Policy Advisory Committee

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 Committee 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 Committee concerning the item before action is taken.

July 10 2026 Minutes PAC

Action: Approve the July 10, 2026, Policy Advisory Committee meeting minutes.

4th qtr report 25-26

Action: Accept the Fourth Quarter FY 25-26 Work Element and Financial Report

City of Clovis FY 2026-27 TDA Claim

2026-28 City of Clovis FY 2026-27 TDA Claim Resolution

Action: Staff requests the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve Resolution 2026-28 adopting the City of Clovis’ 2026-27 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $17,768,150.

City of Huron FY 2026-27 TDA Claim

2026-30 City of Huron FY 2026-27 TDA Claim Resolution

Action: Staff requests the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve resolution 2026-30 adopting the City of Huron’s 2026-27 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $458,077.

City of Mendota FY 2026-27 TDA Claim

2026-31 City of Mendota FY 2026-27 TDA Claim Resolution

Action: Staff requests the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve resolution 2026-31 adopting the City of Mendota’s 2026-27 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $851,078.

City of Firebaugh FY 2026-27 TDA Claim

2026-32 City of Firebaugh FY 2026-27 TDA Claim Resolutions

Action: Staff requests the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve resolution 2026-32 adopting the City of Mendota’s 2026-27 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $589,222.

24-25 5310 Recommended Funding

Summary: Fresno COG is the designated recipient of FTA Section 5310 program funds for Fresno County, which provides capital and operating assistance grants for projects that meet the transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The funds may be used for projects where public mass transportation services are otherwise unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate; that exceed the requirements of the ADA; that improve access to fixed-route service; and that provide alternatives to public transportation.

In fall 2025, Fresno COG issued a formal call-for-projects totaling $1,741,617 in Fresno County Large Urban Area FTA Section 5310 funding. Staff received six applications requesting a total of $3,188,081 to support vehicle purchases and operating expenses. Of the six applications received, three were recommended for full funding and two were recommended for partial funding, as approved by the Policy Board in February 2026.

Staff has prepared FTA Section 5310 contract agreements with the subgrantees to formalize the approved funding awards. The agreements establish the terms and conditions for the use of Section 5310 funds, including eligible project activities, reimbursement requirements, reporting requirements, and compliance with applicable federal and state requirements.

The proposed contracts will provide a total of $1,741,617 in Section 5310 funding to the following projects: FAX Paratransit Cutaway Replacement Project ($783,727), FAX Travel Training Project ($174,000), Clovis Transit Vehicle Purchase Project ($544,000), WestCare California FTA Section 5310 Program for Elderly & Disabled Specialized Transit ($135,395), and UCP+ Central California Vehicle Expansion Project ($104,495).

Action: Fresno COG staff request the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve the FTA Section 5310 contract agreements with the subgrantees and authorize the executive director to execute the agreements.

Summary: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created the transportation network company (TNC) Access for All (AFA) Program following Senate Bill (SB) 1376 (Hill: 2018), which directed CPUC to address TNC accessibility services for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users who need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV). A $.10 fee collected from every TNC trip is redistributed to each MPO region to develop programs that incentivize on-demand transportation services for people with disabilities, including wheelchair accessible vehicles/rides.

In June 2021, Fresno COG became a local access fund administrator for the Fresno County AFA program. For this current funding cycle, Fresno COG has received $274,879 to allocate to projects supporting Access Providers. Of that, $263,884 was allocated during this current funding cycle. Access Providers are entities that directly provide, or contract with a separate organization or entity to provide on-demand WAV transportation to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.

Fresno COG released a request for proposals early this summer and received two applications from Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) and Clovis Transit. After reviewing both applications, the scoring committee recommends splitting Access for All funds between FCRTA and Clovis Transit. FCRTA will receive $90,351.98 and Clovis Transit will receive $173,532.02.

