FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 17, 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 Passes the Senate Local Government Committee
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Continuing to champion housing affordability, 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 Senate 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 constraint prevents them taking into account a bid’s “best value” by considering contractor experience, expertise, and speed when selecting what developers are chosen for large projects. AB 1786 ensures that infrastructure projects such as roads, parks and housing construction have efficient delivery timelines by granting SGVCOG and general law cities the option of best value construction contracting.
“The San Gabriel Council of Governments and other local governments are working tirelessly to improve infrastructure, such as roads, parks, and housing. This bill delivers these benefits faster by giving cities another option to move project timelines forward while still keeping costs down. Today’s committee vote is an important step toward making it easier for local governments to deliver the projects residents rely on everyday,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena).
“As the proud sponsor of AB 1786, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments is excited to see the bill advance one step closer to the Governor’s desk. This measure reflects SGVCOG’s ongoing commitment to providing our member cities and regional partners with practical tools to deliver critical infrastructure projects efficiently and responsibly. Best value contracting authority will help support the successful delivery of major transportation, grade separation, and mobility improvements across the San Gabriel Valley, and we appreciate the strong bipartisan support that has helped move this important legislation forward,” said San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments President Ed Reece.
AB 1786 allows flexibility to the SGVCOG and general law cities to have the option of best value contracting, providing a crucial tool for reducing the cost of regional projects.
AB 1786 will be heard next in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
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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.
