighborhood council shall provide a publicly accessible physical location from which the public may attend or comment, which shall be the offices of the city council member who represents the area where the eligible neighborhood council is located, unless the eligible neighborhood council identifies an alternative location. (4) If the meeting is outside regular business hours, the eligible neighborhood council shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate any member of the public that requests an accommodation to participate in the meeting. (b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Accommodation” means providing a publicly accessible physical location for the member of the public to participate from, providing access to technology necessary to participate in the meeting, or identifying locations or resources available that could provide the member of the public with an opportunity to participate in the meeting.
(2) “Eligible neighborhood council” means a neighborhood council that is an advisory body with the purpose to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs that is established pursuant to the charter of a city with a population of more than 3,000,000 people that is subject to this chapter.
(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 12. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)
(a) An eligible community college student organization may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1) An eligible community college student organization may only use teleconferencing as described in Section 54953.8 after all the following have occurred:
(A) The board of trustees for a community college district considers whether to adopt a resolution to authorize eligible community college student organizations to use teleconferencing as described in this section at an open and regular meeting.
(B) If the board of trustees for a community college district adopts a resolution described in subparagraph (A), an eligible community college student organization may elect to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section if a majority of the eligible community college student organization votes to do so. The eligible community college student organization shall notify the board of trustees if it elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section and its justification for doing so.
(C) Upon receiving notification from an eligible community college student organization as described in subparagraph (B), the board of trustees may adopt a resolution to prohibit the eligible community college student organization from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section. (D) (i) Except as specified in clause (ii), at least a quorum of the members of the eligible community college student organization shall participate from a singular physical location that is accessible to the public and is within the community college district in which the eligible community college student organization is established.
(ii) The requirements described in clause (i) shall not apply to the California Online Community College. (iii) Notwithstanding the requirements of clause (i), a person may count toward the establishment of a quorum pursuant to clause (i) regardless of whether the person is participating at the in-person location of the meeting or remotely if the person meets any of the following criteria:
(I) The person is under 18 years of age.
(II) The person is incarcerated.
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 13/41

461 of 510

54953.8.6.
(III) The person is unable to disclose the location that they are participating from because of either of the following circumstances:
(ia) The person has been issued a protective court order, including, but not limited to, a domestic violence restraining order.
(ib) The person is participating in a program that has to remain confidential, including, but not limited to, an independent living program.
(IV) The person provides childcare or caregiving to a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. For purposes of this subclause, “child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms are defined in Section 12945.2.
(2) An eligible community college student organization that holds a meeting by teleconference as described in Section 54953.8 shall do the following, as applicable:
(A) (i) Except as specified in subparagraph (B), if the meeting is during regular business hours of the offices of the board of trustees of the community college district, the eligible community college student organization shall provide a publicly accessible physical location from which the public may attend or comment, which shall be the offices of the board of trustees of the community college district, unless the eligible community college student organization identifies an alternative location. (ii) Except as specified in subparagraph (B), if the meeting is outside regular business hours, the eligible community college student organization shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate any member of the public that requests an accommodation to participate in the meeting. For the purposes of this subparagraph, “accommodation” means providing a publicly accessible physical location for the member of the public to participate from, providing access to technology necessary to participate in the meeting, or identifying locations or resources available that could provide the member of the public with an opportunity to participate in the meeting.
(B) The requirements described in subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the California Online Community College.
(b) For purposes of this section, “eligible community college student organization” means a student body association organized pursuant to Section 76060 of the Education Code, or any other student-run community college organization that is required to comply with the meeting requirements of this chapter, that is in any community college recognized within the California Community Colleges system and includes the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.
(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 13. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)
(a) An eligible subsidiary body may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1) The eligible subsidiary body shall designate one physical meeting location within the boundaries of the legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body where members of the subsidiary body who are not participating remotely shall be present and members of the public may physically attend, observe, hear, and participate in the meeting. At least one staff member of the eligible subsidiary body or the legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body shall be present at the physical meeting location during the meeting. The eligible subsidiary body shall post the agenda at the physical meeting location, but need not post the agenda at a remote location.
(2) (A) A member of the eligible subsidiary body shall visibly appear on camera during the open portion of a meeting that is publicly accessible via the internet or other online platform, except if the member has a physical or mental condition not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953 that results in a need to participate off camera.
(B) The visual appearance of a member of the eligible subsidiary body on camera may cease only when the appearance would be technologically infeasible, including, but not limited to, when the member experiences a lack of reliable broadband or internet connectivity that would be remedied by joining without video. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 14/41

462 of 510

(C) If a member of the eligible subsidiary body does not appear on camera due to challenges with internet connectivity, the member shall announce the reason for their nonappearance prior to turning off their camera. (3) An elected official serving as a member of an eligible subsidiary body in their official capacity shall not participate in a meeting of the eligible subsidiary body by teleconferencing pursuant to this section unless the use of teleconferencing complies with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953. (4) (A) In order to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section, the legislative body that established the eligible subsidiary body by charter, ordinance, resolution, or other formal action shall make the following findings by majority vote before the eligible subsidiary body uses teleconferencing pursuant to this section for the first time, and every six months thereafter:
(i) The legislative body has considered the circumstances of the eligible subsidiary body. (ii) Teleconference meetings of the eligible subsidiary body would enhance public access to meetings of the eligible subsidiary body, and the public has been made aware of the type of remote participation, including audio-visual or telephonic, that will be made available at a regularly scheduled meeting and has been provided the opportunity to comment at an in-person meeting of the legislative body authorizing the subsidiary body to meet entirely remotely.
(iii) Teleconference meetings of the eligible subsidiary body would promote the attraction, retention, and diversity of eligible subsidiary body members.
(B) (i) An eligible subsidiary body authorized to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section may request to present any recommendations it develops to the legislative body that created it. (ii) Upon receiving a request described in clause (i), the legislative body that created the subsidiary body shall hold a discussion at a regular meeting held within 60 days after the legislative body receives the request, or if the legislative body does not have another regular meeting scheduled within 60 days after the legislative body receives the request, at the next regular meeting after the request is received. (iii) The discussion required by clause (ii) shall not be placed on a consent calendar, but may be combined with the legislative body’s subsequent consideration of the findings described in subparagraph (A) for the following 12 months.
(iv) The legislative body shall not take any action on any recommendations included in the report of a subsidiary body until the next regular meeting of the legislative body following the discussion described in clause (ii).
(C) After the legislative body makes the findings described in subparagraph (A), the eligible subsidiary body shall approve the use of teleconferencing by majority vote before using teleconference pursuant to this section.
(D) The legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body may elect to prohibit the eligible subsidiary body from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section at any time. (b) (1) For purposes of this section, “eligible subsidiary body” means a legislative body that meets all of the following:
(A) Is described in subdivision (b) of Section 54952.
(B) Serves exclusively in an advisory capacity.
(C) Is not authorized to take final action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or any other entitlements, grants, or allocations of funds.
(D) Does not have primary subject matter jurisdiction, as defined by the charter, an ordinance, a resolution, or any formal action of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body, that focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals.
(2) An eligible subsidiary body may include members who are elected officials, members who are not elected officials, or any combination thereof.
(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 15/41

463 of 510

54953.8.7.
(Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 14. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)
(a) An eligible multijurisdictional body may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1) The eligible multijurisdictional body has adopted a resolution that authorizes the eligible multijurisdictional body to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section at a regular meeting in open session. (2) At least a quorum of the members of the eligible multijurisdictional body shall participate from one or more physical locations that are open to the public and within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction.
(3) A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body who receives compensation for their service on the eligible multijurisdictional body shall participate from a physical location that is open to the public. For purposes of this paragraph, “compensation” does not include reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses. (4) A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body may participate from a remote location provided that:
(A) The eligible multijurisdictional body identifies each member of the eligible multijurisdictional body who plans to participate remotely in the agenda.
(B) The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology. (5) A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body shall not participate in a meeting remotely pursuant to this section, unless the location from which the member participates is more than 20 miles each way from any physical location of the meeting described in paragraph (2). (6) The provisions of this section shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
(A) Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less. (B) Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month. (C) Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month. (D) For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
(b) For the purposes of this section, both of the following definitions apply:
(1) “Eligible multijurisdictional body” means a multijurisdictional board, commission, or advisory body of a multijurisdictional, cross-county agency, the membership of which board, commission, or advisory body is appointed, and the board, commission, or advisory body is otherwise subject to this chapter. (2) “Multijurisdictional” means either of the following:
(A) A legislative body that includes representatives from more than one county, city, city and county, or special district.
(B) A legislative body of a joint powers entity formed pursuant to an agreement entered into in accordance with Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1. (c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 15. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 16/41

464 of 510

54954.
54954.1.
(a) Each legislative body of a local agency, except for advisory committees or standing committees, shall provide, by ordinance, resolution, bylaws, or by whatever other rule is required for the conduct of business by that body, the time and place for holding regular meetings. Meetings of advisory committees or standing committees, for which an agenda is posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 54954.2, shall be considered for purposes of this chapter as regular meetings of the legislative body. (b) Regular and special meetings of the legislative body shall be held within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except to do any of the following:
(1) Comply with state or federal law or court order, or attend a judicial or administrative proceeding to which the local agency is a party.
(2) Inspect real or personal property which cannot be conveniently brought within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the real or personal property.
(3) Participate in meetings or discussions of multiagency significance that are outside the boundaries of a local agency’s jurisdiction. However, any meeting or discussion held pursuant to this subdivision shall take place within the jurisdiction of one of the participating local agencies and be noticed by all participating agencies as provided for in this chapter.
(4) Meet in the closest meeting facility if the local agency has no meeting facility within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, or at the principal office of the local agency if that office is located outside the territory over which the agency exercises jurisdiction. (5) Meet outside their immediate jurisdiction with elected or appointed officials of the United States or the State of California when a local meeting would be impractical, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction. (6) Meet outside their immediate jurisdiction if the meeting takes place in or nearby a facility owned by the agency, provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the facility. (7) Visit the office of the local agency’s legal counsel for a closed session on pending litigation held pursuant to Section 54956.9, when to do so would reduce legal fees or costs. (c) Meetings of the governing board of a school district shall be held within the district, except under the circumstances enumerated in subdivision (b), or to do any of the following:
(1) Attend a conference on nonadversarial collective bargaining techniques. (2) Interview members of the public residing in another district with reference to the trustees’ potential employment of an applicant for the position of the superintendent of the district. (3) Interview a potential employee from another district. (d) Meetings of a joint powers authority shall occur within the territory of at least one of its member agencies, or as provided in subdivision (b). However, a joint powers authority which has members throughout the state may meet at any facility in the state which complies with the requirements of Section 54961. (e) If, by reason of fire, flood, earthquake, or other emergency, it shall be unsafe to meet in the place designated, the meetings shall be held for the duration of the emergency at the place designated by the presiding officer of the legislative body or his or her designee in a notice to the local media that have requested notice pursuant to Section 54956, by the most rapid means of communication available at the time. (Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 257, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.) Any person may request that a copy of the agenda, or a copy of all the documents constituting the agenda packet, of any meeting of a legislative body be mailed to that person. If a local agency has an internet website, the legislative body or its designee shall email a copy of, or website link to, the agenda or a copy of all the documents constituting the agenda packet if the person requests that the item or items be delivered by email. If the local agency determines it is technologically infeasible to send a copy of all documents constituting the agenda packet or 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 17/41

