Harabedian Bill to Expand “Best Value” Contracting Clears Senate Fiscal Committee

A bill authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) that would let the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and general law cities use “best value” contracting on large construction projects cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee, which ordered it to a second reading under Senate Rule 28.8, sending it toward the Senate floor, Harabedian’s office announced.

The measure, AB 1786, would give those local governments the option to weigh a contractor’s experience, expertise and speed alongside cost when awarding large contracts for projects such as roads, parks and housing. It would touch the same San Gabriel Valley communities — among them Pasadena and Altadena — now focused on rebuilding and infrastructure delivery.

Under current law, the SGVCOG and general law cities do not have access to best value contracting authority for large developments, according to Harabedian’s office. The bill would extend that authority by amending the state Public Contract Code.

The Assembly passed AB 1786 in May on a 72-0 vote. The bill then moved to the Senate, where the Local Government Committee advanced it 6-0 in June before it reached Appropriations.

“AB 1786 assists the San Gabriel Council of Governments and other local agencies that are working to improve infrastructure, such as housing, parks and roads,” Harabedian said in a statement. “This bill will assist in delivering these benefits faster and at a lower cost by granting cities another option to advance projects quickly while not compromising on affordability or quality.”

SGVCOG President Ed Reece, a Claremont City Council member, said in a statement that the action moved the region closer to tools it has sought. “This vote is another important step toward giving cities and regional agencies like SGVCOG the tools they need to deliver infrastructure projects more efficiently and responsibly,” Reece said. “Best value contracting allows local governments to prioritize quality, experience, and long-term value alongside cost, helping ensure taxpayer dollars are invested wisely. We appreciate the Committee’s support and look forward to continuing to advance AB 1786.”

The SGVCOG represents 31 cities along with Los Angeles County unincorporated areas, including several communities in Harabedian’s 41st District, which covers Pasadena, Altadena and a dozen other communities.

The bill provides flexibility to the SGVCOG and general law cities to choose best value contracting, which Harabedian’s office describes as a tool for reducing the cost of regional projects. The option would let participating governments consider factors beyond the lowest bid when selecting contractors for large developments.

AB 1786 now advances to a vote on the Senate floor.