Member Profile

San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG)

Agency Type:

Council of Governments
Metropolitan Planning Organization
Regional Transportation Planning Agency
Congestion Management Agency

Responsibilities:

Airport Land Use Plan
Regional Housing Needs Assessment
Sales Tax Authority
Habitat Mitigation
Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies

Overview:

The San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) serves as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA), which provides a forum for regional decision-making on issues such as growth, transportation, environmental management, housing, open space, air quality, fiscal management, and economic development. SJCOG develops the long range regional transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy. The Port of Stockton is located in the region and SJCOG works to assure that the movement of goods in and out of the ports meets the needs of the industry and the community.

SJCOG also administers the local transportation sales tax program, known as Measure K. San Joaquin voters approved the ½ cent sales tax to finance a specific list of transportation improvement projects/programs, which cover a wide range of maintenance, roadway improvement, bicycle/pedestrian, and transit needs.

SJCOG also serves its communities in the following ways:

California Vanpool Authority (CalVans). SJCOG joined with eight other MPOs to create a joint powers authority to fund and operate the Vanpool and other public transportation programs to provide agricultural workers with safe, affordable vehicles to drive themselves and others to work.

Amtrak. SJCOG is a member of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority to operate Amtrak passenger rail services from Bakersfield to Oakland and Sacramento.

Altamount Commuter Express. SJCOG works with the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), which owns and operates the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) service and appoints members to the Commission’s board of directors.

Airport Land Use Commission. SJCOG serves as the Airport Land Use Commission for county airports.

Census Data and Statistics. SJCOG serves as the Census Data Center for San Joaquin County. The agency receives, compiles, and dispenses the latest information on population, employment, business, and income characteristics.

Commute Connection (Rideshare). The program offers commuter matching and employer outreach services and promotes carpooling, bicycling, van-pooling and public transit.

Freeway Service Patrol. Operated by SJCOG with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol, the program offers free motorist assistance to reduce congestion and increase traffic safety.

Habitat Conservation Plan. SJCOG brings together interested parties to examine issues related to development, agriculture, public plans and endangered species.

SJCOG is also one of 8 MPOs that make up the San Joaquin Valley Policy Council.

Primary Funding Sources:

Local sales tax revenues; state and federal transportation funds

Total Members:

Eight: the county and seven incorporated cities.

Population Represented:

733,383

Staff:

Program Highlights:

Bicycle, Pedestrian & Safe Routes to School–Funded as part of Measure K, the BP-SRTS provides the framework to planning and managing bicycle and pedestrian networks in the San Joaquin County. BP-SRTS projects range from improvement of existing bike/ped facilities to planning and development of new facilities, all of which increase bicycle and pedestrian trips and support active and safe transportation.

Smart Growth Incentive Program–Out of Measure K, SJCOG set aside $65 million for local jurisdictions to spend on smart growth incentives to support infill development, neighborhood revitalization, and downtown improvements. SJCOG conducted extensive public outreach so residents could weigh in on projects they most wanted to see investment in.