465 of 510

54954.2.
a link to a website that contains the documents by email or by other electronic means, the legislative body or its designee shall send by mail a copy of the agenda or a website link to the agenda and mail a copy of all other documents constituting the agenda packet in accordance with the mailing requirements established pursuant to this section. If requested, the agenda and documents in the agenda packet shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. Upon receipt of the written request, the legislative body or its designee shall cause the requested materials to be mailed at the time the agenda is posted pursuant to Section 54954.2 and 54956 or upon distribution to all, or a majority of all, of the members of a legislative body, whichever occurs first. Any request for mailed copies of agendas or agenda packets shall be valid for the calendar year in which it is filed, and must be renewed following January 1 of each year. The legislative body may establish a fee for mailing the agenda or agenda packet, which fee shall not exceed the cost of providing the service. Failure of the requesting person to receive the agenda or agenda packet pursuant to this section shall not constitute grounds for invalidation of the actions of the legislative body taken at the meeting for which the agenda or agenda packet was not received. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 763, Sec. 1. (SB 274) Effective January 1, 2022.) (a) (1) At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda that meets all of the following requirements:
(A) The agenda shall contain a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words.
(B) The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular meeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one.
(C) (i) If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. (ii) The agenda shall include information regarding how, to whom, and when a request for disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, may be made by a person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in the public meeting. (2) For a meeting occurring on and after January 1, 2019, of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website, the following provisions shall apply:
(A) An online posting of an agenda shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that is accessible through a prominent, direct link to the current agenda. The direct link to the agenda shall not be in a contextual menu; however, a link in addition to the direct link to the agenda may be accessible through a contextual menu.
(B) An online posting of an agenda, including, but not limited to, an agenda posted in an integrated agenda management platform, shall be posted in an open format that meets all of the following requirements:
(i) Retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically searchable by commonly used internet search applications.
(ii) Platform independent and machine readable.
(iii) Available to the public free of charge and without any restriction that would impede the reuse or redistribution of the agenda.
(C) A legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website and an integrated agenda management platform shall not be required to comply with subparagraph (A) if all of the following are met:
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 18/41

466 of 510

(i) A direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state. The direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall not be in a contextual menu. When a person clicks on the direct link to the integrated agenda management platform, the direct link shall take the person directly to an internet website with the agendas of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(ii) The integrated agenda management platform may contain the prior agendas of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state for all meetings occurring on or after January 1, 2019. (iii) The current agenda of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state shall be the first agenda available at the top of the integrated agenda management platform.
(iv) All agendas posted in the integrated agenda management platform shall comply with the requirements in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B).
(D) The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a political subdivision of a local agency that was established by the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(E) For purposes of this paragraph, both of the following definitions apply:
(1) “Integrated agenda management platform” means an internet website of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state dedicated to providing the entirety of the agenda information for the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state to the public. (2) “Legislative body” means a legislative body that meets the definition of subdivision (a) of Section 54952. (3) No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that members of a legislative body or its staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights under Section 54954.3. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a member of a legislative body or its staff may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities. Furthermore, a member of a legislative body, or the body itself, subject to rules or procedures of the legislative body, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below. Prior to discussing any item pursuant to this subdivision, the legislative body shall publicly identify the item.
(1) Upon a determination by a majority vote of the legislative body that an emergency situation exists, as defined in Section 54956.5.
(2) Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in subdivision (a). (3) The item was posted pursuant to subdivision (a) for a prior meeting of the legislative body occurring not more than five calendar days prior to the date action is taken on the item, and at the prior meeting the item was continued to the meeting at which action is being taken. (c) This section is necessary to implement and reasonably within the scope of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.
(d) For purposes of subdivision (a), the requirement that the agenda be posted on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one, shall only apply to a legislative body that meets either of the following standards:
(1) A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 19/41

467 of 510

54954.3.
54954.4.
(2) A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (b) of Section 54952, if the members of the legislative body are compensated for their appearance, and if one or more of the members of the legislative body are also members of a legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952. (Amended (as amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 131, Sec. 92) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 16. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.)
(a) (1) Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the legislative body’s consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, provided that no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless the action is otherwise authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2.
(2) (A) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the agenda need not provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body on any item that has already been considered by a committee, composed exclusively of members of the legislative body, at a public meeting wherein all interested members of the public were afforded the opportunity to address the committee on the item, before or during the committee’s consideration of the item.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if any of the following conditions are met:
(i) The item has been substantially changed since the committee heard the item, as determined by the legislative body.
(ii) When considering the item, a quorum of the committee members did not participate from a singular physical location, that was clearly identified on the agenda, open to the public, and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction. (iii) The committee has primary subject matter jurisdiction, as defined by the charter, an ordinance, a resolution, or any formal action of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body, that focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals. This clause shall not apply to an item if the local agency has adopted a law applicable to the meeting of the committee at which the item that was considered prohibits the committee from placing a limit on the total amount of time for public comment on the item.
(3) Every notice for a special meeting shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body concerning any item that has been described in the notice for the meeting before or during consideration of that item.
(b) (1) The legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable regulations to ensure that the intent of subdivision (a) is carried out, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual speaker. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when the legislative body of a local agency limits time for public comment, the legislative body of a local agency shall provide at least twice the allotted time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the legislative body of a local agency.
(3) Paragraph (2) shall not apply if the legislative body of a local agency utilizes simultaneous translation equipment in a manner that allows the legislative body of a local agency to hear the translated public testimony simultaneously.
(c) The legislative body of a local agency shall not prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the agency, or of the acts or omissions of the legislative body. Nothing in this subdivision shall confer any privilege or protection for expression beyond that otherwise provided by law. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 17. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that Section 12 of Chapter 641 of the Statutes of 1986, authorizing reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for costs mandated by the state pursuant to that act, shall be interpreted strictly. The intent of the Legislature is to provide reimbursement for only those costs 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 20/41

468 of 510

54954.5.
which are clearly and unequivocally incurred as the direct and necessary result of compliance with Chapter 641 of the Statutes of 1986.
(b) In this regard, the Legislature directs all state employees and officials involved in reviewing or authorizing claims for reimbursement, or otherwise participating in the reimbursement process, to rigorously review each claim and authorize only those claims, or parts thereof, which represent costs which are clearly and unequivocally incurred as the direct and necessary result of compliance with Chapter 641 of the Statutes of 1986 and for which complete documentation exists. For purposes of Section 54954.2, costs eligible for reimbursement shall only include the actual cost to post a single agenda for any one meeting. (c) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that complete, faithful, and uninterrupted compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) is a matter of overriding public importance. Unless specifically stated, no future Budget Act, or related budget enactments, shall, in any manner, be interpreted to suspend, eliminate, or otherwise modify the legal obligation and duty of local agencies to fully comply with Chapter 641 of the Statutes of 1986 in a complete, faithful, and uninterrupted manner.
(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 238, Sec. 1.)
For purposes of describing closed session items pursuant to Section 54954.2, the agenda may describe closed sessions as provided below. No legislative body or elected official shall be in violation of Section 54954.2 or 54956 if the closed session items were described in substantial compliance with this section. Substantial compliance is satisfied by including the information provided below, irrespective of its format. (a) With respect to a closed session held pursuant to Section 54956.7:

LICENSE/PERMIT DETERMINATION
Applicant(s): (Specify number of applicants)
(b) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.8:

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: (Specify street address, or if no street address, the parcel number or other unique reference, of the real property under negotiation)
Agency negotiator: (Specify names of negotiators attending the closed session) (If circumstances necessitate the absence of a specified negotiator, an agent or designee may participate in place of the absent negotiator so long as the name of the agent or designee is announced at an open session held prior to the closed session.) Negotiating parties: (Specify name of party (not agent)) Under negotiation: (Specify whether instruction to negotiator will concern price, terms of payment, or both) (c) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.9:

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)
Name of case: (Specify by reference to claimant’s name, names of parties, case or claim numbers) or
Case name unspecified: (Specify whether disclosure would jeopardize service of process or existing settlement negotiations)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (Specify number of potential cases)
(In addition to the information noticed above, the agency may be required to provide additional information on the agenda or in an oral statement prior to the closed session pursuant to paragraphs (2) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (e) of Section 54956.9.)
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (Specify number of potential cases)
(d) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.95:

LIABILITY CLAIMS
Claimant: (Specify name unless unspecified pursuant to Section 54961) Agency claimed against: (Specify name)
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 21/41

469 of 510

(e) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54957:

THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES
Consultation with: (Specify name of law enforcement agency and title of officer, or name of applicable agency representative and title)

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Title: (Specify description of position to be filled)

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title: (Specify description of position to be filled)

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: (Specify position title of employee being reviewed)

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
(No additional information is required in connection with a closed session to consider discipline, dismissal, or release of a public employee. Discipline includes potential reduction of compensation.) (f) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54957.6:

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representatives: (Specify names of designated representatives attending the closed session) (If circumstances necessitate the absence of a specified designated representative, an agent or designee may participate in place of the absent representative so long as the name of the agent or designee is announced at an open session held prior to the closed session.)
Employee organization: (Specify name of organization representing employee or employees in question) or
Unrepresented employee: (Specify position title of unrepresented employee who is the subject of the negotiations) (g) With respect to closed sessions called pursuant to Section 54957.8:

CASE REVIEW/PLANNING
(No additional information is required in connection with a closed session to consider case review or planning.) (h) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Sections 1461, 32106, and 32155 of the Health and Safety Code or Sections 37606 and 37624.3 of the Government Code:

REPORT INVOLVING TRADE SECRET
Discussion will concern: (Specify whether discussion will concern proposed new service, program, or facility) Estimated date of public disclosure: (Specify month and year)

HEARINGS
Subject matter: (Specify whether testimony/deliberation will concern staff privileges, report of medical audit committee, or report of quality assurance committee)
(i) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.86:

CHARGE OR COMPLAINT INVOLVING INFORMATION PROTECTED BY FEDERAL LAW (No additional information is required in connection with a closed session to discuss a charge or complaint pursuant to Section 54956.86.)
(j) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.96:

CONFERENCE INVOLVING A JOINT POWERS AGENCY (Specify by name) Discussion will concern: (Specify closed session description used by the joint powers agency) Name of local agency representative on joint powers agency board: (Specify name) (Additional information listing the names of agencies or titles of representatives attending the closed session as consultants or other representatives.)
(k) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.75:

AUDIT BY CALIFORNIA STATE AUDITOR’S OFFICE
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 759, Sec. 6.1. (AB 2690) Effective January 1, 2013.) 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 22/41

470 of 510

54954.6. (a) (1) Before adopting any new or increased general tax or any new or increased assessment, the legislative body of a local agency shall conduct at least one public meeting at which local officials shall allow public testimony regarding the proposed new or increased general tax or new or increased assessment in addition to the noticed public hearing at which the legislative body proposes to enact or increase the general tax or assessment.

For purposes of this section, the term “new or increased assessment” does not include any of the following:
(A) A fee that does not exceed the reasonable cost of providing the services, facilities, or regulatory activity for which the fee is charged.
(B) A service charge, rate, or charge, unless a special district’s principal act requires the service charge, rate, or charge to conform to the requirements of this section. (C) An ongoing annual assessment if it is imposed at the same or lower amount as any previous year. (D) An assessment that does not exceed an assessment formula or range of assessments previously specified in the notice given to the public pursuant to subparagraph (G) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) and that was previously adopted by the agency or approved by the voters in the area where the assessment is imposed. (E) Standby or immediate availability charges.
(2) The legislative body shall provide at least 45 days’ public notice of the public hearing at which the legislative body proposes to enact or increase the general tax or assessment. The legislative body shall provide notice for the public meeting at the same time and in the same document as the notice for the public hearing, but the meeting shall occur prior to the hearing.
(b) (1) The joint notice of both the public meeting and the public hearing required by subdivision (a) with respect to a proposal for a new or increased general tax shall be accomplished by placing a display advertisement of at least one-eighth page in a newspaper of general circulation for three weeks pursuant to Section 6063 and by a first-class mailing to those interested parties who have filed a written request with the local agency for mailed notice of public meetings or hearings on new or increased general taxes. The public meeting pursuant to subdivision (a) shall take place no earlier than 10 days after the first publication of the joint notice pursuant to this subdivision. The public hearing shall take place no earlier than seven days after the public meeting pursuant to this subdivision.

Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), the joint notice need not include notice of the public meeting after the meeting has taken place. The public hearing pursuant to subdivision (a) shall take place no earlier than 45 days after the first publication of the joint notice pursuant to this subdivision. Any written request for mailed notices shall be effective for one year from the date on which it is filed unless a renewal request is filed. Renewal requests for mailed notices shall be filed on or before April 1 of each year. The legislative body may establish a reasonable annual charge for sending notices based on the estimated cost of providing the service. (2) The notice required by paragraph (1) of this subdivision shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(A) The amount or rate of the tax. If the tax is proposed to be increased from any previous year, the joint notice shall separately state both the existing tax rate and the proposed tax rate increase. (B) The activity to be taxed.
(C) The estimated amount of revenue to be raised by the tax annually. (D) The method and frequency for collecting the tax.
(E) The dates, times, and locations of the public meeting and hearing described in subdivision (a). (F) The telephone number and address of an individual, office, or organization that interested persons may contact to receive additional information about the tax. (c) (1) The joint notice of both the public meeting and the public hearing required by subdivision (a) with respect to a proposal for a new or increased assessment on real property or businesses shall be accomplished through a mailing, postage prepaid, in the United States mail and shall be deemed given when so deposited. The public meeting pursuant to subdivision (a) shall take place no earlier than 10 days after the joint mailing pursuant to this subdivision. The public hearing shall take place no earlier than seven days after the public meeting pursuant to this 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 23/41

471 of 510

subdivision. The envelope or the cover of the mailing shall include the name of the local agency and the return address of the sender. This mailed notice shall be in at least 10-point type and shall be given to all property owners or business owners proposed to be subject to the new or increased assessment by a mailing by name to those persons whose names and addresses appear on the last equalized county assessment roll, the State Board of Equalization assessment roll, or the local agency’s records pertaining to business ownership, as the case may be. (2) The joint notice required by paragraph (1) of this subdivision shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(A) In the case of an assessment proposed to be levied on property, the estimated amount of the assessment per parcel. In the case of an assessment proposed to be levied on businesses, the proposed method and basis of levying the assessment in sufficient detail to allow each business owner to calculate the amount of assessment to be levied against each business. If the assessment is proposed to be increased from any previous year, the joint notice shall separately state both the amount of the existing assessment and the proposed assessment increase.
(B) A general description of the purpose or improvements that the assessment will fund. (C) The address to which property owners may mail a protest against the assessment. (D) The telephone number and address of an individual, office, or organization that interested persons may contact to receive additional information about the assessment. (E) A statement that a majority protest will cause the assessment to be abandoned if the assessment act used to levy the assessment so provides. Notice shall also state the percentage of protests required to trigger an election, if applicable.
(F) The dates, times, and locations of the public meeting and hearing described in subdivision (a). (G) A proposed assessment formula or range as described in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) if applicable and that is noticed pursuant to this section. (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the case of an assessment that is proposed exclusively for operation and maintenance expenses imposed throughout the entire local agency, or exclusively for operation and maintenance assessments proposed to be levied on 50,000 parcels or more, notice may be provided pursuant to this subdivision or pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) and shall include the estimated amount of the assessment of various types, amounts, or uses of property and the information required by subparagraphs (B) to (G), inclusive, of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the case of an assessment proposed to be levied pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 22500) of Division 2 of the Streets and Highways Code by a regional park district, regional park and open-space district, or regional open-space district formed pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 5500) of Chapter 3 of Division 5 of, or pursuant to Division 26 (commencing with Section 35100) of, the Public Resources Code, notice may be provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b). (d) The notice requirements imposed by this section shall be construed as additional to, and not to supersede, existing provisions of law, and shall be applied concurrently with the existing provisions so as to not delay or prolong the governmental decisionmaking process.
(e) This section shall not apply to any new or increased general tax or any new or increased assessment that requires an election of either of the following:
(1) The property owners subject to the assessment.
(2) The voters within the local agency imposing the tax or assessment. (f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a local agency from holding a consolidated meeting or hearing at which the legislative body discusses multiple tax or assessment proposals. (g) The local agency may recover the reasonable costs of public meetings, public hearings, and notice required by this section from the proceeds of the tax or assessment. The costs recovered for these purposes, whether recovered pursuant to this subdivision or any other provision of law, shall not exceed the reasonable costs of the public meetings, public hearings, and notice.
(h) Any new or increased assessment that is subject to the notice and hearing provisions of Article XIII C or XIII D of the California Constitution is not subject to the notice and hearing requirements of this section. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 24/41

472 of 510

54955.
54955.1.
54956.
54956.5.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 382, Sec. 3.5. (SB 194) Effective January 1, 2012.) The legislative body of a local agency may adjourn any regular, adjourned regular, special or adjourned special meeting to a time and place specified in the order of adjournment. Less than a quorum may so adjourn from time to time. If all members are absent from any regular or adjourned regular meeting the clerk or secretary of the legislative body may declare the meeting adjourned to a stated time and place and he shall cause a written notice of the adjournment to be given in the same manner as provided in Section 54956 for special meetings, unless such notice is waived as provided for special meetings. A copy of the order or notice of adjournment shall be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where the regular, adjourned regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held within 24 hours after the time of the adjournment. When a regular or adjourned regular meeting is adjourned as provided in this section, the resulting adjourned regular meeting is a regular meeting for all purposes. When an order of adjournment of any meeting fails to state the hour at which the adjourned meeting is to be held, it shall be held at the hour specified for regular meetings by ordinance, resolution, bylaw, or other rule.
(Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 647.)
Any hearing being held, or noticed or ordered to be held, by a legislative body of a local agency at any meeting may by order or notice of continuance be continued or recontinued to any subsequent meeting of the legislative body in the same manner and to the same extent set forth in Section 54955 for the adjournment of meetings; provided, that if the hearing is continued to a time less than 24 hours after the time specified in the order or notice of hearing, a copy of the order or notice of continuance of hearing shall be posted immediately following the meeting at which the order or declaration of continuance was adopted or made. (Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 469.)
(a) (1) A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding officer of the legislative body of a local agency, or by a majority of the members of the legislative body, by delivering written notice to each member of the legislative body and to each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station requesting notice in writing and posting a notice on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. The notice shall be delivered personally or by any other means and shall be received at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted or discussed. No other business shall be considered at these meetings by the legislative body. The written notice may be dispensed with as to any member who at or prior to the time the meeting convenes files with the clerk or secretary of the legislative body a written waiver of notice. The waiver may be given by telephone or electronic mail. The written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes. (2) The call and notice shall be posted at least 24 hours prior to the special meeting in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a legislative body shall not call a special meeting regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits, of the legislative body or of a local agency executive, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1. However, this subdivision does not apply to a local agency calling a special meeting to discuss the local agency’s budget. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 18. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) For purposes of this section, “emergency situation” means both of the following:
(1) An emergency, which shall be defined as a work stoppage, crippling activity, or other activity that severely impairs public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body. (2) A dire emergency, which shall be defined as a crippling disaster, mass destruction, terrorist act, or threatened terrorist activity that poses peril so immediate and significant that requiring a legislative body to provide one- hour notice before holding an emergency meeting under this section may endanger the public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body. (b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of an emergency situation involving matters upon which prompt action is necessary due to the disruption or threatened disruption of public facilities, a legislative body may hold an emergency meeting without complying with either the 24-hour notice requirement or the 24-hour posting requirement of Section 54956 or both of the notice and posting requirements. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 25/41

473 of 510

54956.6.
54956.7.
54956.75.
(2) Each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station that has requested notice of special meetings pursuant to Section 54956 shall be notified by the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, one hour prior to the emergency meeting, or, in the case of a dire emergency, at or near the time that the presiding officer or designee notifies the members of the legislative body of the emergency meeting. (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the notice required by this paragraph shall be given by telephone and all telephone numbers provided in the most recent request of a newspaper or station for notification of special meetings shall be exhausted. In the event that telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this paragraph shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible.
(B) For an emergency meeting held pursuant to this section, the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, may send the notifications required by this paragraph by email instead of by telephone, as provided in subparagraph (A), to all local newspapers of general circulation, and radio or television stations, that have requested those notifications by email, and all email addresses provided by representatives of those newspapers or stations shall be exhausted. In the event that internet services and telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this paragraph shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible.
(c) During a meeting held pursuant to this section, the legislative body may meet in closed session pursuant to Section 54957 if agreed to by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present, or, if less than two- thirds of the members are present, by a unanimous vote of the members present. (d) All special meeting requirements, as prescribed in Section 54956 shall be applicable to a meeting called pursuant to this section, with the exception of the 24-hour notice requirement. (e) The minutes of a meeting called pursuant to this section, a list of persons who the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, notified or attempted to notify, a copy of the rollcall vote, and any actions taken at the meeting shall be posted for a minimum of 10 days in a public place as soon after the meeting as possible.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 19. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) No fees may be charged by the legislative body of a local agency for carrying out any provision of this chapter, except as specifically authorized by this chapter. (Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1284.)
Whenever a legislative body of a local agency determines that it is necessary to discuss and determine whether an applicant for a license or license renewal, who has a criminal record, is sufficiently rehabilitated to obtain the license, the legislative body may hold a closed session with the applicant and the applicant’s attorney, if any, for the purpose of holding the discussion and making the determination. If the legislative body determines, as a result of the closed session, that the issuance or renewal of the license should be denied, the applicant shall be offered the opportunity to withdraw the application. If the applicant withdraws the application, no record shall be kept of the discussions or decisions made at the closed session and all matters relating to the closed session shall be confidential. If the applicant does not withdraw the application, the legislative body shall take action at the public meeting during which the closed session is held or at its next public meeting denying the application for the license but all matters relating to the closed session are confidential and shall not be disclosed without the consent of the applicant, except in an action by an applicant who has been denied a license challenging the denial of the license.
(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 298, Sec. 1.)
(a) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the legislative body of a local agency that has received a confidential final draft audit report from the Bureau of State Audits from holding closed sessions to discuss its response to that report.
(b) After the public release of an audit report by the Bureau of State Audits, if a legislative body of a local agency meets to discuss the audit report, it shall do so in an open session unless exempted from that requirement by some other provision of law.
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 26/41

474 of 510

54956.8.
54956.81.
54956.86.
54956.87.
(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 576, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2005.) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a legislative body of a local agency may hold a closed session with its negotiator prior to the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property by or for the local agency to grant authority to its negotiator regarding the price and terms of payment for the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease.

However, prior to the closed session, the legislative body of the local agency shall hold an open and public session in which it identifies its negotiators, the real property or real properties which the negotiations may concern, and the person or persons with whom its negotiators may negotiate.

For purposes of this section, negotiators may be members of the legislative body of the local agency.

For purposes of this section, “lease” includes renewal or renegotiation of a lease.

Nothing in this section shall preclude a local agency from holding a closed session for discussions regarding eminent domain proceedings pursuant to Section 54956.9.
(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 260, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a legislative body of a local agency that invests pension funds may hold a closed session to consider the purchase or sale of particular, specific pension fund investments. All investment transaction decisions made during the closed session shall be made by rollcall vote entered into the minutes of the closed session as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 54957.2. (Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 533, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2005.) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a legislative body of a local agency which provides services pursuant to Section 14087.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code may hold a closed session to hear a charge or complaint from a member enrolled in its health plan if the member does not wish to have his or her name, medical status, or other information that is protected by federal law publicly disclosed. Prior to holding a closed session pursuant to this section, the legislative body shall inform the member, in writing, of his or her right to have the charge or complaint heard in an open session rather than a closed session. (Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 182, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997.) (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the records of a health plan that is licensed pursuant to the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975 (Chapter 2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code) and that is governed by a county board of supervisors, whether paper records, records maintained in the management information system, or records in any other form, that relate to provider rate or payment determinations, allocation or distribution methodologies for provider payments, formulas or calculations for these payments, and contract negotiations with providers of health care for alternative rates are exempt from disclosure for a period of three years after the contract is fully executed. The transmission of the records, or the information contained therein in an alternative form, to the board of supervisors shall not constitute a waiver of exemption from disclosure, and the records and information once transmitted to the board of supervisors shall be subject to this same exemption.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing board of a health plan that is licensed pursuant to the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975 (Chapter 2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code) and that is governed by a county board of supervisors may order that a meeting held solely for the purpose of discussion or taking action on health plan trade secrets, as defined in subdivision (f), shall be held in closed session. The requirements of making a public report of action taken in closed session, and the vote or abstention of every member present, may be limited to a brief general description without the information constituting the trade secret.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing board of a health plan may meet in closed session to consider and take action on matters pertaining to contracts and contract negotiations by the health plan with providers of health care services concerning all matters related to rates of payment. The governing board may delete the portion or portions containing trade secrets from any documents that were finally approved in the closed session held pursuant to subdivision (b) that are provided to persons who have made the timely or standing request.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the governing board from meeting in closed session as otherwise provided by law.
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 27/41

