Fresno Council of Governments 2026 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS)

The Fresno Council of Governments is leading the preparation and adoption of the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), a comprehensive planning effort with a horizon year of 2049. As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization and Regional Transportation Planning Agency for Fresno County, the agency is developing integrated land-use and transportation strategies to reduce per-capita greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles while promoting equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities. The plan encompasses all transportation modes, including motor vehicles, transit, rail, aviation, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and goods movement. Key objectives include identifying regional transportation goals, allocating growth along high-capacity transit corridors, and facilitating mixed land use districts to improve accessibility. The project is governed by several regulatory mandates, including the federal Clean Air Act of 1970 and California Government Code Section 65080, which requires the identification of residential densities and building intensities to meet regional housing needs. Environmental compliance is a central component, featuring a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) that analyzes impacts on air quality, biological resources, and cultural assets. This process includes mandatory Assembly Bill 52 consultations with Native American tribes and adherence to CEQA guidelines. Technical requirements for implementation include Phase I Environmental Site Assessments following ASTM E1527-21 standards, professional certifications for Phase II reports by geologists or engineers, and the use of Cal/OSHA certified asbestos inspectors and qualified biologists for construction monitoring. The project is scheduled for adoption on September 24, 2026, following a series of public hearings and review periods.