Staff and committee members provided a series of project and program updates on Nov. 4, including a construction milestone on the Pilgrim Trail pedestrian bridge, procurement progress on pavement management, the status of VMT mitigation planning, a county energy partnership letter of interest, and continuing questions about funding for the Hopland bypass project.

Pilgrim Trail bridge: Staff reported the pedestrian bridge structure was set in place at the start of the previous week, with concrete work remaining. Because most in‑stream or seasonal work windows close after Oct. 31, staff said they requested an extension from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to allow completing concrete pours and related work without violating the work‑window restrictions.

Pavement management procurement: Staff said they completed proposal reviews for a pavement management update and expected to enter contract negotiations by the end of the month, after which they will provide updates to the committee on analysis and recommended pavement‑management options.

Regional VMT mitigation: Staff reported they are awaiting a kickoff meeting with Caltrans to begin the regional vehicle‑miles‑traveled (VMT) mitigation plan and that procurement for that work will proceed after the kickoff.

Northern energy partnership: Ryan Walker, program manager for the Northern energy program, told the committee that Sonoma Clean Power issued an RFP to support promotion of the Grid Savvy Rewards program across Sonoma and Mendocino counties. MCOG submitted a letter of interest to participate; the RFP covers up to $250,000 over two years, with Sonoma Clean Power handling fiscal and administrative responsibilities and MCOG assisting on outreach and marketing. Walker said the agency expects a decision within a week or two.

Hopland bypass funding: Committee members and staff discussed the Hopland bypass project and said several components (including proposed flashing rectangular beacons and some drainage work) were removed or phased because of high utility and installation costs and because the grant did not cover certain mechanical or utility‑side work. One staff speaker referenced an allocation in the state budget (they cited approximately $1,500,000) as a possible vehicle to provide funds to the utility district, but noted the timing and mechanism to transfer those funds remain unresolved. No final funding solution was announced at the meeting.

Mendocino Transit Authority: A member reported that the Mendocino Transit Authority is considering a basic flat fare to simplify fare structures; that discussion was informational and no MCOG action was taken.

These items were reported as updates; committees did not take additional formal actions on the project updates at the Nov. 4 meeting.