475 of 510

54956.9.
(e) The provisions of this section shall not prevent access to any records by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee in the exercise of its powers pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 10500) of Chapter 4 of Part 2 of Division 2 of Title 2. The provisions of this section also shall not prevent access to any records by the Department of Managed Health Care in the exercise of its powers pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 1340) of Chapter

2.2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.
(f) For purposes of this section, “health plan trade secret” means a trade secret, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3426.1 of the Civil Code, that also meets both of the following criteria:
(1) The secrecy of the information is necessary for the health plan to initiate a new service, program, marketing strategy, business plan, or technology, or to add a benefit or product. (2) Premature disclosure of the trade secret would create a substantial probability of depriving the health plan of a substantial economic benefit or opportunity.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 190, Sec. 65. (AB 1517) Effective January 1, 2016.) (a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a legislative body of a local agency, based on advice of its legal counsel, from holding a closed session to confer with, or receive advice from, its legal counsel regarding pending litigation when discussion in open session concerning those matters would prejudice the position of the local agency in the litigation.
(b) For purposes of this chapter, all expressions of the lawyer-client privilege other than those provided in this section are hereby abrogated. This section is the exclusive expression of the lawyer-client privilege for purposes of conducting closed-session meetings pursuant to this chapter. (c) For purposes of this section, “litigation” includes any adjudicatory proceeding, including eminent domain, before a court, administrative body exercising its adjudicatory authority, hearing officer, or arbitrator. (d) For purposes of this section, litigation shall be considered pending when any of the following circumstances exist:
(1) Litigation, to which the local agency is a party, has been initiated formally. (2) A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the legislative body of the local agency on the advice of its legal counsel, based on existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the local agency.
(3) Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency is meeting only to decide whether a closed session is authorized pursuant to paragraph (2). (4) Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation.
(e) For purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (d), “existing facts and circumstances” shall consist only of one of the following:
(1) Facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the local agency but which the local agency believes are not yet known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs, which facts and circumstances need not be disclosed.
(2) Facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, an accident, disaster, incident, or transactional occurrence that might result in litigation against the agency and that are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs, which facts or circumstances shall be publicly stated on the agenda or announced. (3) The receipt of a claim pursuant to the Government Claims Act (Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code) or some other written communication from a potential plaintiff threatening litigation, which claim or communication shall be available for public inspection pursuant to Section 54957.5. (4) A statement made by a person in an open and public meeting threatening litigation on a specific matter within the responsibility of the legislative body.
(5) A statement threatening litigation made by a person outside an open and public meeting on a specific matter within the responsibility of the legislative body so long as the official or employee of the local agency receiving knowledge of the threat makes a contemporaneous or other record of the statement prior to the meeting, which 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 28/41

476 of 510

54956.95.
54956.96.
record shall be available for public inspection pursuant to Section 54957.5. The records so created need not identify the alleged victim of unlawful or tortious sexual conduct or anyone making the threat on their behalf, or identify a public employee who is the alleged perpetrator of any unlawful or tortious conduct upon which a threat of litigation is based, unless the identity of the person has been publicly disclosed. (f) Nothing in this section shall require disclosure of written communications that are privileged and not subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1).
(g) Prior to holding a closed session pursuant to this section, the legislative body of the local agency shall state on the agenda or publicly announce the paragraph of subdivision (d) that authorizes the closed session. If the session is closed pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d), the body shall state the title of or otherwise specifically identify the litigation to be discussed, unless the body states that to do so would jeopardize the agency’s ability to effectuate service of process upon one or more unserved parties, or that to do so would jeopardize its ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to its advantage. (h) A local agency shall be considered to be a “party” or to have a “significant exposure to litigation” if an officer or employee of the local agency is a party or has significant exposure to litigation concerning prior or prospective activities or alleged activities during the course and scope of that office or employment, including litigation in which it is an issue whether an activity is outside the course and scope of the office or employment. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 206. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.)
(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a joint powers agency formed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1, for purposes of insurance pooling, or a local agency member of the joint powers agency, from holding a closed session to discuss a claim for the payment of tort liability losses, public liability losses, or workers’ compensation liability incurred by the joint powers agency or a local agency member of the joint powers agency.
(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the Local Agency Self-Insurance Authority formed pursuant to Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 6599.01) of Division 7 of Title 1, or a local agency member of the authority, from holding a closed session to discuss a claim for the payment of tort liability losses, public liability losses, or workers’ compensation liability incurred by the authority or a local agency member of the authority. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect Section 54956.9 with respect to any other local agency. (Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 882, Sec. 3.)
(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the legislative body of a joint powers agency formed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1, from adopting a policy or a bylaw or including in its joint powers agreement provisions that authorize either or both of the following:
(1) All information received by the legislative body of the local agency member in a closed session related to the information presented to the joint powers agency in closed session shall be confidential. However, a member of the legislative body of a local agency member may disclose information obtained in a closed session that has direct financial or liability implications for that local agency to the following individuals:
(A) Legal counsel of that local agency member for purposes of obtaining advice on whether the matter has direct financial or liability implications for that local agency member. (B) Other members of the legislative body of the local agency present in a closed session of that local agency member.
(2) Any designated alternate member of the legislative body of the joint powers agency who is also a member of the legislative body of a local agency member and who is attending a properly noticed meeting of the joint powers agency in lieu of a local agency member’s regularly appointed member to attend closed sessions of the joint powers agency.
(b) (1) In addition to the authority described in subdivision (a), the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity, may adopt a policy or a bylaw or include in its joint powers agreement a provision that authorizes both of the following:
(A) A designated alternate member of the legislative body of the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity, who is not a member of the legislative body of a local agency member and who is 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 29/41

477 of 510

54956.96.
attending a properly noticed meeting of the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity, in lieu of a local agency member’s regularly appointed member, to attend closed sessions of the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity. (B) All information that is received by a designated alternate member of the legislative body of the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity, who is not a member of the legislative body of a local agency member, and that is presented to the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity, in closed session, shall be confidential. However, the designated alternate member may disclose information obtained in a closed session that has direct financial or liability implications for the local agency member for which the designated alternate member attended the closed session, to the following individuals:
(i) Legal counsel of that local agency member for purposes of obtaining advice on whether the matter has direct financial or liability implications for that local agency member. (ii) Members of the legislative body of the local agency present in a closed session of that local agency member.
(2) If the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity, adopts a policy or bylaw or includes in its joint powers agreement a provision authorized pursuant to paragraph (1), the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity, shall establish policies to prevent conflicts of interest and to address breaches of confidentiality that apply to a designated alternate member who is not a member of the legislative body of a local agency member who attends a closed session of the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, or its successor entity.
(c) If the legislative body of a joint powers agency adopts a policy or a bylaw or includes provisions in its joint powers agreement pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b), then the legislative body of the local agency member, upon the advice of its legal counsel, may conduct a closed session in order to receive, discuss, and take action concerning information obtained in a closed session of the joint powers agency pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed. (Amended (as amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 248, Sec. 1) by Stats. 2024, Ch. 24, Sec. 1. (AB 1852) Effective January 1, 2025.

Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions. See later operative version, as amended by Sec. 2 of Stats. 2024, Ch.

24.)
(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the legislative body of a joint powers agency formed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1, from adopting a policy or a bylaw or including in its joint powers agreement provisions that authorize either or both of the following:
(1) All information received by the legislative body of the local agency member in a closed session related to the information presented to the joint powers agency in closed session shall be confidential. However, a member of the legislative body of a local agency member may disclose information obtained in a closed session that has direct financial or liability implications for that local agency to the following individuals:
(A) Legal counsel of that local agency member for purposes of obtaining advice on whether the matter has direct financial or liability implications for that local agency member. (B) Other members of the legislative body of the local agency present in a closed session of that local agency member.
(2) A designated alternate member of the legislative body of the joint powers agency who is also a member of the legislative body of a local agency member and who is attending a properly noticed meeting of the joint powers agency in lieu of a local agency member’s regularly appointed member to attend closed sessions of the joint powers agency.
(b) If the legislative body of a joint powers agency adopts a policy or a bylaw or includes provisions in its joint powers agreement pursuant to subdivision (a), then the legislative body of the local agency member, upon the advice of its legal counsel, may conduct a closed session in order to receive, discuss, and take action concerning information obtained in a closed session of the joint powers agency pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a). (c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2030. (Amended (as added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 248, Sec. 2) by Stats. 2024, Ch. 24, Sec. 2. (AB 1852) Effective January 1, 2025.

Section operative January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.) 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 30/41

478 of 510

54956.97.
54956.98.
54957.

Notwithstanding any provision of law, the governing board, or a committee of the governing board, of a public bank, as defined in Section 57600 of the Government Code, may meet in closed session to consider and take action on matters pertaining to all of the following:
(a) A loan or investment decision.
(b) A decision of the internal audit committee, the compliance committee, or the governance committee. (c) A meeting with a state or federal regulator.
(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 442, Sec. 14. (AB 857) Effective January 1, 2020.) (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Shareholder, member, or owner local agency” or “shareholder, member, or owner” means a local agency that is a shareholder of a public bank.
(2) “Public bank” has the same meaning as defined in Section 57600. (b) The governing board of a public bank may adopt a policy or a bylaw or include in its governing documents provisions that authorize any of the following:
(1) All information received by a shareholder, member, or owner of the public bank in a closed session related to the information presented to the governing board of a public bank in closed session shall be confidential.

However, a member of the governing board of a shareholder, member, or owner local agency may disclose information obtained in a closed session that has direct financial or liability implications for that local agency to the following individuals:
(A) Legal counsel of that shareholder, member, or owner local agency for purposes of obtaining advice on whether the matter has direct financial or liability implications for that shareholder local agency. (B) Other members of the governing board of the local agency present in a closed session of that shareholder, member, or owner local agency.
(2) A designated alternate member of the governing board of the public bank who is also a member of the governing board of a shareholder, member, or owner local agency and who is attending a properly noticed meeting of the public bank governing board in lieu of a shareholder, member, or owner local agency’s regularly appointed member may attend a closed session of the public bank governing board. (c) If the governing board of a public bank adopts a policy or a bylaw or includes provisions in its governing documents pursuant to subdivision (b), then the governing board of the shareholder, member, or owner local agency, upon the advice of its legal counsel, may conduct a closed session in order to receive, discuss, and take action concerning information obtained in a closed session of the public bank governing board pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).
(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 442, Sec. 15. (AB 857) Effective January 1, 2020.) (a) (1) This chapter does not prevent the legislative body of a local agency from holding closed sessions with the Governor, Attorney General, district attorney, agency counsel, sheriff, or chief of police, or other law enforcement or security personnel, or a security consultant or a security operations manager, on matters posing a threat to the security of public buildings, a threat to the security of essential public services, including water, drinking water, wastewater treatment, natural gas service, and electric service, a threat to the public’s right of access to public services or public facilities, or a threat to critical infrastructure controls or critical infrastructure information relating to cybersecurity.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, the following definitions apply:
(A) “Critical infrastructure controls” means networks and systems controlling assets so vital to the local agency that the incapacity or destruction of those networks, systems, or assets would have a debilitating impact on public health, safety, economic security, or any combination thereof. (B) “Critical infrastructure information” means information not customarily in the public domain pertaining to any of the following:
1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 31/41

