CEQA 2.0: Diverse Perspectives on New CEQA Reform Proposals

Last June, Assembly Bill (AB) 130 and Senate Bill (SB) 131 were enacted as part of the state’s approved budget. Collectively, this legislation paved the way for sweeping changes to the policies and practices related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), many of which were included in the Little Hoover Commission’s 2024 report “CEQA: Targeted Reforms for California’s Core Environmental Law.” This year, there are several new proposals to amend or expand CEQA reforms, notably SB 954 (Blakespear) and the Building an Affordable California Act ballot measure backed by the California Chamber of Commerce. This panel will provide an overview of CEQA reform to date and highlight perspectives from civic, community, and business leaders on the risks and opportunities offered by new CEQA exemption proposals, with a focus on common ground solutions to the modernization of CEQA as a policy tool.

The 2026 Speaker Series theme, Building Better Communities Together, focuses on strengthening relationships and bringing together the diverse voices that create resilient and livable communities. It will highlight collaborative stories across the sectors, disciplines, and communities that have depended on new and old relationships to advance planning.

• Please check in prior to 9:30 a.m. and enjoy coffee.
• Join us for networking after each session from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
• West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento
  Free parking at 1271 West Capitol Avenue (behind Walgreens). Bike parking is available outside of the building, and YoloBus routes 37, 40, 41, 42A, 42B, and 240 serve the facility.