Larry Klein
Mayor
Richard Mehlinger
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Linda Sell
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
May 11, 2026
T
he Honorable Gail Pellerin
California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Suite 6310
Sacramento, CA 95814
R
E: Assembly Bill 2188 (Pellerin): Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Contracting Authority – SUPPORT
D
ear Assemblymember Pellerin:
O
n behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we want to express our support of AB 2188, which provides a practical and targeted update to existing contracting authority by allowing Midpen’s General Manager, with Board approval and in accordance with established policies, to enter into contracts up to $150,000.
T
his adjustment reflects the current cost environment in the Bay Area but is also just a reflection of how much MidPen has grown. Its operating budget this year is $94.1 million and will fund more than 132 projects, up from $89.5 million last year. With cr itical projects on the line, AB 2188 will help reduce administrative delays that can impede timely project delivery. By streamlining the contracting process, the District will be better positioned to complete critical projects including much needed trail e xpansions, vegetation management to prevent wildfire, and a water supply improvement project, in a timely manner.
T
he City of Sunnyvale’s support for AB 2188 is grounded in adopted City Council Policy
7.0, including General Plan and fiscal management policies that promote efficient, transparent, and accountable use of public resources, as well as the timely delivery of capital and environmental improvement projects. These policies support streamlining administrative processes where appropriate to improve operational efficiency while maintaining strong oversight and public accountability. Additionally, the City’s environmental and sustainability policies recognize the importance of preserving open space, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting regional partnerships. AB 2188 is consistent with these policy objectives by enabling more efficient project delivery while preserving transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Attachment 13
The Honorable Gail Pellerin, State Assembly
May 11, 2026
MidPen plays a vital role in preserving more than 73,000 acres of open space and providing critical environmental, recreational, and climate resilience benefits to residents throughout the region, including Sunnyvale. As the District’s responsibilities continue to expand, it is essential that it has the administrative tools necessary to operate efficiently and effectively. Importantly, AB 2188 maintains strong accountability and transparency measures. All expenditures made under this authority must be reported to the Board of Directors at its next regular meeting, ensuring continued oversight and public visibility.
The bill strikes an appropriate balance between operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
For these reasons, the City of Sunnyvale supports AB 2188. Thank you for your ongoing support of our region and your leadership on this bill. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Mansour Nasser, Interim Director of Environmental Services at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab
Assembly Member Patrick Ahrens
City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Mansour Nasser, Interim Director of Environmental Services
Attachment 13