To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
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RECEIVE AND FILE A LETTER OF SUPPORT ENCOURAGING THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN SENATE BILL 799, WHICH, IF APPROVED BY THE STATE, WOULD BROADEN THE SOUTH BAY REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST’S POWERS AND UPDATE ITS BOARD STRUCTURE
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On March 10, 2026, the City Council approved the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to formally join the South Bay Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT). The South Bay Cities Council of Government (SBCCOG) worked with Senator Ben Allen’s Office to enact an amendment to the enabling legislation for the SBRHT (Senate Bill 1444) to address issues identified during the feasibility process. Senate Bill (SB) 799 serves as the amending legislation. On July 21, 2026, the City Council received and filed a letter of support for SB 799. On August 31, 2026, staff was notified that the bill had reached the Governor’s desk for signature and submitted a letter of support encouraging the Governor to sign the bill.
The Legislative Action Platform authorizes the submission of position letters prior to City Council review when an immediate response is required, provided that the letter is reviewed and approved by the City Manager. The report presents one submitted letter to the City Council to receive and file.
BACKGROUND
Senate Bill (SB) 799 (Allen) would revise the joint powers authority structure of the SBRHT by expanding its scope to include the preservation of existing affordable housing and the planning and construction of moderate-income housing using private resources. The bill also allows the designation of alternate board members, including non-elected individuals, while limiting non-elected alternates to voting in no more than 75% of meetings. SB 799 shifts board composition, appointment, and vacancy procedures to be governed by the JPA rather than the SBCCOG. In addition, the bill requires all directors and alternates to comply with board adopted conflict of interest code and provides greater flexibility in scheduling annual elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Overall, these changes seek to strengthen the SBRHT by broadening its capacity to facilitate affordable and moderate-income housing, and modernizing its governance structure to improve flexibility and accountability.
COORDINATION
The City Manager’s Office prepared the position letter and this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Letter of Support for Governor’s Signature - SB 799 (Allen)