FCRTA will use funding to purchase one wheelchair-accessible vehicle. The additional vehicle will allow for FCRTA to expand Rural Transit Dial-a-Ride services to serve the general public disabled population and provide transportation beyond approved lifeline services in unincorporated communities.

Clovis Transit will use funding to purchase one wheelchair-accessible vehicle with associated operational technology to expand and modernize its paratransit service. This project will strengthen Clovis Transit’s accessible transportation network through the purchase of a new wheelchair-accessible Promaster vehicle while modernizing onboard technology that supports daily operations.

Action: Staff and the Access for All scoring committee request the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve awarding FCRTA $90,351.98, Clovis Transit $173,532.02 from the current cycle of “Access for All” funding, and authorize the executive director to execute the agreements.

SURPLUS 2026-27

Summary: The Transportation Act (TDA) Trust received sales tax deposits of $60,252,402 during 2025-26, exceeding the original estimate of $59,000,000. Combined with interest, this resulted in a surplus of $2,966,688. The State Transit Assistance (STA) fund received $11,653,714 during the year and was distributed to transit operators. The State of Good Repair (SGR) fund received $2,124,528 and was distributed to transit operators.

The 2025-26 TDA surplus will be distributed to claimants based on their 2025-26 adopted TDA claims and conditional on completion of the required 2024-25 TDA audit.

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

2026-33 OWP FY 26-27 Amendment No 1 Resolution

Summary: The 2026-27 Overall Work Program Amendment No. 1 reconciles grant balances from projects carried over from 2025-26 and recognizes other sundry adjustments.  The amendment increases the budget $10,417,494 to $28,317,002.

WE 111– Regional Transportation Modeling – There is no increase in the total cost or scope of this work element; carryover PL and FTA 5303 amounts are changed to align with the reconciled balances from FY 2025-26.

 WE 149 SB743 Impact Update SB1-F – The work element replaces local funds with available State Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Act (RMRA) 2024-25 carryover.  The total cost does not change

WE 155 FCRR Feasibility Study SB1-C – The work element increases $42,023 to adjust the carryover of the contract with DB E.C.O. to reflect activity in 2025-26 and reconcile State RMRA Competitive 2024-25 carryover balances.

WE 164 Airport Access Survey SB1-F – The work element increases $13,744 to reflect activity in 2025-26 and reconcile State RMRA 2025-26 carryover balances.

WE 170 Regional Transportation Plan – Various net adjustments were made to reconcile carryover grant balances from the prior year; however, the scope and total cost of this work element remain unchanged.

WE 173 Regional VMT Mitigation Program Implementation Plan SB1-F – The work element increases $7,394 to reflect activity in 2025-26 and reconcile State RMRA 2024-25 carryover balances.

WE 175 TradePort California – RIA – The work element increases $288,638 to reflect activity in 2025-26 and reconcile Regional Infrastructures Accelerator (RIA) carryover balances.

WE 179 Complete Streets Planning – The work element increases $1,316 to adjust the 2025-26 carryover balance.

WE 180 Air Quality Transportation Planning – This work element increases $9,363 in local funds for additional Valleywide air quality conformity work by Trinity Consultants, the air quality liaison contracted with San Joaquin Council of Governments.

WE 181 Climate Action Plan – The work element increases $20,491 to reflect activity in 2025-26 and reconciles the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant’s (CPRG) carryover balances.

WE 182 Fresno County Extreme Heat Analysis SHA-CAPG –  The work element increases $16,182 to adjust carryover of the contract with Dudek to reflect activity in 2025-26 and reconcile SHA-CAPG 2025-26 carryover balances.

WE 422 Regional Early Action Planning Grants of 2021 (REAP 2.0) – The work element increases $10,018,343 to reflect activity in 2025-26 and reconcile REAP 2.0 funds.

Action: Staff recommends the Board adopt Resolution 2026-33 approving 2026-27 Overall Work Program Amendment No. 1.

Summary:  In June, the Fresno COG Policy Board approved Sean Bautista’s city representative appointment to the Fresno County Airport Land Use Commission. However, Mr. Bautista has not been able to assume the position as planned. Therefore, staff will be seeking a new appointment to the position at the Sept. 24 City Selection Committee held just prior to the Fresno COG Policy Board Meeting.

The Fresno County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) comprises seven members per Public Utilities Code Section 21670(b). Two members represent cities within the county. One of the positions is held by Mayor Alma Beltran, representing the City of Parlier. Statute requires that second position must be filled by a city representative whose jurisdiction is contiguous or adjacent to a qualifying airport (one of eight public use airports within the county).

Fresno County’s eight public use airports include the following:

• Coalinga Municipal Airport
• Firebaugh Airport
• Fresno-Chandler Executive Airport
• Harris Ranch Airport
• Reedley Municipal Airport
• Selma Airport
• Sierra Sky Park Airport
• William Robert Johnson Municipal Airport (Mendota)

A person who already holds an elected or appointed public office may be appointed and serve as a member of the commission during their term of public office (PUC Section 21670(c)), though appointing an elected official is not required. Each member of the ALUC shall appoint one proxy to represent him or her in commission affairs and to vote on all matters when the member is not in attendance. The proxy must be appointed in writing and kept on file with the ALUC. Proxies serve at the pleasure of the members who appoint them. A vacant proxy position shall be promptly filled (PUC Section 21670(d).

For the last two years, Nicole Zieba represented the City of Reedley as proxy to Commissioner Ray Remy in the now vacant position. She attended each meeting and is now quite familiar with Airport Land Use regulations.

The ALUC meets at 2 p.m. on the first Monday of every other month at Fresno COG. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 5.

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

Summary:  Gov. Newsom signed Senate Bill 922 (Laird), Chapter 148, Statutes of 2026, on Aug. 27, 2026. The legislation clarifies local agency authority to recover street maintenance and repair costs associated with the use of local roads to provide public services, including solid-waste collection. SB 922 does not require local agencies to impose a fee or establish a specific methodology for calculating such costs. Local agencies remain subject to applicable legal requirements for fees and charges.  The legislation expressly rejects the interpretation in Rogers v. City of Redlands (2025), which had created uncertainty regarding the ability to include roadway repair costs attributable to heavy solid-waste vehicles in solid-waste rates.

Fresno COG staff would like to determine how member agencies are currently addressing these costs and whether there is interest in a regional approach to a roadway-impact and cost-recovery study. Staff plans to distribute a short survey to member agencies to determine:

• Whether the agency currently recovers roadway maintenance or repair costs through solid-waste rates, franchise fees, or other charges;
• If so, what study or methodology was used to establish and support the cost recovery;
• Whether the agency has considered such cost recovery but has not implemented it;
• Whether the agency would consider pursuing cost recovery following SB 922; and
• Whether the agency would support FCOG developing a regional study or methodology that could be used by individual agencies.

The survey results would help Fresno COG identify existing local practices, avoid duplicating work already completed by member agencies, and determine whether there is sufficient regional interest to pursue a coordinated study.  After completion, staff will return to the committees with a summary of the results and recommendations for any potential regional follow-up.

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

Summary: Fresno COG is both federally and State-mandated to prepare and maintain the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), the accompanying environmental impact report (EIR), Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), and the corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis.

The RTP/SCS is a 23-year blueprint for the Fresno County region’s transportation network that addresses all proposed modes and projects that may require Federal funding over a long-term period.

The FTIP’s shorter-term, four-year program of projects that includes a listing of all transportation-related projects requiring Federal funding or other approval by Federal transportation agencies. The FTIP also lists non-federal, regionally significant projects for information and air quality modeling purposes. Projects included in the FTIP are consistent with Fresno COG’s RTP and are part of the area’s overall strategy for providing mobility, congestion relief, and reduction of transportation-related air pollution to attain federal air quality standards set for the region.

Fresno COG is federally required to update the FTIP every two years.  The most recent update was the 2025 FTIP, which was adopted by the Fresno COG Policy Board on July 25, 2024.  Fresno COG is due to update the FTIP again and is proposing approval of the final draft 2027 FTIP, alongside the Final 2026 RTP/SCS), EIR, and the corresponding final draft Air Quality Conformity Analysis.  A resolution is enclosed and the most recent FTIP documents are available for review on the Fresno COG website at:  https://www.fresnocog.org/project/federal-transportation-improvement-program-ftip/

The Final 2026 RTP/SCS and EIR are available for review on the Fresno COG website at: https://www.fresnocog.org/project/regional-transportation-plan/ 

Fresno COG held a 30-day public review and comment period for the Draft 2027 FTIP and corresponding draft Air Quality Conformity Analysis; a 45-day public review period for the draft environmental impact report (EIR), and a 55-day public review comment period for the draft 2026 RTP/SCS. All review periods for each of the draft documents closed concurrently on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.  Staff also held a public hearing to receive in-person comments on the draft 2027 FTIP, draft 2026 RTP/SCS, and accompanying documents on July 29, 2026, at  Fresno COG’s office.

Additionally, on Aug. 5, 2026, Fresno COG hosted a virtual public workshop to receive comments from those who could not attend the first hearing.  Verbal comments received at the public hearing and other comments received during the 30-day public review period are summarized and responded to in Appendix J (Formal Comments and Responses) of the final draft 2027 FTIP.  Any changes made to the Draft 2027 FTIP based on comments received are noted within the responses to such comments. Comments received on the Draft Conformity Analysis and the 2026 RTP/SCS and EIR have also been addressed and are included in each of the final draft submittals.

The final 2027 FTIP, final 2026 RTP/SCS, EIR, and corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis meet all applicable transportation planning requirements per 23 CFR Part 450, 40 CFR Part 93, and conform to the applicable State Implementation Plans.

Action: Staff recommends that the Policy Board approve the Final 2027 FTIP, 2026 RTP/SCS, EIR and the corresponding Final Conformity Analysis via Resolution No. 2026-27.

8-18-26_No Measure C Report

8-18-26_No Measure C Report_Worksheet

Summary: At its July 2026 meeting, the Policy Board requested a scenario analysis that envisions impacts to smaller jurisdictions in particular if no local sales tax measure revenues are available after June 30, 2027. The attached report evaluates the recurring fiscal position of the 14 incorporated Fresno County cities, other than the City of Fresno. The County is not included because it has conducted a separate analysis.

The analysis evaluates five scenarios, ranging from a baseline with Measure and TDA Article 8 revenues to a more demanding scenario in which Measure and TDA Article 8 are unavailable, Federal revenues are increased to reflect projects programmed in the FTIP, and cities must provide the associated local match.

Key findings of the report include:

1. The loss of Measure revenues does not affect all cities equally.
2. The potential loss of TDA Article 8 materially increases fiscal pressure for cities that receive those funds.
3. Federal funding opportunities do not eliminate the local fiscal problem because cities must provide a local match.
4. The greatest relative pressure occurs where the FTIP program is large compared with the city’s recurring local and State transportation resources.
5. This analysis does not determine whether each city can maintain its entire existing roadway system because detailed expenditures, pavement conditions, staffing, maintenance standards, and fund balances were outside the scope, but could be presented in a further analysis, if detailed information was provided by each city.

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

Scoring Committee Recommendations

Summary: Fresno COG staff released the Measure C 2026 application for New Technology funding on May 8, 2026. The Measure C New Technology Program includes $9.5 million available for the fiscal year 26/27 award cycle. Fresno COG releases an application for New Technology projects/proposals on a biennial basis.

The New Technology Reserve subprogram sets aside Measure “C” funding to finance new transit technologies that may be developed in the future. To further its Measure C New Technology Program goals, Fresno COG is focusing on technological advances in public systems, safety features, fuel efficiencies and alternatives, intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications, and information dissemination. These are priority focus areas that help promote passenger safety and satisfaction, attract customers, improve capital and operating efficiencies, reduce environmental pollution, and ease dependence on fossil fuels.  

This cycle, Fresno COG received eight applications requesting approximately $12.6 million against an available $9.5 million, per the accruals through June 30.  The scoring committee comprised a representative from each: the County of Fresno, City of Fresno, City of Clovis, east side city, west side city, Measure C Citizen Oversight Committee, transit agency, Fresno COG, and Fresno County Transportation Authority. On Aug. 18, the scoring committee met to interview the applicants and discuss the applications. The scoring committee emphasized projects that provided continuity in the New Technology reserve program and elevated technological advances.

The scoring committee unanimously recommended six of the eight applications, with two of the six for partial funding.  They are:

Clovis Transit Dispatch Optimization Project (City of Clovis): Clovis Transit will implement artificial intelligence in addition to existing dispatch to manage real-time service coordination, after-hour calls, and other operational challenges. The cloud-based deployment can be replicated by other transit providers. Performance data will document AI handling, time savings, and no-show outcomes for future regional decisions. 

New Tech Recommended Funds: $466,142 

Aviation Fuel Farm Replacement Project (City of Reedley): The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently accepted unleaded fuel for use in planes, an important step in cleaning the Valley’s air. The City of Reedley is building on its clean aviation all-electric plane program in 2016, and this project installs three 12,000-gallon aboveground fuel tanks by July 2028, leading into a fully operational, unleaded, aviation-fuel facility.  

New Tech Recommended Funds: $1,496,476 

Firebaugh Off-Grid EV Charging Hub (Fresno County Rural Transit Agency): The project includes a 50 kW solar carport, 407 kWh battery system, and a 150 kW DC fast charger to enable off-grid fast charging for Fresno County Rural Transit Agency’s EV fleet. The off-grid solar-powered EV charging hub includes transitioning to a 100% electric fleet and using resilient, grid-independent charging technology. 

New Tech Recommended Funds: $1,361,006 

Next Generation ITS Adaptive System Development & Deployment for City Traffic Signals at Freeway Crossings (City of Fresno): This project includes a new software module and construction at two pilot locations (Friant Road/SR41 and Shaw Avenue/SR168). It will expand the City’s Cubic ITS Inc. SynchroGreen Adaptive System by developing a new adaptive module that integrates City’s and Caltrans’ Traffic Management Center-to-Center (C2C) data (Traffic Management Data Directory) and ITERIS Connected Vehicles (V2X) Detection Systems to optimize the City’s adaptively synchronized corridors with Caltrans’ signalized intersections.  

New Tech Recommended Funds: $4,000,000  

Requested: $5,000,000 

School Route ITS Safety Enhancement Project (City of Firebaugh): The agency will deploy Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) safety technologies at approximately six Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) locations and six  radar feedback sign locations throughout the community. Improvements may include up to 16 RRFB installations and 12 radar feedback signs, with final quantities and locations refined during project design. The project will improve pedestrian safety, increase driver awareness, and support safer routes to school. 

New Tech Recommended Funds: $598,136 

2027–2029: Sustaining and Expanding Fresno County’s Advanced Transportation Think Tank and Innovation Hub (Fresno State/Fresno County Transportation Authority): The Fresno State Transportation Institute (FSTI) provides a countywide advanced transit and multimodal transportation program covering research, workforce development, technical assistance, technology demonstration, and public outreach. This continues and expands the eight-year-old Institute (est. 2018) across its four established mission areas: Professional Development & Education, Research & Innovation, Technical & Community Service, K-12 & Public Outreach. It continues the focus on advanced transit and multimodal transportation, new advanced-technology research capacity, and expanded community-input tools.  

