MTB Community Turns Out for Public Comment on EBRPD 2026 Budget
EBRPD Board Meeting on December 16, 2025
The East Bay Regional Park District approved the revised budget proposal for 2026 at their board meeting on December 16, 2025. THANK YOU to all that sent in public comments or made a live comment. They helped! Of the comments received by EBRPD, more than 240 comments supported reallocating Measure WW funds, while fewer than 5 comments opposed reallocating those funds. The activation of comments was the result of BTCEB, BAMBi, Stewards of Briones, NICA teams, and individuals reaching out to their personal networks to activate our community. While individuals and groups supporting more mountain bike trails and access were the core of the comments, we were joined by other sustainable access-oriented groups including Point Isabel dog enthusiasts and others.
By a 4–3 vote the board approved the staff budget proposal which included ~$25M in reallocations of Measure WW funding. Directors Deschambault, Sanwong, and Waespi opposed, while Directors Coffey, Espana, Echols, and Mercurio supported. That’s the good news. $17M in Measure WW reallocations was removed from the original budget proposal. In those reductions were $2M in funding for Pleasanton Ridge Trails and $1M in funding for an Oyster Bay Bike Skills Area. Those two projects still have partial funding and will likely move more slowly with a phased completion or instead with a reduced scope unless other funding such as grants can be secured. On the positive side, staff will be providing a more clear update on the actual status of both acquisition and development project completion for the overall Measure WW funding. This will paint a more clear picture on whether or not they have delivered on the promises they have made. If they have, then it provides more flexibility to fund development project.
Our advocacy work is rarely done and is definitely not in this case. Staff and one director have reached out regarding other possible sources of funding for the bike projects and we have shared potential sources that we are aware of. The large activation of the community is exciting. Watch for future points to be active in the EBRPD District Plan process in 2026. It is important that we participate and be part of the process.
Scott Bartlebaugh, Advocacy Director
