FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
Assemblymember Harabedian’s Best Value Contracting Bill Reduces Costs for Local Infrastructure Projects
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, in a stride to reduce the costs of local projects, Assemblymember Harabedian (D-Pasadena) announced that AB 1786, which would allow the San Gabriel Council of Governments (SGVCOG) and general law cities to lower the cost of regional projects through an extension to the best-value construction contracting authority, has passed the Assembly Committee on Local Government.
Currently, the SVCOG and general law cities do not have access to the best-value contracting authority to pursue large developments and projects. This prevents them from managing cost escalation and construction risks, limiting their ability to pursue large developments and projects. By allowing SGVCOG and general law cities to have the option of best-value construction contracting that takes into account contractor experience, expertise, and speed, AB 1786 ensures that roads, housing, and infrastructure construction have efficient deliveries.
“Local governments and regional partners like SGVCOG are focused on getting projects built that people can actually see and use, whether that is safer roads, improved infrastructure, or housing. This bill helps make that work more practical by giving them another option to deliver projects in a way that keeps cost down and moves timelines forward. At the end of the day, communities see the benefit when projects move faster and public investments go further,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena).
“AB 1786 addresses a real and growing challenge in public infrastructure delivery. As projects become more complex, relying solely on the lowest bid increases the risk of delays and higher long-term costs. This bill provides a smart and balanced approach by giving local governments the flexibility to prioritize experience, capability, and long-term value, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our communities and taxpayers. Its advancement out of the Assembly Local Government Committee is an important step toward more responsible and effective public contracting.” - SGVCOG President Ed Reece
AB 1786 allows flexibility to the SVCOG and general law cities to have the option of best-value contracting, providing a crucial tool for reducing the cost of regional projects.
The bill will next be heard in Assembly Appropriations in May.
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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
