Board Questions $300K Lobbyist Spend, Shelves E-Bike Ordinance After Safety Debate

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors used last week's packed session to put its own governance machinery under the microscope — questioning how much value the county gets from its Sacramento and Washington lobbyists, demanding sharper drafting on a high-profile e-bike safety ordinance, and signaling tighter oversight of Measure K as federal funding uncertainty looms.

• All four supervisors questioned ~$300K/year in lobbyist spending and voted unanimously to create a subcommittee to overhaul the county's legislative advocacy

• E-conveyance safety ordinance shelved after two supervisors raised concerns about vague definitions, a missing diversion program, and lack of stakeholder outreach — despite two fatal e-bike/emoto incidents in six months

• Measure K hits $1.1 billion in total revenue since 2012; oversight committee reports 65.5% of program metrics on target and doubles reporting frequency

• $4.5M boost approved for substance use treatment through Our Common Ground, backed by data showing 99% negative drug tests in a first-in-nation program

• North Fair Oaks residents rallied against a private school expansion, with the community council already on record rejecting the project

• Board honored retiring Schools Superintendent Nancy McGee, declaring March 10 Nancy McGee Day for 30-plus years of education leadership

Why it matters: San Mateo County faces a $158 million vehicle license fee shortfall and potential fallout from HR1's $2.4 billion cut to California's federal funding — yet four supervisors openly questioned whether the county's lobbying operation is equipped to fight those battles.