County of Santa Clara Housing, Land Use, Environment, & Transportation Committee April 16, 2026

The County of Santa Clara Housing, Land Use, Environment, & Transportation Committee convened on April 16, 2026, to review fiscal year 2026-27 budget proposals from departments under its purview, including Supportive Housing, Planning and Development, Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA), Roads and Airports, and Parks. Key procurement-related discussions focused on budget reduction proposals, fee adjustments, and staffing changes aimed at maintaining service capacity while achieving cost savings. The Office of Supportive Housing proposed transitioning some case management services to community-based organizations and requested supportive services funding for new affordable housing developments funded by Measure A. The Planning Department presented a building fee study recommending fee increases to achieve 100% cost recovery, with no separate fee schedule for affordable housing projects. CEPA discussed operational efficiencies, contract reductions, and fee increases, with concerns raised about proposed cuts to the agricultural liaison position, which stakeholders and supervisors urged to retain due to its critical role in supporting the agricultural community. The Parks Department recommended converting extra help hours to permanent positions and increasing capital improvement funding. The committee also received a report on rural zoning amendments aimed at preserving agricultural lands, with plans to establish an agricultural advisory committee to guide policy development. Public comments strongly supported retaining the agricultural liaison position and emphasized the importance of balancing agricultural land preservation with economic viability. The committee passed motions to forward budget proposals to the full Board of Supervisors, request incorporation of departmental measures of success in future budgets, and consider alternatives to proposed reductions, particularly regarding the agricultural liaison role. Discussions highlighted the need for ongoing stakeholder engagement and transparent budget planning to address community concerns and service impacts.