Asm Harabedian’s legislation would give local governments another tool to deliver roads, parks, housing and other public projects faster and make better use of taxpayer dollars.
California State Legislature Backs a Better Way to Build
Asm Harabedian’s legislation would give local governments another tool to deliver roads, parks, housing and other public projects faster and make better use of taxpayer dollars.
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – A bill by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) that would give local governments more flexibility to deliver major public projects has cleared both houses in the legislature, marking a significant step toward becoming law.
AB 1786 would expand best-value construction contracting authority to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and general law cities, allowing them to consider more than just the lowest bid when selecting a contractor. A contractor that offers the lowest price but lacks the experience, capacity or ability to complete a project on time can ultimately cost taxpayers more through delays and trigger additional expenses. The measure now heads to the Governor’s desk.
The legislature’s approval of AB 1786 represents an important vote of confidence in giving local governments the tools they need to make responsible decisions about public dollars.
“Local governments should have the flexibility to choose the best value for taxpayers, not simply the lowest number on a piece of paper.” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D - Pasadena). “When we are talking about roads, parks, housing, and other projects people depend on, Californians deserve projects that are done right and at a reasonable cost.”
“AB 1786 began with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments identifying a real barrier to delivering infrastructure efficiently, and today we are thrilled to see it heading to the Governor’s desk. Best value contracting will give local governments greater flexibility to select contractors based on experience, expertise, and value—not simply the lowest bid. We are grateful to Assemblymember Harabedian for championing this important legislation and urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 1786 into law,” said San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments President Ed Reece.
With passage by both houses of the legislature, AB 1786 now awaits action from Governor Newsom.
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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.