479 of 510

54957.1.
(i) Actual, potential, or threatened interference with, or an attack on, compromise of, or incapacitation of critical infrastructure controls by either physical or computer-based attack or other similar conduct, including, but not limited to, the misuse of, or unauthorized access to, all types of communications and data transmission systems, that violates federal, state, or local law or harms public health, safety, or economic security, or any combination thereof.
(ii) The ability of critical infrastructure controls to resist any interference, compromise, or incapacitation, including, but not limited to, any planned or past assessment or estimate of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
(iii) Any planned or past operational problem or solution regarding critical infrastructure controls, including, but not limited to, repair, recovery, reconstruction, insurance, or continuity, to the extent it is related to interference, compromise, or incapacitation of critical infrastructure controls. (b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this chapter does not prevent the legislative body of a local agency from holding closed sessions during a regular or special meeting to consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee or to hear complaints or charges brought against the employee by another person or employee unless the employee requests a public session. (2) As a condition to holding a closed session on specific complaints or charges brought against an employee by another person or employee, the employee shall be given written notice of their right to have the complaints or charges heard in an open session rather than a closed session, which notice shall be delivered to the employee personally or by mail at least 24 hours before the time for holding the session. If notice is not given, any disciplinary or other action taken by the legislative body against the employee based on the specific complaints or charges in the closed session shall be null and void.
(3) The legislative body also may exclude from the public or closed meeting, during the examination of a witness, any or all other witnesses in the matter being investigated by the legislative body. (4) For the purposes of this subdivision, the term “employee” shall include an officer or an independent contractor who functions as an officer or an employee but shall not include any elected official, member of a legislative body or other independent contractors. This subdivision shall not limit local officials’ ability to hold closed session meetings pursuant to Sections 1461, 32106, and 32155 of the Health and Safety Code or Sections 37606 and 37624.3 of the Government Code. Closed sessions held pursuant to this subdivision shall not include discussion or action on proposed compensation except for a reduction of compensation that results from the imposition of discipline.
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 243, Sec. 1. (AB 2715) Effective January 1, 2025.) (a) The legislative body of any local agency shall publicly report any action taken in closed session and the vote or abstention on that action of every member present, as follows:
(1) Approval of an agreement concluding real estate negotiations pursuant to Section 54956.8 shall be reported after the agreement is final, as follows:
(A) If its own approval renders the agreement final, the body shall report that approval and the substance of the agreement in open session at the public meeting during which the closed session is held. (B) If final approval rests with the other party to the negotiations, the local agency shall disclose the fact of that approval and the substance of the agreement upon inquiry by any person, as soon as the other party or its agent has informed the local agency of its approval. (2) Approval given to its legal counsel to defend, or seek or refrain from seeking appellate review or relief, or to enter as an amicus curiae in any form of litigation as the result of a consultation under Section 54956.9 shall be reported in open session at the public meeting during which the closed session is held. The report shall identify, if known, the adverse party or parties and the substance of the litigation. In the case of approval given to initiate or intervene in an action, the announcement need not identify the action, the defendants, or other particulars, but shall specify that the direction to initiate or intervene in an action has been given and that the action, the defendants, and the other particulars shall, once formally commenced, be disclosed to any person upon inquiry, unless to do so would jeopardize the agency’s ability to effectuate service of process on one or more unserved parties, or that to do so would jeopardize its ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to its advantage. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 32/41

480 of 510

54957.2.
(3) Approval given to its legal counsel of a settlement of pending litigation, as defined in Section 54956.9, at any stage prior to or during a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding shall be reported after the settlement is final, as follows:
(A) If the legislative body accepts a settlement offer signed by the opposing party, the body shall report its acceptance and identify the substance of the agreement in open session at the public meeting during which the closed session is held.
(B) If final approval rests with some other party to the litigation or with the court, then as soon as the settlement becomes final, and upon inquiry by any person, the local agency shall disclose the fact of that approval, and identify the substance of the agreement.
(4) Disposition reached as to claims discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.95 shall be reported as soon as reached in a manner that identifies the name of the claimant, the name of the local agency claimed against, the substance of the claim, and any monetary amount approved for payment and agreed upon by the claimant.
(5) Action taken to appoint, employ, dismiss, accept the resignation of, or otherwise affect the employment status of a public employee in closed session pursuant to Section 54957 shall be reported at the public meeting during which the closed session is held. Any report required by this paragraph shall identify the title of the position. The general requirement of this paragraph notwithstanding, the report of a dismissal or of the nonrenewal of an employment contract shall be deferred until the first public meeting following the exhaustion of administrative remedies, if any.
(6) Approval of an agreement concluding labor negotiations with represented employees pursuant to Section 54957.6 shall be reported after the agreement is final and has been accepted or ratified by the other party. The report shall identify the item approved and the other party or parties to the negotiation. (7) Pension fund investment transaction decisions made pursuant to Section 54956.81 shall be disclosed at the first open meeting of the legislative body held after the earlier of the close of the investment transaction or the transfer of pension fund assets for the investment transaction. (b) Reports that are required to be made pursuant to this section may be made orally or in writing. The legislative body shall provide to any person who has submitted a written request to the legislative body within 24 hours of the posting of the agenda, or to any person who has made a standing request for all documentation as part of a request for notice of meetings pursuant to Section 54954.1 or 54956, if the requester is present at the time the closed session ends, copies of any contracts, settlement agreements, or other documents that were finally approved or adopted in the closed session. If the action taken results in one or more substantive amendments to the related documents requiring retyping, the documents need not be released until the retyping is completed during normal business hours, provided that the presiding officer of the legislative body or his or her designee orally summarizes the substance of the amendments for the benefit of the document requester or any other person present and requesting the information.
(c) The documentation referred to in subdivision (b) shall be available to any person on the next business day following the meeting in which the action referred to is taken or, in the case of substantial amendments, when any necessary retyping is complete.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require that the legislative body approve actions not otherwise subject to legislative body approval.
(e) No action for injury to a reputational, liberty, or other personal interest may be commenced by or on behalf of any employee or former employee with respect to whom a disclosure is made by a legislative body in an effort to comply with this section.
(f) This section is necessary to implement, and reasonably within the scope of, paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 311. Effective January 1, 2007.) (a) The legislative body of a local agency may, by ordinance or resolution, designate a clerk or other officer or employee of the local agency who shall then attend each closed session of the legislative body and keep and enter in a minute book a record of topics discussed and decisions made at the meeting. The minute book made pursuant to this section is not a public record subject to inspection pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1), and shall be kept confidential. The minute book shall be available only to members of the legislative body or, if a violation of this chapter is alleged to have occurred at a 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 33/41

481 of 510

54957.5.
closed session, to a court of general jurisdiction wherein the local agency lies. The minute book may, but need not, consist of a recording of the closed session.
(b) An elected legislative body of a local agency may require that each legislative body all or a majority of whose members are appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body keep a minute book as prescribed under subdivision (a).
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 207. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.)
(a) Agendas of public meetings are disclosable public records under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1), and shall be made available upon request without delay and in compliance with Section 54954.2 or Section 54956, as applicable. However, this section shall not apply to a writing, or portion thereof, that is exempt from public disclosure. (b) (1) If a writing is a public record related to an agenda item for an open session of a regular meeting of the legislative body of a local agency and is distributed to all, or a majority of all, of the members of a legislative body of a local agency by a person in connection with a matter subject to discussion or consideration at an open meeting of the body less than 72 hours before that meeting, the writing shall be made available for public inspection pursuant to paragraph (2) at the time the writing is distributed to all, or a majority of all, of the members of the body.
(2) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a local agency shall comply with both of the following requirements:
(i) A local agency shall make any writing described in paragraph (1) available for public inspection at a public office or location that the agency shall designate for this purpose. (ii) A local agency shall list the address of the office or location designated pursuant to clause (i) on the agendas for all meetings of the legislative body of that agency. (B) A local agency shall not be required to comply with the requirements of subparagraph (A) if all of the following requirements are met:
(i) An initial staff report or similar document containing an executive summary and the staff recommendation, if any, relating to that agenda item is made available for public inspection at the office or location designated pursuant to clause (i) of subparagraph (A) at least 72 hours before the meeting. (ii) The local agency immediately posts any writing described in paragraph (1) on the local agency’s internet website in a position and manner that makes it clear that the writing relates to an agenda item for an upcoming meeting.
(iii) The local agency lists the web address of the local agency’s internet website on the agendas for all meetings of the legislative body of that agency.
(iv) (I) Subject to subclause (II), the local agency makes physical copies available for public inspection, beginning the next regular business hours for the local agency, at the office or location designated pursuant to clause (i) of subparagraph (A).
(II) This clause is satisfied only if the next regular business hours of the local agency commence at least 24 hours before that meeting.
(c) Writings that are public records described in subdivision (b) and distributed during a public meeting shall be made available for public inspection at the meeting if prepared by the local agency or a member of its legislative body, or after the meeting if prepared by some other person. These writings shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats upon request by a person with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof.
(d) This chapter shall not be construed to prevent the legislative body of a local agency from charging a fee or deposit for a copy of a public record pursuant to Section 7922.530, except that a surcharge shall not be imposed on persons with disabilities in violation of Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 34/41

482 of 510

54957.6.
54957.7.
54957.8.
(e) This section shall not be construed to limit or delay the public’s right to inspect or obtain a copy of any record required to be disclosed under the requirements of the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1), including, but not limited to, the ability of the public to inspect public records pursuant to Section 7922.525 and obtain copies of public records pursuant to either subdivision (b) of Section 7922.530 or Section 7922.535. This chapter shall not be construed to require a legislative body of a local agency to place any paid advertisement or any other paid notice in any publication. (Amended (as amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 208) by Stats. 2022, Ch. 971, Sec. 1. (AB 2647) Effective January 1, 2023.)
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a legislative body of a local agency may hold closed sessions with the local agency’s designated representatives regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of its represented and unrepresented employees, and, for represented employees, any other matter within the statutorily provided scope of representation, subject to all of the following conditions:
(1) Prior to the closed session, the legislative body of the local agency shall hold an open and public session in which it identifies its designated representatives.
(2) The closed session shall be for the purpose of reviewing its position and instructing the local agency’s designated representatives.
(3) The closed session may take place prior to and during consultations and discussions with representatives of employee organizations and unrepresented employees.
(4) Any closed session with the local agency’s designated representative regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits may include discussion of an agency’s available funds and funding priorities, but only insofar as these discussions relate to providing instructions to the local agency’s designated representative.
(5) The closed session shall not include final action on the proposed compensation of one or more unrepresented employees.
(6) For the purposes enumerated in this section, a legislative body of a local agency may also meet with a state conciliator who has intervened in the proceedings.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “employee” shall include an officer or an independent contractor who functions as an officer or an employee, but shall not include any elected official, member of a legislative body, or other independent contractors.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 20. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) Prior to holding any closed session, the legislative body of the local agency shall disclose, in an open meeting, the item or items to be discussed in the closed session. The disclosure may take the form of a reference to the item or items as they are listed by number or letter on the agenda. In the closed session, the legislative body may consider only those matters covered in its statement. Nothing in this section shall require or authorize a disclosure of information prohibited by state or federal law. (b) After any closed session, the legislative body shall reconvene into open session prior to adjournment and shall make any disclosures required by Section 54957.1 of action taken in the closed session. (c) The announcements required to be made in open session pursuant to this section may be made at the location announced in the agenda for the closed session, as long as the public is allowed to be present at that location for the purpose of hearing the announcements.
(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1137, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 1994. Operative April 1, 1994, by Sec. 23 of Ch. 1137.) (a) For purposes of this section, “multijurisdictional law enforcement agency” means a joint powers entity formed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 that provides law enforcement services for the parties to the joint powers agreement for the purpose of investigating criminal activity involving drugs; gangs; sex crimes; firearms trafficking or felony possession of a firearm; high technology, computer, or identity theft; human trafficking; or vehicle theft. 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 35/41

483 of 510

54957.9.
54957.95.
54957.96.
54957.10.
(b) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the legislative body of a multijurisdictional law enforcement agency, or an advisory body of a multijurisdictional law enforcement agency, from holding closed sessions to discuss the case records of any ongoing criminal investigation of the multijurisdictional law enforcement agency or of any party to the joint powers agreement, to hear testimony from persons involved in the investigation, and to discuss courses of action in particular cases.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 427, Sec. 1. Effective September 22, 2006.) In the event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a group or groups of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meeting, the members of the legislative body conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session. Representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the legislative body from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for willfully disturbing the orderly conduct of the meeting.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 21. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) (1) In addition to authority exercised pursuant to Sections 54954.3 and 54957.9, the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting or their designee may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting, including any teleconferenced meeting. (2) Prior to removing an individual, the presiding member or their designee shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding member or their designee may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. This paragraph does not apply to any behavior described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).
(b) As used in this section:
(1) “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, one of the following:
(A) A failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body pursuant to Section 54954.3 or any other law.
(B) Engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force. (2) “True threat of force” means a threat that has sufficient indicia of intent and seriousness, that a reasonable observer would perceive it to be an actual threat to use force by the person making the threat. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 22. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) (a) The existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding officer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, including existing limitations upon that authority, shall apply to members of the public participating in a meeting via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform. (b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for the public participants. (2) “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Sec. 23. (SB 707) Effective January 1, 2026.) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a legislative body of a local agency may hold closed sessions to discuss a local agency employee’s application for early withdrawal of funds in a deferred compensation plan when 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 36/41

