Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Meeting – June 23, 2026

The meeting was called to order at approximately 9:30 AM and adjourned at 6:34 PM, spanning a full-day session with a lunch recess. The Board addressed a wide range of items including budget adjustments, grant awards, land use planning, and public safety. Notable actions included the approval of the Upper West Side Specific Plan and the reconsideration of budget cuts to the Sheriff and District Attorney. Note: The transcript consistently references Tuesday, June 16, but the instructed meeting date is June 23, 2026 – a discrepancy in the source material.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3-49 were approved unanimously (5-0). The consent calendar included an ordinance on roosters (item 12) and several road overlay projects (items 11, 15 continued, 17). Supervisor Hume and Desmond offered supportive comments on specific items. Item 15 (AC Overlay Project 2026 Phase A) was continued to July 14, 2026. Item 50 (employee layoffs) was dropped. Item 51 continued to July 14, 2026; Item 53 to July 28, 2026; Item 57 to July 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Budget Cuts (Sheriff & DA): Multiple speakers (John Frias Morales, Karen Corbs, Bay Meary, John Vignoki, Dean Barusani, Kenya Bell, Rudy Aguilera, Jennifer Bowdy, Adrian Bankert, Ron Harlow) opposed the reduction of $5.9 million from the Sheriff's Office and $2.7 million from the District Attorney's Office. Speakers argued that public safety should be prioritized, cited rising crime and homelessness, and called for restoring funding. Some noted that the homeless spending ($277 million countywide) has produced poor outcomes (e.g., only 203 homeless transitioned out of shelter in first half of 2025, 77% did not complete treatment). Business representatives stressed the value of POP teams and Community DA programs. The Board Chair acknowledged a speaker’s suggestion for a forensic analysis on homelessness.
• Roosters Ordinance (Item 12): Two speakers: one opposed the ordinance due to neighbors with roosters, and another (Vince B.) opposed, explaining he raises roosters for show (about 100 roosters on 5 acres) and argued the ordinance unfairly targets hobbyists. Supervisors noted the ordinance was a second reading and had been deliberated previously.
• TOT Grants (Item 54): Numerous speakers supported various nonprofit applicants, including youth programs (Classy Inc.), food banks (Manna Food Bank), veteran services, cultural organizations, and more. Many urged continued funding. One speaker noted the grant program received 271 eligible applications requesting $7 million total, with only $1 million available.
• Upper West Side Specific Plan (Item 58): Over 70 speakers addressed the Board. Supporters (e.g., landowners, business groups, housing advocates) emphasized the need for housing, jobs, and smart growth near existing infrastructure. Opponents (residents, environmental groups, City of Sacramento representatives, ECOS) raised concerns about traffic, water supply, habitat impacts, school funding, flood risk, and inconsistency with the Natomas Basin Habitat Conservation Plan. Several speakers urged postponement or denial. The City of Sacramento formally opposed the project. The Board also received a letter from the Department of Fish and Wildlife expressing concerns.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Bark of Supervisors: An update on adoptable pets, featuring “Rain,” a 5-year-old American bully mix. Staff noted all pets are spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
• Item 52 – Folsom Garden Apartments Loan: Approval of $3.9 million loan for 40 units (10 permanent supportive housing) at 30-60% AMI. Supervisor Kennedy expressed concerns about co-locating permanent supportive housing with family units, but the item passed 5-0.
• Item 54 – TOT Grant Program: Staff reported 271 applications, $7 million requested, $1 million available. 101 grants recommended across districts. Supervisors encouraged nonprofits to engage early in the process.
• Item 55 – Urban Water Management Plan: Public hearing; no public comments. The Board adopted the plan and water shortage contingency plan for the Sacramento County Water Agency (5-0).
• Item 56 – Development Impact Fee Deferral Program: Adoption of resolution expanding fee deferrals to all residential projects per SB 937, excluding park district fees. Passed 5-0.
• Item 58 – Upper West Side Specific Plan: Detailed staff and applicant presentations covered the 2,066-acre plan with 9,356 residential units, 3.5 million sq. ft. of commercial, schools, parks, and a town center. Key discussion points:
  • Traffic mitigation: Alternative circulation plan (Radio Road emergency vehicle access only, traffic calming on Garden Highway) was adopted to reduce trips from 8,500 to 5,600 ADT.
  • Public art endowment: $500,000 minimum funded via the financing plan.
  • Water supply: Relies on conversion of agricultural water rights via Natomas Mutual Water Company; condition requires proof of available water before tentative maps.
  • Schools: Funding gap identified; developer committed to further negotiations.
  • Habitat mitigation: Ratios exceed those required by the Natomas Basin HCP (1:1 vs 0.5:1 for Swainson's hawk).
  • The Board heard extensive public comment and then deliberated. Supervisor Cerna moved approval with amendments, seconded by Supervisor Hume.
• Item 59 – Own Ranks Appointment: Supervisor Kennedy reappointed to the Regional Water Authority (5-0).
• Item 60 – County Executive Comments: Wishing staff a safe summer.
• Item 61 – Supervisor Comments: Supervisor Rodriguez recognized Juneteenth.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Reconsideration: On a motion by Supervisor Hume, the Board voted 4-1 (Cerna no) to reconsider the earlier budget cuts to the Sheriff and DA, indicating intent to restore funding.
• Upper West Side Specific Plan (Item 58): Approved 5-0 with amendments, including:
  • Adoption of CEQA findings (attachment 32-B) supporting the “Alternative Five” traffic plan.
  • Radio Road extension limited to emergency vehicle access only.
  • Traffic calming measures on San Juan and Bright Bend Roads, and a roadway safety audit for Garden Highway (including potential shoulder improvements if ADT exceeds 6,000).
  • $500,000 public art endowment requirement in the development agreement.
  • Water supply assessment including Natomas Mutual Water Company option.
  • Condition requiring continued school funding negotiations.
• Other Approvals: All remaining items (TOT grants, loan commitment, water plan, fee deferral, appointments) passed unanimously (5-0).
• Continuances: Items 15, 51, 53, 57 continued to future dates as noted.
• Public Comment: Over 70 speakers on the Upper West Side plan; all comments were taken under advisement.

The meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM.