Board of Supervisors - 6/16/26

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 16, 2026, was highlighted by the unanimous approval of a massive new development in Natomas, a move to reconsider recent budget cuts to public safety, and the adoption of new urban water management plans.

The Upper West Side Specific Plan

The most significant item was the approval of the Upper West Side Specific Plan, a decade-long planning effort for a ~2,066-acre site in the Natomas Basin.

• Project Scope: The plan envisions 9,356 residential units across a full range of densities, including a "missing middle" incentive program for duplexes and fourplexes.
• Design & Amenities: Features include a vertically integrated Town Center (compared to "Santana Row"), the linear Westside Canal for recreation, and a mobility hub to support transit and multi-modal travel. The project scored a record 24 out of 24 points on the region's "Blueprint" smart growth principles.
• Sustainability: It is designed as an all-electric, carbon-neutral community. The Board added a requirement for a $500,000 public art endowment.
• Key Controversies & Amendments:
  • Traffic: To address resident concerns about the Garden Highway, the Board adopted "Alternative 5," which eliminates the Radio Road extension except for emergency vehicle access (EVA) and mandates a roadway safety audit and traffic-calming measures.
  • Habitat: While the county is not a signatory to the Natomas Basin Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), the project will provide mitigation at ratios of 1.5 to 2 times higher than those required by the HCP.
  • Water: Because the City of Sacramento declined to provide water, the project will use an alternative supply through the Natomas Central Mutual Water Company, contingent on state approval to convert agricultural water rights to municipal use.
  • Schools: A funding gap for school construction remains; the project is conditioned to continue negotiations with the Natomas Unified School District to bridge this gap.

Public Safety and Budget Reconsideration

During public comments, numerous residents and business owners expressed strong opposition to proposed $5.2 million in budget cuts for the Sheriff's Office and District Attorney. They argued that losing "Problem Oriented Policing" (POP) and "Homeless Outreach" (HOT) teams would devastate small businesses and public safety. In response, the Board voted 4-1 (with Supervisor Serna dissenting) to reconsider aspects of the budget previously decided on June 10, citing a potentially "rosier" outcome for state funding.

Consent and Administrative Actions

• Crowing Fowl Ordinance: The Board formally adopted the ordinance regulating the keeping of roosters in residential areas.
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Grants: The Board approved 101 grants totaling $1 million for local non-profits, including youth leadership programs like "Classy Inc." and the "Manna Food Bank".
• Water Management: Acting as the Sacramento Water Agency, the Board adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and a revised Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which includes six levels of shortage response.
• Development Fees: The Board approved expanding the Impact Fee Deferral Program (implementing SB 937) to all residential projects to encourage housing production.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of Juneteenth and adjourned at 6:34 PM.