Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board Meeting

Meeting Overview

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board of Directors met on March 2, 2026, to receive updates on the South Sacramento Florin Community Emission Reduction Plan (CERP), hear a report on district efficiency and technology investments, and receive the fiscal year 2024-2025 audit results. The meeting included public comments from community members and organizations, along with board discussion on air quality improvements and regulatory collaboration.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously adopted the consent calendar with no questions or items pulled for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jessica Sanders, CEO, Sacramento Tree Foundation: Expressed strong support for the community-driven CERP process, especially the prioritization of tree canopy. Noted that trees in underserved communities cost three to five times more than in well-canopied areas due to historical disinvestment. Emphasized that tree planting must be paired with long-term care and water access.
• Ryan Motashemi, SlowDown Sacramento: Spoke in support of the CERP's focus on mobile sources and active transportation improvements as a means to reduce emissions and improve safety.
• Garrett Jensen, Vice President, SlowDown Sacramento: Commended the board and staff for elevating quick-build street design and safe streets as air quality strategies. Linked the organization's mission of reducing driver speeds to improved air quality and livability.

Community Emission Reduction Plan Update (Item 6.1)

• Presentation by Janice Slam Snyder, Director of Community Air Protection: Provided a detailed update on the South Sacramento Florin CERP, an AB 617 program. The plan has been developed over the past year with a steering committee of 14 residents and five community organizations. Over 28 strategies were developed through 18 public meetings and additional office hours.
• Community Steering Committee Members: Tito Huang (Vietnamese American Community of Sacramento) and Roberto Rizzo (resident and co-lead) testified about the seven-year journey, emphasizing authentic community engagement and the shift from planning to implementation. Rizzo highlighted that the community voted on funding priorities, with trees being a top focus.
• Board Discussion: Board members praised the community-driven process. Director Kennedy called it "one of the model community-driven processes I've ever seen" and stressed the need for implementation funding. Director Vang noted the transition from a Community Air Monitoring Plan to a CERP and the importance of co-governance. Director Guetta highlighted that the district met federal air quality attainment for the first time but noted that heavy-duty diesel vehicles remain the primary pollution source, urging future board consideration of local revenue options.

Urban Planning and Mobile Sources Strategies (Item 6.2)

• Presentation by Paul Philly, Program Manager: Presented 11 of the 28 CERP strategies categorized as urban planning and mobile sources. Noted that over the past eight years, $47 million has been invested in the community, with about a quarter coming from CERP funding. Key strategies include: increasing tree canopy (number one priority), safe and resilient streets (quick-build projects in partnership with SACRT), and mobile source enforcement via CARB's Peaks program (committed to at least twice-yearly heavy-duty vehicle inspections).
• Board Discussion: Director Guetta highlighted the partnership with CHP for mobile screening, noting that many violators come from out of state with multiple violations. Director Maple and staff confirmed coordination with the City of Sacramento to align with existing plans (General Plan, Climate Action Plan). Director Kennedy asked about challenges with absentee landlords and tree planting in multi-family rentals; Jessica Sanders (Sacramento Tree Foundation) responded with strategies including above-ground planter boxes.

District Investment in Efficiency, Technology, and Collaboration (Item 6.3)

• Presentation by Angela Thompson, Program Manager: Responded to board questions from October 2025 on efficiency, technology, remote inspections, and collaboration. Reported that field inspections remain central due to complexity and the value of face-to-face compliance assistance; remote inspections were found effective only for simple verifications (e.g., breakdowns). New technologies include satellite data (CARB Carbon Mapper) for methane and illegal burning. AI is being explored to assist with permitting, inspection report drafting, and data review. Collaborative inspections with other agencies were reviewed and deemed not beneficial due to differing authorities and increased burden on businesses. However, existing partnerships (e.g., with BERC, Ag Commissioner) are strong.
• Board Discussion: Director Dickinson questioned the rejection of remote inspections and coordinated multi-agency inspections. Thompson clarified that remote inspections shift burden to businesses and that coordinated inspections would multiply disruption. Dickinson urged continued exploration of cross-training and efficiency. Thompson confirmed the district is exploring AI for permit and report drafting, working closely with the IT department on security.

APCO Report and Audit Results

• Megan Shepard, Director of Administrative Services: Announced that the fiscal year 2024-2025 annual comprehensive financial report and single audit were completed with a clean opinion, no findings, and no adjustments. The audit was conducted by new external auditors, Richardson and Company. Shepard credited the finance team led by controller Patty Kepner and supported by Agnes, Veronica, Ahmed, Sandy, May, and Bianca. The district is operating with a lean team and meeting grant and regulatory requirements.

Key Outcomes

• The board received and discussed the CERP update and urban planning/mobile source strategies, with no formal vote taken. The plan is scheduled for board action in May 2026 before submission to the state in July 2026.
• Staff confirmed the CERP has a five-year implementation timeline and will rely primarily on state cap-and-trade funding (continuous appropriation extended to 2045, but annual allocations are uncertain).
• The board received the efficiency and technology report; no formal action was taken, but staff will continue exploring AI and drone use.
• The board received the clean audit results with thanks to staff.
• Dr. Ayala proposed planting 30 trees in South Sacramento to celebrate the district's 30th anniversary, with a celebration planned for September 9, 2026 in partnership with Valley Vision.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:27 AM.

Note: The meeting date is March 2, 2026, as specified in the instructions, though the opening call to order references "February 26, 2026." The transcript shows the meeting actually occurred on the date provided (March 2, 2026), based on the instruction.