Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Luis Obispo County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in roads
Oceano and Cayucos chronic flooding
Residents described streets that flood for weeks in Oceano and Cayucos stormwater waiver concerns; Public Works says the Oceano flooding is a known problem from the 2004 flood study that lacks a funding mechanism.
November Ballot: Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax
The Board called a special election on the Self-Help local transportation measure, consolidated with the November 2026 ballot. It would raise about $35 million a year for roads; the county is the only Central Coast county without such a measure.
Avila Beach Bicycle Lockers
Leftover parking-in-lieu fees ($186,951) will fund e-bike lockers in downtown Avila Beach through SLOCOG.
Bob Jones Trail extension construction
The Board awarded the $10.49 million contract to build the next segment of the 'city to the sea' trail from Cloverridge Lane toward Buckley Road, with state Active Transportation Program funding covering the costs. Supervisors Peschong abstained pending a settlement with the Brunell property owner, but construction is moving forward.
Road overlay funding and pavement condition goal
Road funding rises $1.9 million but the pavement condition index is expected to slip from 65 to 63, below the county's goal of 65. The board discussed possibly making a one-time road investment later, maybe with future Diablo Canyon revenue.
Winter 2023 storm road recovery continues
The county filed its seventh update on storm damage to roads; debt manager Jim Hamilton noted 12 road projects were completed this year using internal reserves instead of borrowing.
Templeton Vineyard and Bethel Roundabout Proposal
A demonstration roundabout at Vineyard and Bethel roads, funded by a $200,000 federal Safe Streets grant, drew a crowd of concerned neighbors. Instead of approving it, the Board told staff to look at other county intersections that could use the money.
Air quality mitigation fund redirected to roads
The county is ending its South County air quality mitigation fee program and moving the leftover ~$753,000 into road and transportation projects, including $100,000 for safety betterments.
Roads fees for FY 2026-27
New fee schedule for Public Works road services, now recovering about 90% of full cost. Fee payers — developers and property owners — may see higher charges.
Oceano Pier Avenue road paving
A $917,272 contract will repave Pier Avenue in Oceano as part of storm-recovery betterments.
Cayucos road system additions
A resolution was proposed to accept portions of Obispo Avenue and Richard Avenue in Cayucos into the county-maintained road system, shifting upkeep responsibility to the county.
SLOCOG Transportation Expenditure Plan
The draft plan lays out how future transportation sales tax money would be spent — and the Board wants it split equally across all five districts. The measure could go to voters in a future election.
San Miguel railroad crossing signalization
Two busy San Miguel intersections crossing the Union Pacific rail line — 11th & Mission and 14th & Mission — are slated for traffic signals. $500K was approved just for design and public engagement; construction comes later.