SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senator Steven Choi (R-Irvine) announced yesterday that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 935 into law, permanently authorizing California's local governments to use the proven design-build project delivery method for qualifying public works projects. Previously, that authority was set to expire on January 1, 2031. SB 935 eliminates the sunset date, providing long-term certainty for cities, counties, and other local agencies delivering critical infrastructure projects.
Design-build allows a single entity to both design and construct a public works project, streamlining delivery, reducing costs, and accelerating completion. Studies have shown design-build projects cost approximately 6 percent less and are completed more than 30 percent faster than traditional design-bid-build projects.
"California's communities deserve roads, bridges, water systems, public safety facilities, and other critical infrastructure that can be delivered efficiently and responsibly," said Senator Steven Choi. "SB 935 gives local governments the long-term certainty they need to plan for the future while saving taxpayer dollars and reducing unnecessary delays. I appreciate Governor Newsom for signing this important legislation and thank our coalition of local governments, public agencies, and industry partners who helped make this bill a reality."
The legislation was sponsored by the Design-Build Institute of America, Western Pacific Region.
"The Design-Build Institute of America, Western Pacific Region, applauds Governor Newsom for signing SB 935 into law. By making California's design-build authority permanent, this legislation provides certainty for public agencies while ensuring they can continue using one of the most effective project delivery methods available. We thank Senator Choi for his leadership in championing a commonsense solution that will help deliver infrastructure faster, more efficiently, and with greater value for taxpayers."
– Girish Kripalani, President, Design-Build Institute of America, Western Pacific Region
Luis Alejo, 1st Vice President, California State Association of Counties (CSAC), praised the measure:
“Counties need proven tools to deliver essential infrastructure. SB 935 ensures local governments can continue using design-build to complete complex public works projects efficiently and without disruption. CSAC appreciates Senator Choi's leadership in advancing this important legislation."
Cal Cities Public Works Department President Rebecca Neeves, City of Folsom, for the California League of Cities, also welcomed the bill's enactment:
“With limited funding and rising costs, local agencies rely on swift project delivery to maximize every dollar. We are grateful for SB 936, which provides California cities with a reliable, cost-effective path to design-build project delivery and asset management. Making this tool permanent brings vital planning certainty to Capital Improvement Programs, allowing us to confidently move forward with complex municipal projects.”
SB 935 permanently extends the authority first established under state law for local agencies to utilize design-build procurement on qualifying public works projects exceeding $1 million, ensuring that cities, counties, special districts, and other eligible public agencies can continue delivering vital infrastructure without interruption.
The legislation received broad bipartisan support throughout the legislative process and was backed by a diverse coalition of local governments, public agencies, engineering organizations, water districts, fire agencies, and infrastructure stakeholders, including the Design-Build Institute of America, Western Pacific Region, California State Association of Counties, the California League of Cities, and the California Special Districts Association.