Member Profile

Council of San Benito County Governments

Agency Type:

Council of Governments
Regional Transportation Planning Agency

Responsibilities:

Airport Land Use Plan
Operates Transit
Transportation Mitigation Fee
Regional Housing Needs Assessment

Overview:

The San Benito Council of Governments (San Benito COG) was formed to develop regional consensus on issues facing San Benito County. San Benito COG is one of three regional transportation planning agencies (RTPA) located in the area of AMBAG, which serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the three county region. San Benito COG is responsible for developing the plan within the county and programming the allocation of funds from the Transportation Development Act to local jurisdictions and transit operators. The agency also serves as the Consolidated Transportation Service Agency to coordinate social service transportation services. In addition, San Benito COG serves and administers the regional transit program as a Local Transportation Authority (the LTA board is the same as the San Benito COG board). The Local Transportation Authority is staffed by a full‐time Transportation Planner and one mechanic.

As a COG, San Benito COG is designated as an Area‐wide Planning Organization by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. This designation carries with it the responsibility to comply with the comprehensive planning responsibilities of Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954 and subsequent related legislation. The COG also serves as the Airport Land Use Commission for two local airports and the Service Authority for Freeways & Expressways (SAFE).

San Benito COG is a member of the Central Coast Coalition.

Primary Funding Sources:

State and federal transportation funding

Total Members:

Three: The county and two incorporated cities.

Population Represented:

56,648

Staff:

Program Highlights:

Bikeway and Pedestrian Master Plan–The plan guides the development of bicycle and pedestrian networks within San Benito County to ensure connectivity between cities and updated and consistent design standards. The plan was developed with extensive community input and reflects the vision to make San Benito a safe and enjoyable place to bike and walk.

Bus Stop Improvement Plan–The Bust Stop Improvement Plan addresses the need for safer and more accessible bus stops throughout the region that enhance the overall transit experience. The study found that 91% of the bus stops in the county don’t provide bicycle racks, 77% do not have a bus shelter, 20% do not have signs, and 7% are missing sidewalks. The plan inventoried the existing deficiencies and provided recommendations, such as providing bus shelters and benches, trash and recycling bins, ADA compliant ramps, sidewalk extension and improvements, and red curb painting. Solutions outlined in the plan substantially improve the rider experience throughout San Benito County.