484 of 510

54958.
54959.
54960.
the application is based on financial hardship arising from an unforeseeable emergency due to illness, accident, casualty, or other extraordinary event, as specified in the deferred compensation plan. (Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 45, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.) The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the legislative body of every local agency notwithstanding the conflicting provisions of any other state law.
(Added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 1588.)
Each member of a legislative body who attends a meeting of that legislative body where action is taken in violation of any provision of this chapter, and where the member intends to deprive the public of information to which the member knows or has reason to know the public is entitled under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 32, Sec. 18. Effective March 30, 1994. Operative April 1, 1994, by Sec. 23 of Ch. 32.) (a) The district attorney or any interested person may commence an action by mandamus, injunction, or declaratory relief for the purpose of stopping or preventing violations or threatened violations of this chapter by members of the legislative body of a local agency or to determine the applicability of this chapter to ongoing actions or threatened future actions of the legislative body, or to determine the applicability of this chapter to past actions of the legislative body, subject to Section 54960.2, or to determine whether any rule or action by the legislative body to penalize or otherwise discourage the expression of one or more of its members is valid or invalid under the laws of this state or of the United States, or to compel the legislative body to audio record its closed sessions as hereinafter provided.
(b) The court in its discretion may, upon a judgment of a violation of Section 54956.7, 54956.8, 54956.9, 54956.95, 54957, or 54957.6, order the legislative body to audio record its closed sessions and preserve the audio recordings for the period and under the terms of security and confidentiality the court deems appropriate. (c) (1) Each recording so kept shall be immediately labeled with the date of the closed session recorded and the title of the clerk or other officer who shall be custodian of the recording. (2) The audio recordings shall be subject to the following discovery procedures:
(A) In any case in which discovery or disclosure of the audio recording is sought by either the district attorney or the plaintiff in a civil action pursuant to Section 54959, 54960, or 54960.1 alleging that a violation of this chapter has occurred in a closed session that has been recorded pursuant to this section, the party seeking discovery or disclosure shall file a written notice of motion with the appropriate court with notice to the governmental agency that has custody and control of the audio recording. The notice shall be given pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1005 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (B) The notice shall include, in addition to the items required by Section 1010 of the Code of Civil Procedure, all of the following:
(i) Identification of the proceeding in which discovery or disclosure is sought, the party seeking discovery or disclosure, the date and time of the meeting recorded, and the governmental agency that has custody and control of the recording.
(ii) An affidavit that contains specific facts indicating that a violation of the act occurred in the closed session.
(3) If the court, following a review of the motion, finds that there is good cause to believe that a violation has occurred, the court may review, in camera, the recording of that portion of the closed session alleged to have violated the act.
(4) If, following the in camera review, the court concludes that disclosure of a portion of the recording would be likely to materially assist in the resolution of the litigation alleging violation of this chapter, the court shall, in its discretion, make a certified transcript of the portion of the recording a public exhibit in the proceeding. (5) This section shall not permit discovery of communications that are protected by the attorney-client privilege. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 732, Sec. 1. (SB 1003) Effective January 1, 2013.) 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 37/41

485 of 510

54960.1. (a) The district attorney or any interested person may commence an action by mandamus or injunction for the purpose of obtaining a judicial determination that an action taken by a legislative body of a local agency in violation of Section 54953, 54954.2, 54954.5, 54954.6, 54956, or 54956.5 is null and void under this section.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a legislative body from curing or correcting an action challenged pursuant to this section.
(b) Prior to any action being commenced pursuant to subdivision (a), the district attorney or interested person shall make a demand of the legislative body to cure or correct the action alleged to have been taken in violation of Section 54953, 54954.2, 54954.5, 54954.6, 54956, or 54956.5. The demand shall be in writing and clearly describe the challenged action of the legislative body and nature of the alleged violation. (c) (1) The written demand shall be made within 90 days from the date the action was taken unless the action was taken in an open session but in violation of Section 54954.2, in which case the written demand shall be made within 30 days from the date the action was taken.
(2) Within 30 days of receipt of the demand, the legislative body shall cure or correct the challenged action and inform the demanding party in writing of its actions to cure or correct or inform the demanding party in writing of its decision not to cure or correct the challenged action. (3) If the legislative body takes no action within the 30-day period, the inaction shall be deemed a decision not to cure or correct the challenged action, and the 15-day period to commence the action described in subdivision (a) shall commence to run the day after the 30-day period to cure or correct expires. (4) Within 15 days of receipt of the written notice of the legislative body’s decision to cure or correct, or not to cure or correct, or within 15 days of the expiration of the 30-day period to cure or correct, whichever is earlier, the demanding party shall be required to commence the action pursuant to subdivision (a) or thereafter be barred from commencing the action.
(d) An action taken that is alleged to have been taken in violation of Section 54953, 54954.2, 54954.5, 54954.6, 54956, or 54956.5 shall not be determined to be null and void if any of the following conditions exist:
(1) The action taken was in substantial compliance with Sections 54953, 54954.2, 54954.5, 54954.6, 54956, and 54956.5.
(2) The action taken was in connection with the sale or issuance of notes, bonds, or other evidences of indebtedness or any contract, instrument, or agreement thereto. (3) The action taken gave rise to a contractual obligation, including a contract let by competitive bid other than compensation for services in the form of salary or fees for professional services, upon which a party has, in good faith and without notice of a challenge to the validity of the action, detrimentally relied. (4) The action taken was in connection with the collection of any tax. (5) Any person, city, city and county, county, district, or any agency or subdivision of the state alleging noncompliance with subdivision (a) of Section 54954.2, Section 54956, or Section 54956.5, because of any defect, error, irregularity, or omission in the notice given pursuant to those provisions, had actual notice of the item of business at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at which the action was taken, if the meeting was noticed pursuant to Section 54954.2, or 24 hours prior to the meeting at which the action was taken if the meeting was noticed pursuant to Section 54956, or prior to the meeting at which the action was taken if the meeting is held pursuant to Section 54956.5.
(e) During any action seeking a judicial determination pursuant to subdivision (a) if the court determines, pursuant to a showing by the legislative body that an action alleged to have been taken in violation of Section 54953, 54954.2, 54954.5, 54954.6, 54956, or 54956.5 has been cured or corrected by a subsequent action of the legislative body, the action filed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be dismissed with prejudice. (f) The fact that a legislative body takes a subsequent action to cure or correct an action taken pursuant to this section shall not be construed or admissible as evidence of a violation of this chapter. (Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 454, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2003.) 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 38/41

486 of 510

54960.2. (a) The district attorney or any interested person may file an action to determine the applicability of this chapter to past actions of the legislative body pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 54960 only if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The district attorney or interested person alleging a violation of this chapter first submits a cease and desist letter by postal mail or facsimile transmission to the clerk or secretary of the legislative body being accused of the violation, as designated in the statement pertaining to that public agency on file pursuant to Section 53051, or if the agency does not have a statement on file designating a clerk or a secretary, to the chief executive officer of that agency, clearly describing the past action of the legislative body and nature of the alleged violation. (2) The cease and desist letter required under paragraph (1) is submitted to the legislative body within nine months of the alleged violation.
(3) The time during which the legislative body may respond to the cease and desist letter pursuant to subdivision (b) has expired and the legislative body has not provided an unconditional commitment pursuant to subdivision (c).
(4) Within 60 days of receipt of the legislative body’s response to the cease and desist letter, other than an unconditional commitment pursuant to subdivision (c), or within 60 days of the expiration of the time during which the legislative body may respond to the cease and desist letter pursuant to subdivision (b), whichever is earlier, the party submitting the cease and desist letter shall commence the action pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 54960 or thereafter be barred from commencing the action. (b) The legislative body may respond to a cease and desist letter submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) within 30 days of receiving the letter. This subdivision shall not be construed to prevent the legislative body from providing an unconditional commitment pursuant to subdivision (c) at any time after the 30-day period has expired, except that in that event the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this section, in accordance with Section 54960.5. (c) (1) If the legislative body elects to respond to the cease and desist letter with an unconditional commitment to cease, desist from, and not repeat the past action that is alleged to violate this chapter, that response shall be in substantially the following form:

To ______________________:

The [name of legislative body] has received your cease and desist letter dated [date] alleging that the following described past action of the legislative body violates the Ralph M. Brown Act:
[Describe alleged past action, as set forth in the cease and desist letter submitted pursuant to subdivision (a)] In order to avoid unnecessary litigation and without admitting any violation of the Ralph M. Brown Act, the [name of legislative body] hereby unconditionally commits that it will cease, desist from, and not repeat the challenged past action as described above.

The [name of legislative body] may rescind this commitment only by a majority vote of its membership taken in open session at a regular meeting and noticed on its posted agenda as “Rescission of Brown Act Commitment.” You will be provided with written notice, sent by any means or media you provide in response to this message, to whatever address or addresses you specify, of any intention to consider rescinding this commitment at least 30 days before any such regular meeting. In the event that this commitment is rescinded, you will have the right to commence legal action pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 54960 of the Government Code. That notice will be delivered to you by the same means as this commitment, or may be mailed to an address that you have designated in writing.

Very truly yours,
________________________________________________
[Chairperson or acting chairperson of the legislative body] 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 39/41

487 of 510

54960.5.
54961.
54962.
(2) An unconditional commitment pursuant to this subdivision shall be approved by the legislative body in open session at a regular or special meeting as a separate item of business, and not on its consent agenda. (3) An action shall not be commenced to determine the applicability of this chapter to any past action of the legislative body for which the legislative body has provided an unconditional commitment pursuant to this subdivision. During any action seeking a judicial determination regarding the applicability of this chapter to any past action of the legislative body pursuant to subdivision (a), if the court determines that the legislative body has provided an unconditional commitment pursuant to this subdivision, the action shall be dismissed with prejudice. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to modify or limit the existing ability of the district attorney or any interested person to commence an action to determine the applicability of this chapter to ongoing actions or threatened future actions of the legislative body. (4) Except as provided in subdivision (d), the fact that a legislative body provides an unconditional commitment shall not be construed or admissible as evidence of a violation of this chapter. (d) If the legislative body provides an unconditional commitment as set forth in subdivision (c), the legislative body shall not thereafter take or engage in the challenged action described in the cease and desist letter, except as provided in subdivision (e). Violation of this subdivision shall constitute an independent violation of this chapter, without regard to whether the challenged action would otherwise violate this chapter. An action alleging past violation or threatened future violation of this subdivision may be brought pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 54960, without regard to the procedural requirements of this section. (e) The legislative body may resolve to rescind an unconditional commitment made pursuant to subdivision (c) by a majority vote of its membership taken in open session at a regular meeting as a separate item of business not on its consent agenda, and noticed on its posted agenda as “Rescission of Brown Act Commitment,” provided that not less than 30 days prior to such regular meeting, the legislative body provides written notice of its intent to consider the rescission to each person to whom the unconditional commitment was made, and to the district attorney. Upon rescission, the district attorney or any interested person may commence an action pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 54960. An action under this subdivision may be brought pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 54960, without regard to the procedural requirements of this section. (Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 732, Sec. 2. (SB 1003) Effective January 1, 2013.) A court may award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to Section 54960, 54960.1, or 54960.2 where it is found that a legislative body of the local agency has violated this chapter. Additionally, when an action brought pursuant to Section 54960.2 is dismissed with prejudice because a legislative body has provided an unconditional commitment pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of that section at any time after the 30-day period for making such a commitment has expired, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the plaintiff if the filing of that action caused the legislative body to issue the unconditional commitment. The costs and fees shall be paid by the local agency and shall not become a personal liability of any public officer or employee of the local agency.