New Tech Recommended Funds: $1,578,240 

Requested: $2,433,536 

For more information please click here: Measure C New Technology Reserve Fund – Fresno Council of Governments 

Action: Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve the New Technology scoring committee recommendations for funding and forward to the Fresno County Transportation Authority to enter into contracts with the applicants in the amounts recommended.  

FresnoCoG_Extreme Heat Final

Summary: Fresno COG has been working with planning consultant Dudek to develop the Fresno County Extreme Heat Analysis and Shade Adaptation Plan. The Plan identifies transportation corridors and areas throughout Fresno County that are vulnerable to extreme heat and provides strategies to increase shade and vegetative cover to improve comfort, safety, and resiliency for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.

The Plan includes an analysis of heat vulnerability, an evaluation of potential shade projects, planning-level cost estimates, and recommendations for implementing shade and heat adaptation strategies. Five priority template projects have been identified for further consideration across Fresno County.

Dudek will provide an overview of the Fresno County Extreme Heat Analysis and Shade Adaptation Plan, including key findings, recommended strategies, and the five priority template projects. Staff will also provide an update on the next steps toward completion and public review of the Plan and accompanying Shade Adaptation Guidebook.

Action: Staff requests TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve the Fresno County Extreme Heat and Shade Adaptation Plan.

Summary: Staff is seeking an amendment of its $66,737 contract with Best, Best & Krieger (BBK), a law firm providing legal services support for Fresno COG’s 2026 RTP/SCS. The RTP/SCS was originally supposed to be completed within the 2025-26 fiscal year ending on June 30, 2026, but was delayed to September 2026 to conform with air quality conformity approvals Valleywide. Staff seeks to add $56,000 to the original $66,737 contract with BBK through the the 2026-27 fiscal year to complete this work and any additional follow-up with State and Federal partners.

Action: Staff requests that the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board authorize the executive director to execute a contract amendment adding $56,000 to the contract with BBK for 2026 RTP/SCS legal services through June 30, 2027 for a not-to-exceed total of $122,737.

Legal-Counsel-Fees

Summary: Chapter 6, section 6.2 of Fresno COG’s joint powers agreement among the 15 incorporated cities and the County of Fresno states: “The Fresno County Counsel’s Office shall provide all legal service to the Fresno County of Governments, the Council and the committees, provided however, the Council may elect to retain independent Counsel when deemed necessary.”  This same statement is repeated in Fresno COG’s bylaws under section 19.

The County Counsel’s office has opined previously that this statement allows for Fresno COG’s Board (or Council), to replace its own services for general legal counsel as deemed necessary.

Following Measure C-related developments, several Board members have questioned whether the County Counsel’s office remains best-suited to represent Fresno COG’s collective interests, and have called for COG to retain private counsel for its general legal services.

In early 2026, Fresno COG staff briefly retained Nicholas Ghirelli with the Orange County-based firm of Richards, Watson and Gershon (RWG) to represent the agency regarding Measure C-related issues and the eventual abandonment of the government-sponsored Measure C renewal effort. RWG has extensive experience in municipal law and local sales tax measures, including through its Sacramento office, but does not represent any Fresno County jurisdiction. Mr Ghirelli has indicated his willingness to resume the lead counsel role for Fresno COG.

A cost comparison using the last three months’ worth of legal services billings from County Counsel is attached to this agenda item. At an hourly rate of $350, the anticipated expense delta is roughly twice what Fresno COG is paying for County Counsel.  The comparison does not include the potential for RWG to use paralegal or other, lower-cost alternatives that may be employed.

There are multiple options the Board could choose to pursue should it provide direction to replace County Counsel, including: issuing an RFP/RFQ, partnering with another local agency or a neighboring COG to share attorney expenses, retaining in-house services, and others.

Action: Information and discussion.

CALTRANS REPORT [INFORMATION]