The San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) has long been a key player in fostering collaboration across the county. Originally formed in 1973 and legally separated from the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in 2017, SBCOG is a voluntary association of 25 member agencies that include cities, towns, and the County of San Bernardino. This collaborative framework allows SBCOG to work with a variety of regional, state, federal, and private partners to address the county’s most pressing needs, from infrastructure development to community services. In early 2024, SBCOG increased its capacity and budget with the approval of an amendment to its Joint Powers Agreement, paving the way for an enhanced effort.
As part of this expansion, SBCOG launched a comprehensive process to identify key priorities and projects to be included in its 5-Year Work Plan. After months of discussions with policymakers and administrators, the Board of Directors approved the Work Plan on November 6, 2024. The plan includes an ambitious list of projects designed to enhance the region’s quality of life and promote sustainable growth. These projects range from the development of a Smart County Master Plan to addressing homelessness through a strategic plan and expanding small business opportunities with initiatives like vendor fairs and a business certification program.
SBCOG is already focused on implementing these initiatives, many of which are set to begin in the current and upcoming fiscal year. Some of the notable projects include the Equity Framework, Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, and the Regional Housing Trust, designed to support efforts in addressing both housing and climate adaptation challenges. In addition to a myriad of other Work Plan objectives, SBCOG is also working on the Smart Intersections and Corridors project to enhance transportation efficiency and safety.