Fresno COG Policy Board

All items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine and non-controversial by COG staff and will be approved by one motion if no member of the Policy Board or public wishes to comment or ask questions. If comment or discussion is desired by anyone, the item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered in the listed sequence with an opportunity for any member of the public to address the Policy Board concerning the item before action is taken.

June 25, 2026 Board Minutes

ACTION: Approve the June 25, 2026, Fresno COG Policy Board meeting minutes.

City of Reedley FY 2026-27 TDA Claim

2026-22 City of Reedley FY 2026-27 TDA Claim Resolution

Action: Staff and TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve Resolution 2026-22 adopting the City of Reedley’s 2026-27 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $1,784,118.

2026-23 Measure C Funding Claim Resolution

FY26-27.MeasC.Ext COG RPTPClaim.Admin-Planning

FY26-27.MeasC.Ext COG RPTPClaim.Car.Van-Pool

FY26-27.MeasC.Ext COG RPTPClaim.Farm-Van-Pool

FY26-27.MeasC.Ext COG RPTPClaim.ADA Seniors Para

Summary: $2,769,105 in Measure “C” funds are available in 2026-27 for programs administrated through Fresno COG. In accordance with Fresno County Transportation Authority procedures, Resolution 2026-23 adopts claims for ADA/Senior Scrip/Paratransit ($892,895), Farmworker Van Pools ($655,543), Car/Van Pools ($655,543) and Administrative/Planning ($565,124).

Action:  Staff and TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board adopt Resolution 2026-23 approving Measure “C” claims for ADA/Senior Scrip/paratransit, farmworker vanpools, ride sharing/vanpools, and administration & planning.

2026-24 City of Sanger FY 2026-27 TDA Claim Resolution

City of Sanger FY 2026-27 TDA Claim

Action: Staff and TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve Resolution 2026-24 adopting the City of Sanger’s 2026-27 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $1,820,868.

2026-26 City of Kingsburg FY 2026-27 TDA Claim Resolution

City of Kingsburg FY 2026-27 TDA Claim

Action: Staff and TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve Resolution 2026-26 adopting the City of Kingsburg’s 2026-27 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $887,206.

2026-25 FCRTA FY 2026-27 TDA Claim Resolution

FCRTA FY 2026-27 TDA Claim

Action: Staff and TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve Resolution 2026-25 adopting FCRTA’s 2026-27 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $26,894,635.

Summary: A round-up of recent State and Federal grant announcements and deadlines.

The Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 13 call-for-projects was announced on July 1, 2026. The application deadline is Mon., Nov. 2, 2026. To apply for HSIP funds, an agency must have completed its Board- or Council-approved Local Road Safety Plan, Systemic Safety Analysis Report or Vision Zero Action Plan within the last five years.

A minimum benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 5.0 is required to submit, however the BCR cutoff for applications funded this cycle will adjust upward based on the applications submitted and will likely be much higher. In the past two cycles, the minimum BCR was 18.

For the funding set-asides category, a BCR is not needed. There are five funding set-asides along with their per agency limits:
• Guardrail Upgrades ($1.125M)
• Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements ($360,000)
• Lane Departure Prevention ($360,000)
• Bike Safety Improvements ($360,000)
• Set-aside for Tribes ($360,000)

Caltrans will prioritize set-aside awards for agencies that did not have any projects awarded or those awarded in the past two cycles, and agencies that have had more fatal & severe injury (F+SI) crashes according to California Highway Patrol (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).

US DOT’s Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Competitive Grant Program will provide funding to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity and infrastructure return on investment. This grant funds smart transportation technologies that make transportation easier, safer, and more efficient. Funding can be used for projects such as smart traffic signals, real-time traveler information, transit technology improvements, connected vehicle systems, emergency response tools, smart parking solutions, and other innovative technologies that help reduce congestion and improve the overall transportation network. Applicants need to show how they will operate and maintain the technology over time, work with public and private partners, and build on existing transportation investments.

Eligible applicants include State/local governments, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations; multijurisdictional groups, research institutions/academic institutions. Local Match is 20%.

Action: Information. The Policy Board may provide additional direction at its discretion

Summary:  Caltrans is close to completing its recertification of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms, which now only considers economic disadvantage rather than race or sex.

Under Caltrans’ revised methodology, goals will be returning to Federal-aid projects,  Future goal-setting will place greater emphasis on bidder lists, rather than just the list of certified firms. To set accurate goals, Caltrans is developing a format that will allow local agencies to report all bidder lists, including those that bid on other types of projects (non-Federal aid and non-transportation).

Caltrans’ staff expect that once the recertification process is complete, only about 1,200 firms will remain certified statewide, from a previous level of 3,600. Caltrans plans to give local agencies at least two months’ advance notice before DBE contract goals become mandatory again.

Action:  Information. The Policy Board may provide further direction at its discretion.

