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Receive a presentation by representatives from the Delta Protection Commission, Delta Stewardship Council and Delta Conservancy; and Provide direction to staff as appropriate
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive a presentation by representatives from the Delta Protection Commission, Delta Stewardship Council and Delta Conservancy; and
2. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta directly affects Solano County’s land use, economy and environmental resources, making coordination with Delta agencies important to County decision-making. Representatives from the Delta Protection Commission (DPC), Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) and Delta Conservancy (Conservancy) will provide an overview of their roles, current initiatives and relevance to Solano County, and will identify opportunities for coordination, funding and partnership. The presentation supports Board understanding of Delta governance and informs potential direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) is a critical natural, cultural and economic resource for California, including areas within Solano County. The Delta supports agriculture, water supply, habitat, recreation and local communities, and faces challenges related to climate change, sea level rise, ecological decline and infrastructure vulnerability.
In response, the State established a coordinated Delta governance framework consisting of agencies with distinct but complementary roles. These agencies support planning, regulatory oversight, funding and implementation activities across the Delta. Given their overlapping responsibilities, a coordinated understanding is important for effective County engagement.
This item provides an overview of three key Delta agencies: the DPC, DSC and Conservancy, including their roles, responsibilities and relevance to Solano County.
Delta Protection Commission (DPC)
The Delta Protection Commission was established by the Delta Protection Act (1992), to protect Delta agricultural lands and unique rural communities while supporting economic sustainability, recreation and land use planning.
The DPC is a 15-member regional commission. Membership includes representatives from the five Delta counties, Delta cities, reclamation districts and state agencies, along with legislative ex-officio members. The Chair of the DPC also serves on the Delta Stewardship Council.
Roles and Responsibilities: The DPC protects Delta farmland and rural character, promotes recreation and develops an economic sustainability plan by:
• Implementing the Land Use and Resource Management Plan (LURMP) through review of local plans and projects for consistency
• Developing and updating an economic sustainability plan every five years
• Addressing land conversion, infrastructure and economic pressures
• Creating the Great California Delta Trail
• Serving as the coordinating entity for the Delta National Heritage Area
Relevance to Solano County: The DPC supports preservation of agricultural lands, advocates for Delta communities and heritage and coordinates use and economic initiatives. It influences planning in the Delta Primary and Secondary zones and supports Solano County’s agricultural economy and local identity.
Delta Stewardship Council (DSC)
The Delta Stewardship Council was created under the Delta Reform Act (2009) to coordinate the various local, State and federal activities in the Delta and implement the Delta Plan.
The DSC is a seven-member state council. Four members are appointed by the Governor, one by the Senate Rules Committee, one by the Speaker of the Assembly and the seventh member is the Chair of the Delta Protection Commission, who serves as the Delta regional representative on the Council.
Roles and Responsibilities: The DSC serves as the primary regulatory and planning authority for the Delta and:
• Implements the Delta Plan and regulatory oversight: The DSC develops and enforces the Delta Plan and advances the “coequal goals” of water supply reliability and ecosystem restoration while protecting cultural, recreational and agricultural values in the Delta as an evolving place. Projects that are considered “covered actions” must demonstrate consistency with the Delta Plan and the DSC may hear appeals and require modifications.
• Provides scientific leadership: Oversees the Delta Science Program and supports the Independent Science Board.
• Coordinates agencies: Aligns federal and State efforts and enforces mandates to reduce reliance on Delta water exports.
• Supports safety and heritage: Prioritizes levee investments and protects the Delta as a place.
Relevance to Solano County: The DSC has regulatory authority over projects within the Delta and Suisun Marsh. Projects in the Delta that qualify as covered actions must demonstrate consistency with the Delta Plan. The DSC influences project approvals, land use, funding and regional coordination.
Delta Conservancy (Conservancy)
The Conservancy was created under the Delta Reform Act to fund and implement projects that support ecosystem restoration, economic development and climate resilience within the Delta.
The Delta Conservancy is governed by a 13-member board consisting of 11 voting and two non-voting members representing state agencies, local governments and the public. Membership includes representatives from the five Delta counties, state officials, including the Secretary of Natural Resources and Director of Finance, appointed public members, and legislative ex-officio members.
Roles and Responsibilities: The Conservancy provides funding implements projects that advance economic sustainability and ecosystem restoration through on-the-ground investments.
Relevance to Solano County: The Conservancy provides funding opportunities for local projects in the Delta, supports regional initiatives and facilitates partnerships among state and local entities. It works with agencies, nonprofits and landowners to implement projects.
Opportunities for Partnerships and Participation:
While each agency has a distinct role, their activities intersect in ways that affect Solano County.
Key considerations include:
• Regulatory Coordination: Ensure County projects align with Delta Plan requirements
• Funding Opportunities: Leverage Conservancy grants for local priorities
• Land Use and Economic Protection: Coordinate with DPC on agriculture and community issues
• Interagency Collaboration: Maintain active communication with all three entities
Solano County interacts with Delta agencies across regulation, funding and land use, making them essential partners in planning, resilience and economic sustainability.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to hear the presentation or to continue the item. This is not recommended, as agency representatives have agreed to attend and present.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed this item and approved it as to form. The Department of Resource Management coordinated with the DPC, DSC, and Conservancy to review and verify the Delta governance overview.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION