BIASC challenges SCAG governance following SB 1087 controversy

The dispute centers on SB 1087, originally framed as a regional planning reform but later branded a "Housing Killer" by the California Building Industry Association. BIASC CEO Jeff Montejano criticized SCAG Chairman Ray Marquez for blocking a formal vote by the Regional Council, effectively preventing elected officials from reconsidering the organization's sponsorship after the bill's fundamental shift. Critics argue the legislation weakens procedural safeguards, specifically the removal of Administrative Procedure Act protections, which could allow state agencies to impose costly mandates like Vehicle Miles Traveled requirements with less public oversight.

With the bill heading to the governor's desk, BIASC is pivoting to a dual-track strategy. The organization is now mobilizing a coalition of local governments and industry partners to urge Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the measure. Simultaneously, the association is launching a long-term campaign to overhaul SCAG’s internal governance, targeting the agency’s transparency, lobbying practices, and the degree of oversight exercised by its elected members. Montejano stated that the current process revealed a failure in regional accountability, signaling that the debate over who controls Southern California's housing policy is far from resolved.