FY-25-26-OA-Quarterly-Report-3rd

On March 4, 2026, Fresno COG submitted its Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025/26 Obligation Plan to Caltrans Division of Local Assistance. The plan outlines the estimated project delivery schedule for the remainder of the federal fiscal year. The region’s Obligational Authority (OA) target for FFY 2025/26 was established at $39,649,024.

As of June 30, 2026, the region has obligated $22,879,624 in combined Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds, representing approximately 57% of the OA target. Attached is a list of projects obligated and de-obligated between April 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026.

In addition, $15,141,615 in obligation requests have been submitted to Caltrans and are currently pending approval. Once authorized, the region will have achieved approximately 96% of its FFY 2025/26 OA target.

The federal fiscal year began on October 1, 2025. California’s objective is to exceed its OA target and, in August, secure additional federal funds redistributed from other states for projects awaiting authorization. Fresno COG continues to encourage all member agencies to submit authorization requests as soon as possible. Projects that do not receive authorization approval in August may be delayed until October 2026, the beginning of FFY 2026/27.

Fresno COG staff appreciates the responsiveness and cooperation of agency partners whose efforts have contributed to the success of this process.

For questions regarding fiscal year deadlines or the project obligation process, please contact:

• Blake Rincon at (559) 233-4148 ext. 203 or brincon@fresnocog.org
• Erin Haagenson at (559) 233-4148 ext. 205 or ehaagenson@fresnocog.org

Action: Information. The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.

Summary: Fresno COG has released the following draft documents for the 2026 RTP/SCS for public review:

• The 2026 Draft RTP/SCS was released on June 23 for a 55-day public review period ending on Aug. 17.
• The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was released on July 2 for a 45-day public review period ending on Aug. 17.
• The 2027 Draft Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) was released on July 17 for a 30-day public review period ending on Aug.17.
• The Air Quality Conformity Analysis for the 2027 FTIP and 2022 RTP/SCS was released on July 17 for a 30-day public review period ending on Aug. 17.

Staff will host an additional virtual public workshop to receive comments at 6 p.m. Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. A Zoom link for the virtual public workshop will be available on FresnoCOG.org and PlanFresno.com.

Public comments are welcomed at the hearings or may be submitted in writing by 5 p.m., Aug. 17 to Paul Herman at pherman@fresnocog.org.

After public comments are incorporated, the Policy Board is scheduled to adopt all four documents on Sept. 24.

Action: Open the public hearing. Receive comments. Close the public hearing.

SR2S Alta Proposed Project Schedule

Summary: Fresno COG was awarded the fiscal year 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning and Demonstration Grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop the Fresno County Safe Routes to School Safety Action Plan.

The plan will evaluate the most critical transportation safety issues affecting students throughout Fresno County and identify improvements to support safer travel to and from school. The plan will include targeted analysis at up to 35 selected school sites and will incorporate data analysis, walk audits, and community engagement.

In May 2026, Fresno COG released a request for proposals for consultants to develop the plan. Fresno COG received four proposals for this project by the June 16, 2026 deadline.

The selection process was highly competitive. The scoring committee, with representation from Fresno COG, Fresno County, Caltrans, a community-based organization, Fresno Unified School District, and FCRTA, conducted interviews and selected Alta Planning + Design due to its Safe Routes to School experience, detailed work plan, understanding of the region, and emphasis on public outreach, walk audits, data analysis, and implementation.

Work is anticipated to begin in August 2026, with completion expected in February 2028. Alta’s proposed project schedule is attached.

Action: Staff  and TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board authorize the Executive Director to enter into a contract with Alta Planning + Design for the Fresno County Safe Routes to School Safety Action Plan for an amount not to exceed $478,917.

Summary: In response to President Trump’s 2025 Executive Order, “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking,” the federal Office of Management and Budget has proposed major changes to the rules that govern federal grants that could affect how local agencies administer federally funded transportation projects.

• Key provisions include:
  The proposed rule would reclassify 2 CFR Subtitle A from OMB guidance to binding federal regulation, meaning future amendments would take effect government-wide without separate notice-and-comment rulemaking by individual agencies.
  Greater federal authority to suspend or terminate discretionary grant awards mid-stream
  Additional requirements for procurement, contracting, and grant administration
  New documentation and reporting requirements that could increase staff workload and slow reimbursement processing
  E-Verify requirements for agencies, contractors, and consultants performing federally funded work
  Extending Buy America-style provisions beyond infrastructure to all federal awards regardless of domestic production capacity
• Requiring states to run pre-payment checks through Treasury’s Do Not Pay (DNP) system before disbursing pass-through funds, which may delay access to funds for both local governments and residents.
• Discouraging cost-reimbursement contracts between grant recipients and their vendors or contractors (e.g. engineering firm, contractor). Local governments must submit a written justification if they want to use a cost-reimbursement contract.
• Restrictions on using federal funds for conference attendance, training, memberships, and subscriptions without prior approval.

Some provisions are intended to simplify competitive grant applications, including streamlined application processes and expanded use of multi-year grant awards.

