Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Connie Juarez-Diroll, Chief Legislative Officer
Subject: Study Session: 2026 Legislative Priorities
RECOMMENDATION:
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Study session on San Mateo County's 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
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BACKGROUND:
The 2026 Legislative Session Program for San Mateo County defines the County's state and federal legislative priorities for the upcoming sessions. These priorities, together with existing positions and policies, direct the County's legislative advocacy. The Intergovernmental and Public Affairs Unit (IGPA) of the County Executive's Office prepares the County's Legislative Session Program with direction from Board members and in coordination with County departments, the County Executive, state associations, legislative advocates, and community partners.
Preparation of the County's updated legislative program began in fall of 2025, when the IGPA staff met with County departments to review their legislative priorities. Staff also reviewed the priorities of key state associations, including the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and the Urban Counties of California (UCC), to ensure alignment. In January 2026, IGPA staff met with Board offices to review recommended draft legislative priorities and individual supervisor priorities.
Board of Supervisors President Noelia Corzo has requested a study session on February 10, 2026, to review the staff-recommended draft priorities, add the underlined language, and align on state and federal priorities.
DISCUSSION:
In 2026, the proposed list of state and federal priority issues includes:
1. Protecting In-Lieu VLF Revenue - The Vehicle License Fee (VLF) Swap was an integral part of the 2004 Budget compromise, where, in exchange for local funding of the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) III shift and a permanent reducti...
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