Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board Meeting – July 23, 2026

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board met on July 23, 2026, to discuss several key items. The meeting began after achieving quorum and included a consent calendar approval, a presentation on ambient lead monitoring near Sacramento Executive Airport, a proposal for a local carbon bank to facilitate carbon sequestration and offsets, an update on telework policy and headquarters, and the Air Pollution Control Officer's report. Board members engaged in detailed discussions on each topic, and public testimony was heard on the lead monitoring item.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar passed unanimously after quorum was established. No questions or public testimony were requested.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Holden, president of the Mangan Park Neighborhood Association, expressed full support for continued air monitoring and urged the board to protect the neighborhood's air quality. She noted that the census tract for Mangan Park and Hollywood Park scores around the 94th percentile for respiratory disease compared to other U.S. census tracts. She also requested that the city release lead test results for the former city tree nursery on 34th Avenue. She reported developing adult-onset asthma after living in Mangan Park for 10 years and anecdotally stated that nearly every family she has asked in the neighborhood reports a respiratory disease such as asthma or COPD.
• Kendra Masius Reed, former deputy director of the Franklin Boulevard Business Association and current board member, expressed gratitude for the Community Greening Incentive Program, which awarded $338,000 to finance tree canopy, landscaping, and maintenance for the Franklin Boulevard Complete Streets project, an area disproportionately affected by air pollution due to its proximity to Highway 99.

Discussion Items

• Item 6.1: Assessing Ambient Lead Concentrations around Sacramento Executive Airport
  • Air Quality Scientist Catherine Chen Chu presented a follow-up plan to assess ambient lead concentrations near the airport, addressing board questions about distinguishing lead from aviation gasoline emissions versus lead from the decommissioned gun range at Mangan Park. The proposed approach includes placing both an upwind and a downwind monitor to collect real-time particle measurements and daily chemical fingerprint data. Five analytical methods (particle size, chemical fingerprints, trends, wind analysis, and statistical modeling) will be used. A threshold of 0.033 micrograms per cubic meter — derived from OEHHA methodology and equivalent to a one-in-a-million cancer risk — will prompt detailed analysis only when lead concentrations indicate a potential health risk. Board members asked about applying the methodology to other projects. Staff clarified the threshold is for triggering analysis, not for regulatory compliance, and that the chemical fingerprints are specific to this context. Director Kennedy confirmed staff reviewed the extensive soil remediation documents from the prior county-led cleanup. The board concurred with proceeding with the sampling plan, collaborating with the airport on construction schedules, and engaging the community steering committee on the monitoring timeline.
• Item 6.2: Carbon Sequestration and Offsets – Facilitating Local Progress
  • Program Manager Paul Philly presented a framework for a local carbon bank to provide cost-effective, verifiable carbon credits for CEQA mitigation, stating that existing Rule 250 (adopted 2010) remains unused. The program would voluntarily offer projects a new mitigation option, keeping investment in the Sacramento region. Staff noted that at least one pilot project will be launched in fall 2026, and a formal bank may be operational within a year. Director Lopez Taft inquired about fiscal impacts and potential costs to residents and businesses. Staff emphasized this is voluntary, not a regulation, and is intended to lower costs by expanding options. Director Dickinson raised the possibility of using carbon credits for VMT mitigation under SB 743. Staff said the idea is possible if legally allowed and the bank is designed to be flexible, but further discussion with regional agencies is needed. The board received the presentation and anticipates a detailed pilot proposal in the fall.
• Item 6.3: Telework, Headquarters, and Contract Administrative Updates
  • Director of Administrative Services Megan Shepherd reported that an annual review of the telework policy confirmed the hybrid model continues to support district mission and performance. Over half of employees are on location more than half of the time due to fieldwork. The headquarters building sale remains challenging due to the soft downtown commercial real estate market; leasing and targeted improvements are being considered. A new MOU with the SAC Air District Employees Association (expiring June 30, 2027) will be negotiated in four sessions beginning August 2026. Board members discussed balancing telework benefits with the need for in-person collaboration for new hires. Vice Chair Maple noted the importance of modeling behavior consistent with the district's clean air goals. Dr. Ayala indicated that data from employee surveys show a desire for more face-to-face interaction for new employees, and that may be formally addressed. The board received the report.

Key Outcomes

• Item 6.1: The board concurred with the proposed monitoring plan, including engagement with the airport and community steering committee. No formal vote was recorded on a motion; consent was indicated by discussion.
• Item 6.2: The board received the presentation and will receive a more detailed pilot proposal in fall 2026. No vote was taken.
• Item 6.3: The board accepted the update on telework policy, headquarters, and labor negotiations. No vote was required.