The proposed changes could increase administrative costs and compliance responsibilities for local agencies receiving federal transportation funding. Member agencies were encouraged to identify specific concerns or examples of potential impacts to project delivery before the comment deadline Nearly 500,000 comments were submitted.  The OMB is expected to review the comments and issue the final rule by October 1.  However, its is not clear whether OMB has the authority to issue binding regulation, and the matter may be litigated.  In addition, opponents of the changes are urging Congress to block the changes through appropriations bills or other legislation.

The proposed rule is posted here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/29/2026-10817/regulation-for-federal-financial-assistance

Action:  Information and discussion.  The Policy Board may provide additional direction at its discretion.

Client Notification Letter-Merger wActum

ACTUM Background-Scope-Conflict of interest staement

Summary: On behalf of the eight San Joaquin Valley (SJV) metropolitan planning organizations, Fresno COG administers two contracts, including one for State legislative advocate Gus Khouri, representing Khouri Consulting.  Originally assigned to the Stanislaus Council of Governments for a three-year term beginning in 2024, Fresno COG assumed the contract in early 2025 upon request of the SJV Policy Council — an advisory body comprising representatives from the Valley COGs, SJV Air Pollution Control District and SJV Regional Rail Authority/Joint Powers Authority.

On May 14, legislative advocate Gus Khouri notified the SJV COG Directors that, in June, he would begin merging his firm with Actum II LLC, a global lobbying firm that handles State and Federal advocacy, communications, media, political consulting and public opinion services.  The firm has offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C. and London.

With one year remaining in Khouri Consulting’s orignal contract, the COG Directors group agreed to open a new contract with Actum through June 30, 2027, at which point the decision to extend or seek a new firm through a request for proposals will be negotiated.

The Actum contract (attached) is identical to Khouri’s original scope of work, terms and conditions, with Gus Khouri continuing to serve the SJV agencies personally.  The client notification letter is also attached to this report.  The remaining yearlong term calls for $132,300 in regular compensation, plus any additional expenses associated with the Valley COGs’ annual “Valley Voice” trip to Sacramento.

Action: Staff, the SJV COG Directors Association and the SJV Policy Council and the PAC recommend that Fresno COG’s Policy Board approve a one-year contract with Actum II, LLC for $132,300 through June 30, 2027.

Summary:   Fresno COG staff are seeking the committee’s input on the future of the agency’s One Voice D.C. advocacy effort. For the last 21+ years, One Voice annually brought together multiple local agencies, jurisdictions and transportation stakeholders to rally around an approved list of policy issues and/or funding requests. One Voice D.C.’s public-private delegation visits Congressional and Federal agency representatives in Washington, D.C. to pursue funding, grant opportunities and policy changes. The 2026 trip focused on an approved list of submitted projects seeking funding, and on advocating for continued Federal partnership and investment along a range of funding programs.

With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) expiring in September 2026, and no firm replacement on the horizon, late 2026 outcomes could include:

• A new 5‑year bill (BUILD America 250 Act) if Congress reaches agreement.  The main bill currently being developed is the BUILD America 250 Act (BA250) that would provide about $580 billion in transportation funding for 5 years (FY2027–2031)
• A short-term extension of the IIJA
• A funding drop-off if no action is taken

Each option ensures the need for considerable Federal advocacy.

Additional items regarding which staff seek direction relating to a 2027 One Voice effort:

Earmark requests:  Most congressional offices receive earmark requests. As previously mentioned, In 2026 the key time to advocate for earmark requests is mid-February through early March.

Future priority focus:  Historically, local partnering agencies, including the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, Workforce Development Board, The Fresno Chamber of Commerce, and Westlands Water District, have also expressed an interest in participating in the One Voice effort. However, in 2016 the Policy Board directed staff to narrow all One Voice priorities to items with a transportation nexus. Prior to that time, the Fresno COG One Voice delegation intentionally formed a platform representing a variety of regional interests, with participation from wide list public and private partners. The Policy Advisory Committee recommended that the focus be widened again to allow for non-transportation, regional priorities that serve Fresno County as a whole, along with transportation items. This encourages participation from our member agencies whose priorities would benefit from regional support, and could form a larger, more diverse delegation.

Limitation on the number of priorities:  Priority numbers have ranged from 14 (2016) to seven (2017).

Trip Date: Based upon the 2026 earmark timeline, the key time to advocate for earmark requests is mid-February through early March. Several conferences and events are typically scheduled during this time, as well as Congress’ spring recess. This affects the availability of COG’s advocacy consultant, Policy Board members and D.C. hotel room numbers and rates. All must be considered and a date selected by fall 2026.

Delegation numbers have ranged from 37 (2011) to 11 (2026) over the years.

The 2026 One Voice D.C. trip materials are available for review here:  Fresno COG’s One Voice Webpage.

Action: Information Item. Staff seeks insight and recommendations from the Policy Board.