A court may award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to a defendant in any action brought pursuant to Section 54960 or 54960.1 where the defendant has prevailed in a final determination of such action and the court finds that the action was clearly frivolous and totally lacking in merit. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 732, Sec. 3. (SB 1003) Effective January 1, 2013.) (a) No legislative body of a local agency shall conduct any meeting in any facility that prohibits the admittance of any person, or persons, on the basis of ancestry or any characteristic listed or defined in Section 11135, or which is inaccessible to disabled persons, or where members of the public may not be present without making a payment or purchase. This section shall apply to every local agency as defined in Section 54951. (b) No notice, agenda, announcement, or report required under this chapter need identify any victim or alleged victim of tortious sexual conduct or child abuse unless the identity of the person has been publicly disclosed. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 568, Sec. 35. Effective January 1, 2008.) Except as expressly authorized by this chapter, or by Sections 1461, 1462, 32106, and 32155 of the Health and Safety Code, or by Sections 37606, 37606.1, and 37624.3 of the Government Code as they apply to hospitals, or by any provision of the Education Code pertaining to school districts and community college districts, no closed session may be held by any legislative body of any local agency. (Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 157, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.) 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 40/41

488 of 510

54963. (a) A person may not disclose confidential information that has been acquired by being present in a closed session authorized by Section 54956.7, 54956.8, 54956.86, 54956.87, 54956.9, 54957, 54957.6, 54957.8, or 54957.10 to a person not entitled to receive it, unless the legislative body authorizes disclosure of that confidential information.
(b) For purposes of this section, “confidential information” means a communication made in a closed session that is specifically related to the basis for the legislative body of a local agency to meet lawfully in closed session under this chapter.
(c) Violation of this section may be addressed by the use of such remedies as are currently available by law, including, but not limited to:
(1) Injunctive relief to prevent the disclosure of confidential information prohibited by this section. (2) Disciplinary action against an employee who has willfully disclosed confidential information in violation of this section.
(3) Referral of a member of a legislative body who has willfully disclosed confidential information in violation of this section to the grandjury.
(d) Disciplinary action pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) shall require that the employee in question has either received training as to the requirements of this section or otherwise has been given notice of the requirements of this section.
(e) A local agency may not take any action authorized by subdivision (c) against a person, nor shall it be deemed a violation of this section, for doing any of the following:
(1) Making a confidential inquiry or complaint to a district attorney or grand jury concerning a perceived violation of law, including disclosing facts to a district attorney or grand jury that are necessary to establish the illegality of an action taken by a legislative body of a local agency or the potential illegality of an action that has been the subject of deliberation at a closed session if that action were to be taken by a legislative body of a local agency. (2) Expressing an opinion concerning the propriety or legality of actions taken by a legislative body of a local agency in closed session, including disclosure of the nature and extent of the illegal or potentially illegal action. (3) Disclosing information acquired by being present in a closed session under this chapter that is not confidential information.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit disclosures under the whistleblower statutes contained in Section 1102.5 of the Labor Code or Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 53296) of Chapter 2 of this code. (Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1119, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.) 1/7/26, 3:26 PM Codes Display Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article= 41/41

489 of 510

SB 707 “Applicable Languages” Determination Guide and Worksheet (Gov. Code § 54953.4(e)(1))
Disclaimer: This resource is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a substitute for review by agency counsel. Agencies should consult their own legal counsel to confirm applicability, interpret statutory requirements, and ensure compliance with SB 707 and related laws.

CMCA Legisla�ve Program ǀ [email protected] 1/7/2026 ǀ Page 1 of 6 Purpose
To identify SB 707 “applicable languages” using the most recent ACS language and English proficiency data (Table B16001 or C16001).

Start Here (How to Use This Guide)

1. Open the worksheet on page 4 now.

2. Follow Steps 1–6 and fill out the matching worksheet sec�on (STEP __) as you go.

3. If you select “None of the above (no further analysis required)” in Worksheet Step 1, stop—you’re done.

4. Keep your downloaded ACS table open while comple�ng Worksheet Steps 2–5.

Note about the population number used: ACS Tables B16001 and C16001 only include people age 5 and older. To maintain consistency in the math, this worksheet uses the B16001 or C16001 total (age 5 +) as the “applicable population.” If you instead used the population described in 54953.4(e)(1)(B) (e.g., entire city population, which would include children under 5), the percentages could be slightly lower. Agencies should consult with their legal counsel to confirm this approach.

Step 1: Determine if the Legisla�ve Body is an “Eligible Legisla�ve Body” If the legisla�ve body meets the defini�on of an “eligible legisla�ve body,” con�nue to Step 2.

“Eligible legisla�ve body” means any of the following:

A. A city council of a city with a popula�on of 30,000 or more.

B. A county board of supervisors of a county, or city and county, with a popula�on of 30,000 or more.

C. A city council of a city located in a county with a popula�on of 600,000 or more.

D. The board of directors of a special district that has an internet website and meets any of the following condi�ons:
i. The boundaries of the special district include the en�rety of a county with a popula�on of 600,000 or more, and the special district has over 200 full-�me equivalent employees. ii. The special district has over 1,000 full-�me equivalent employees. iii. The special district has annual revenues, based on the most recent Financial Transac�on Report data published by the California State Controller, that exceed four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000), adjusted annually for infla�on commencing January 1, 2027, as measured by the percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index from January 1 of the prior year to January 1 of the current year, and the special district employs over 200 full-�me equivalent employees.

If the legislative body is not an “eligible legislative body,” it does not qualify, and no further analysis is required.

490 of 510

SB 707 “Applicable Languages” Determina�on Guide and Worksheet

CMCA Legisla�ve Program ǀ [email protected]
1/7/2026 ǀ Page 2 of 6
Step 2: Identify the Legislative Body Type and Select the Area to Use in ACS Iden�fy what kind of eligible legisla�ve body you are and select the area you will use for the ACS table, consistent with Gov. Code § 54953.4(e)(1)(B).
• City council → use the city (place)
• County board of supervisors → use the county
• Special district → choose one of the following (by board discre�on):
a. Use the county with the greatest popula�on within the district boundaries, OR b. Use the district’s service area (only if the district has reliable service-area language data)

Note: You will enter the “Applicable Popula�on” number in the worksheet using the ACS B16001 or C16001 “ Total:” es�mate for the area selected above (see Step 4).

Special districts: If the board selects the ‘county with the greatest popula�on within district boundaries’ op�on, use ACS B16001 or C16001 in Step 3 for that county as the applicable geography. If the board selects ‘service area,’ the district must use reliable service-area language data (ACS may not provide service-area boundaries directly).

Step 3: Obtain Language Data
Use language and English-proficiency data from the most recent ACS, typically ACS 5-year es�mates:

1. Visit htps://data.census.gov/

2. In the search bar, type: “B16001 [your city/county/area]” (or, if B16001 isn’t available, “C16001 [your city/county/area]”). Example: “C16001 Chula Vista, California”

Note (B16001 vs. C16001): Try B16001 first. If a recent B16001 is not available for your city/county/area, use C16001 instead for the same area and ACS release. C16001 is less detailed and may combine languages into broader categories. If a combined category meets (or is close to) the 20% threshold and you need to iden�fy a specific language, consult addi�onal Census/ACS materials for more detail, consider an alterna�ve data source (with the required finding), and/or consult legal counsel.

3. Click the result that shows the table �tle: “Language Spoken at Home…” a. Click the Filters icon (le� page column) and ensure the Dataset is the ACS 5-year es�mates using the most recent year
b. Geography: confirm it’s your city/county (or add it if needed)

4. Use the Download icon (across the top) to download the data to Excel or CSV

Agencies may use an alternative data source only if they formally determine, based on substantial evidence, that it is equally or more reliable than the ACS for their jurisdiction.

Step 4: Iden�fy Languages Spoken by 20% or More of the Applicable Popula�on From the ACS B16001 or C16001 data downloaded in Step 3:

1. Click the “Data” tab (it may not open automa�cally). In the first row labeled “Total:” copy the value under the “Es�mate” column and enter it as the Applicable Popula�on in the worksheet.

2. Iden�fy any language(s) spoken by 20% or more of that applicable popula�on.

Languages spoken by fewer than 20% of the applicable population do not qualify and may be excluded from further analysis.

491 of 510

SB 707 “Applicable Languages” Determina�on Guide and Worksheet

CMCA Legisla�ve Program ǀ [email protected]
1/7/2026 ǀ Page 3 of 6
Step 5: Apply the English Proficiency Test
For each language that meets the 20% threshold in Step 4, determine whether 20% or more of people who speak that language speak English less than “very well.”

Note: Use the ACS es�mate for “less than very well” where provided. If the table provides separate categories, sum “well,” “not well,” and “not at all” (i.e., all categories other than “very well”).

Only languages that meet both condi�ons qualify:

1. ≥ 20% of the applicable popula�on speaks the language, and

2. ≥ 20% of that language group speaks English less than “very well.”

If either condition fails, the language is excluded.

Step 6: Limit to the Top Three Languages (If Necessary) • If three or fewer languages meet the criteria → all are “applicable languages.” • If more than three languages meet the criteria → select the three languages spoken by the largest percentage of the applicable popula�on.

Step 7: Document the Determina�on (Best Prac�ce)
Prepare a short internal memo or staff report that includes:
• Date of analysis
• Eligibility determina�on (Step 1)
• Type of legisla�ve body and selected geography (Step 2) • Data source used (ACS vintage and table, or alterna�ve source and the suppor�ng finding) • Calcula�ons for each qualifying language
• Final list of applicable languages (including top three selec�on if applicable)

Con�nue to the worksheet on Page 4.

492 of 510

SB 707 “Applicable Languages” Determina�on Guide and Worksheet CMCA Legisla�ve Program ǀ [email protected]
1/7/20 26 ǀ Page 4 of 6
Applicable Languages Determina�on Worksheet (SB 707)
A
gency: ______________________________
(
STEP 1)
Eligible Legisla�ve Body ☐ City council of a city with a popula�on of 30,000 or more.

Determina�on: ☐ County board of supervisors of a county, or city and county, with a (Confirm eligibility criteria popula�on of 30,000 or more. against the current codified ☐ City council of a city located in a county with a popula�on of 600,000 or more. text of Gov. Code § 54953.4 Board of directors of a special district that has an internet website and meets any of before finalizing.) the following condi�ons:
☐ The boundaries of the special district include the en�rety of a county with a popula�on of 600,000 or more, and the special district has over 200 full-�me equivalent employees.
☐ The special district has over 1,000 full-�me equivalent employees. ☐ The special district has annual revenues, based on the most recent Financial Transac�on Report data published by the California State Controller, that exceed four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000), adjusted annually for infla�on commencing January 1, 2027, as measured by the percentage change in th e
C
alifornia Consumer Price Index from January 1 of the prior year to January 1 of th
e current year, and the special district employs over 200 full-�me equivalent em
ployees.
☐ N
one of the above (no further analysis required)
(
STEP 2)
Type of Legisla�ve Body: ☐ City Council ☐ County Board of Supervisors ☐ Special District S
pecial Districts ONLY - ☐ Popula�on of the county with the greatest popula�on within the district P
opula�on Used: boundaries
☐ Popula�on of the district’s service area (only if the district has reliable language data for that area)
A
pplicable Popula�on: _______________________________ (From the downloaded ACS B16001 or C16001 table, enter the value in the first row labeled “Total:” under the “Es�mate” column.) T
o keep the calculations consistent, this worksheet uses the ACS Table B16001 or C16001 total (population age 5 and over) as the “applicable population” denominator, so the language counts and population total come from the same ACS table and geography. Using a larger population total that includes residents under age 5 (who are not included in B16001) could lower the calculated percentages and potentially make a language appear below the 20% threshold when it would otherwise qualify.
(
STEP 3)
American Community Survey (ACS) Source Informa�on
ACS release: (e.g., “2023 ACS 5-year”)
ACS table: (e.g., “B16001” or “C16001”)
Geography used: (e.g., “Chula Vista city, California”)
Download date:

San Mateo
97,006
4-23-2026
✔
✔
San Mateo City, California
C16001
2024 AC

493 of 510

SB 707 “Applicable Languages” Determina�on Guide and Worksheet CMCA Legisla�ve Program ǀ [email protected]
1/7/20 26 ǀ Page 5 of 6
(STEPS 4 & 5)
Languages Spoken and Threshold Determina�on

COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F COLUMN G COLUMN H Applicable
Popula�on
Language Es�mated
Number of
Speakers
% of
Applicable
Popula�on
Speak
English Less
Than “Very
Well”
% of
Es�mated
Number of
Speakers
Meets Both
Language
Thresholds
Included in
Top Three
(If Needed)
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
T
able Comple�on Instruc�ons (see example on the following page):

C
olumn A: Enter the Applicable Popula�on from Step 2. (From the downloaded ACS B16001 or C16001 table, enter the value in the first row labeled “Total:” under the “Es�mate” column.) Column B: Enter the language from the ACS data table downloaded in Step 3.

