FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
Assemblymember Harabedian Advances Bill Lowering Cost of Regional Infrastructure Projects
(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) passed AB 1786 off the Assembly Floor. This bill ensures affordability in regional projects by extending best-value contracting authority to San Gabriel Council of Governments (SGVCOG) and general law cities. AB 1786 now advances to the State Senate.
AB 1786 grants general law cities and the SGVCOG the option to employ best-value construction contracting for developments and projects. With this option, SGVCOG and general law cities can consider contractor experience, expertise, and speed, as opposed to the lowest available bid. Currently, SGVCOG and general law cities lack access to this option of best-value contracting authority. This increases project costs and delays, while hindering their ability to undertake large developments and projects.
“SGVCOG and general law cities play a crucial role in providing housing, infrastructure, and safe roads to our communities, and AB 1786 ensures they will no longer be limited to the lowest bid option for construction contracting. This will reduce the high costs and delays associated with infrastructure developments,” said Assemblymember Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “By allowing SGVCOG and general law the option to consider contractor experience, efficiency, and expertise, we can deliver more affordable infrastructure projects and complete them faster for our communities.”
By providing flexibility to SGVCOG and general law cities, AB 1786 helps to manage cost escalation and construction risks, ensuring an affordable and timely delivery of roads, housing, and other critical infrastructure.
AB 1786 is sponsored by the SGVCOG and supported by nonprofit associations, local governments, and infrastructure stakeholders committed to the progress of low cost and effective public investments.
AB 1786 will be heard in the California Senate in June.
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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.
