Legislative Program Committee - County of Santa Barbara - 05/04/26

The County of Santa Barbara Legislative Program Committee met on May 4, 2026, to discuss federal and state legislative updates relevant to county interests. The federal update highlighted the recent passage of the Department of Homeland Security funding bill for FY 26, which excluded ICE and Border Patrol funding to facilitate bipartisan support. The committee discussed ongoing federal appropriations processes, including potential impacts on housing programs and disaster relief funding, with specific mention of FEMA's disaster relief fund replenishment and emergency management grants. The committee also reviewed county projects under consideration for federal funding, such as the USDA facility in Lompoc and transportation corridor improvements. On the state level, the committee received updates on budget negotiations, including potential spending cuts and new revenue proposals like the "Walmart tax." Housing bond measures and ballot initiatives affecting local tax authority were also discussed. Additionally, the committee considered advocacy for the Cal SHAPE program, which funds HVAC system upgrades in schools to improve air quality, and approved a motion to support extending this program and related state architectural review exemptions. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made, but the discussions included funding allocations and grant opportunities relevant to county infrastructure and health programs.