Column C: Enter the es�mated number of speakers from the ACS data table column �tled “Es�mate.” Column D: Calculate the percentage of speakers of that language from the applicable popula�on. Formula: (Column C/Column A)*100.

If the percentage is less than 20%, the language does not qualify and may be excluded from further analysis.

Column E: Enter the number of speakers from the ACS data table who speak English less than “very well.” In ACS Table B16001 or C16001, “less than very well” means all categories other than “Speaks English very well.” If the table displays separate categories (e.g., “well,” “not well,” “not at all”), sum those categories to obtain Column E.

Column F: Calculate the percentage of that language’s speakers who speak English less than very well. Formula:
(Column E/Column C)*100.

Column G: If both Column D and Column F are 20% or greater, the language meets both thresholds; check Yes.

Otherwise, check No.

Column H: If there are more than three languages that meet both thresholds (i.e., ≥ 20% in both Columns D and F), choose the three languages spoken by the largest percentage of the applicable population (Column D). (
STEP 6)
Applicable Languages: ______________________________ or ☐ None ______________________________
______________________________
P
repared by: ______________________________ Date: ______________________________ 97006
Spanish
19909
8626

43.3%
French
965

1.0%

0.0%
Tagalog
2786

2.9%

0.0%
Russian
1454

1.5%

0.0%
Korean
718

0.7%

0.0%
Chinese
9121

9.4%

0.0%
Spanish
Martin McTaggart
4-23-2026

20.5%
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

494 of 510

SB 707 “Applicable Languages” Determina�on Guide and Worksheet

CMCA Legisla�ve Program ǀ [email protected]
1/7/2026 ǀ Page 6 of 6
EXAMPLE OF COMPLETED TABLE: Languages Spoken and Threshold Determina�on

COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F COLUMN G COLUMN H Applicable
Popula�on

Language Es�mated
Number of
Speakers
% of
Applicable
Popula�on
Speak
English less
than “very
well”
% of
Es�mated
Number of
Speakers
Meets Both
Language
Thresholds
Included in
Top Three
(If Needed)
261,003
(From ACS
B16001 or
C16001
Table Total:

Population 5
years and
over, Line 1)
Spanish
(from ACS
Data Table)
119,622
(from ACS
Data Table)
(119,622/
261,003)*
100=

45.83%
43,898
(from ACS
Data Table)
(43,898/
119,622)*
100=

36.70%
☒ Yes
☐ No
☒ Yes
☐ No
Tagalog 16,225 6.22% N/A N/A ☐ Yes
☒ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No

495 of 510

1 Martin McTaggart
From: Martin McTaggart
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2026 10:55 AM
Cc: Alex Khojikian; Prasanna Rasiah
Subject: Senate Bill 707 Questions and Response
Good morning, City Council (Bcc’d),
StaƯ has received questions regarding the fiscal impact of Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), as well as an inquiry about relocating Senior Advisory Commission meetings to the Council Chambers to facilitate hybrid participation.

SB 707 Fiscal Impacts:

As outlined within the agenda report, staƯ's review indicates that the City is already largely compliant with SB 707 due to practices adopted during and following the pandemic, as well as recent investments in Council Chamber technology. As a result, implementation costs are expected to be modest and primarily related to staƯ time and administration rather than significant new expenditures.

The most notable new requirement is agenda translation. Based on current American Community Survey data, Spanish is the only language that meets the statutory threshold for translation. At this time, the City Clerk’s OƯice plans to utilize automated translation tools with staƯ review and quality control, resulting in minimal direct costs.

Most other SB 707 requirements are already being met through existing City practices, including remote attendance options, equal opportunities for remote public comment, centralized meeting information webpages, and Brown Act compliance procedures. Remaining impacts are expected to be limited to minor administrative updates, outreach eƯorts, staƯ training, and a small one-time expense associated with installing a community agenda translation bulletin board adjacent to the City's existing agenda posting location.

Accordingly, staƯ anticipates that SB 707 can be implemented largely within existing resources.

Senior Advisory Commission Relocation to Council Chambers/Hybrid Broadcasting:

Separate from the requirements of SB 707, and subject to Council direction, the City can accommodate relocating the Senior Advisory Commission to the Council Chambers and providing hybrid participation. There are, however, some administrative and cost considerations the Council may wish to consider.

Since the City already maintains the necessary Zoom infrastructure, technology costs for relocating the Senior Advisory Commission to Council Chambers would be minimal. If the Council wished to provide full MCTV production and broadcasting services comparable to City Council meetings, the estimated cost would be approximately $592 per meeting. Based on the Senior Advisory Commission's current schedule of six meetings per year, this would result in an estimated annual cost of approximately $3,552 for meeting production services. To help provide context regarding the City’s current public meeting broadcasting framework, the City currently utilizes three (3) diƯerent meeting formats for its legislative bodies:

1. Full Broadcast Meetings (MCTV + Zoom)
o City Council
o Planning Commission
o Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission
These meetings receive full MCTV production, including live switching and broadcasting services and include remote participation through Zoom.

2. Hybrid Meetings (Zoom Only)
o Community Relations Commission
o Civic Arts Committee/Commission
o Library Board (as needed)
o Park and Recreation Commission (as needed)
These meetings oƯer remote participation through Zoom but do not receive MCTV production or broadcasting support.

3. In-Person Meetings Only
o Senior Advisory Commission
o Personnel Board
o Measure S Oversight Committee
These meetings are currently conducted in person and do not oƯer a remote participation option.

496 of 510

2 Council may also wish to consider that the Senior Advisory Commission could meet in the Council Chambers and oƯer hybrid participation through Zoom without MCTV production services. While this approach would provide remote access at a lower cost, viewers would receive a static camera view of the meeting rather than MCTV's live- produced broadcast. This option would provide many of the accessibility benefits of hybrid participation while minimizing ongoing meeting production costs.

Best wishes,
Martin

Martin McTaggart, CMC
City Clerk | City Clerk’s Department
330 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7042 | [email protected]

The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.

497 of 510

Senate Bill 707
(Brown Act Amendments):

Technology Disruption Policy
and Public Outreach and
Interpretation Policy Adoption
Martin McTaggart
City Clerk

498 of 510

Recommendation

1. Adopt a Resolution to approve the City’s Technology
Disruption Policy;

2. Adopt a Resolution approving the City’s Public
Outreach and Public Interpretation Assistance
Practices; and

3. Receive a presentation on Senate Bill 707 (SB 707),
which made extensive amendments to the Brown
Act, and its impacts on the City’s legislative bodies
2 of 14

499 of 510

Background
• SB 707 was signed into law on October 3, 2025.
• Intended to expand pandemic-era rules with a permanent framework for hybrid meetings, increase remote access,
and enhance public participation.
• Complex legislation, cities and other jurisdictions are working on understanding its impact and
implementation.
• Applicable to City of San Mateo (Population Threshold Met)
• Key Implementation Dates: January 1, 2026 & July 1, 2026 3 of 14

500 of 510

Provisions Effective January 1, 2026
4 of 14
Requirement
Distribution of Brown Act and Meeting Locations to
Officials (Government Code Section 54952.7)
Action
All Council Members and Commissioners received a copy of the Brown Act and Meeting Locations. New appointees or
elected officials will receive this when they are sworn in.

Requirement
Verbal Report on Department Head Compensation
(new) and Executive Compensation (Government
Code Section 54953(d)(3)(A))
Staff must provide a verbal summary to the City Council prior to final action. This summary must occur outside of the Consent Calendar.

Action

501 of 510

Provisions Effective January 1, 2026
5 of 14
Requirement
ADA Accommodations for Legislative Body Members
(Government Code Section 54953(c)
Action
Legislative body members may participate remotely in any meeting as a reasonable accommodation for a disability.

Individual not required to notice their location on the agenda, and their presence will be treated as if they are appearing in person.

Requirement
Social Media Communications by Legislative Bodies
(Government Code Section 54952.2(b)(3)
This amendment removed the sunset provision regarding
utilizing social media to share or gather information.

Council Members can share and gather information but
can't discuss or comment on each other’s posts about
matters within the body’s jurisdiction.

Action

502 of 510

Remote Participation (Just Cause Expansion)
Revisions:
• Expanded eligibility (caregiving, contagious
illness, travel etc.);
• Up to 5 meetings per year; and
• No location disclosure required
Requirements:
• Quorum of legislative body must be at location;
• Audio and Video required;
• Minutes must reflect participating member; and
• Public must also be able to participate remotely
6 of 14

503 of 510

Eligible Subsidiary Bodies
• Certain advisory bodies may meet remotely.
o Limited to advisory only bodies
(i.e. cannot take action on legislation, entitlements, grants, etc)
• Council must authorize each eligible subsidiary body to meet remotely by making findings and renewing every six months, the body must also approve
• Requirements for physical meeting location and public access. 7 of 15
7 of 14

504 of 510

Provisions Effective July 1, 2026
8 of 14
Requirement
Mandatory Remote Public Attendance
(Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(1)(A)(i)(l)(la))
Action
San Mateo has utilized hybrid services since returning to in person meetings. Future Blue Sky, Workshop Meetings, and State of the City will require remote public
attendance.

Requirement
Equal Opportunity for Remote Public Comment
(Government Code Section
54953.4(B)(1)(A)(i)(l)(ib)(la))
No change to the City’s current practices, as both in-
person and virtual speakers are currently allotted the
same amount of speaking time.

Action

505 of 510

Public Meeting Information and Translations
9 of 14
Requirement
Public Meeting Information on Website
(Government Code Section 54953.4(b)(3)(B))
Action
Meeting this requirement through agenda management
system and notification alert system, list of all scheduled meetings for the year on the public meeting portal.

Requirement
Public Location for Agenda Translations by the
Community (Government Code Section 54953.4(c)(3)-
(4))
Staff coordinating designated bulletin board next to the existing agenda posting board outside of City Hall. This bulletin board will be reserved for translated versions of City Council agendas and will include clear signage indicating its intended use.

Action

506 of 510

Technology Disruption Policy
• SB 707 requires City Council to adopt a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet services during meeting
o cannot be adopted on consent calendar
• If disruption blocks public access:
o Recess for at least 1 hour or until service restored, whichever is sooner
o Can meet in closed session during recess, if needed
• After 1 hour, Council must either:
o Adjourn the meeting
o Make findings (by roll call) to continue, confirming good faith efforts and proceeding outweighs loss of remote access
• Proposed policy achieves these requirements, effective July 1, 2026 if adopted.
10 of 14

507 of 510

Language Access
• SB 707 requires legislative bodies to provide reasonable assistance to members of the public who wish to utilize interpretation services; San Mateo has an established process, agendas include language to request, additional time is provided.
• SB 707 requires translation of meeting agendas into “applicable languages”; for San Mateo, this includes Spanish beginning July 1, 2026
11 of 14

508 of 510

Public Outreach
• SB 707 requires outreach to underrepresented and non-English speaking communities.
• City Clerk’s Office will develop and maintain a community outreach distribution list
• Agendas will be shared with organizations and community groups • Ongoing coordination to expand and keep list current
• Public can subscribe via the City’s website
• Proposed resolution included for Council consideration • Additional Council suggestions are welcome.
12 of 14

509 of 510

Recommendation

1. Adopt a Resolution to approve the City’s Technology
Disruption Policy;

2. Adopt a Resolution approving the City’s Public
Outreach and Public Interpretation Assistance
Practices; and

3. Receive a presentation on Senate Bill 707 (SB 707),
which made extensive amendments to the Brown
Act, and its impacts on the City’s legislative bodies
4 of 14

510 of 510

← All documents from this meeting