About Us (RAC JPA)

The Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance Joint Powers Authority (RAC JPA) is an independent public agency formed by twelve initial participating municipalities. Our mission is to administer the Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance (RAC) System—a program designed to offer flexible, cost-effective, and scientifically defensible options for stormwater compliance under the Municipal Regional Permit issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.

What Is the RAC JPA?

The RAC JPA is a separate legal entity established under California’s Joint Exercise of Powers Act. It brings together local governments and agencies to collectively manage and implement the RAC System. Through this collaboration, the JPA enables regulated developments and public agencies to purchase “compliance units” in green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects constructed throughout Contra Costa County. These units help meet stormwater treatment requirements when on-site implementation of GSI projects is infeasible. 

Roles and Functions

• Administration: The JPA oversees the RAC System, including the certification, management, and maintenance of Off-Site GSI Projects.
• Governance: The JPA is governed by a Board of Directors, with each member agency appointing a representative. The Board sets policies, approves budgets, and ensures transparent operations. JPA Board meeting agendas can be accessed here.
• Finance and Operations: The JPA can acquire, construct, manage, and maintain facilities; seek and administer funding; enter contracts; and invest resources to support the RAC System.
• Community Facilities Districts (CFDs): The JPA is authorized to form one or more CFDs under the Mello-Roos Act. These districts finance ongoing maintenance of Off-Site GSI Projects by levying special taxes on private developments and collecting fees from public agencies.

Membership and Growth

The RAC JPA welcomes new public agencies as members. Adding a new member requires approval by three-quarters of the Board. New members join by executing the Joint Powers Agreement and may be asked to contribute financially to recognize the efforts of the initial member agencies. As the JPA grows, it can expand the boundaries of its Community Facilities Districts to include new member territories, ensuring broad access to RAC System benefits.

RAC JPA Roster/Contacts

• JPA Manager – Jill Mercurio
• City of Antioch – Toby Beach
• Contra Costa County – Michele Mancuso
• City of Hercules
• City of Martinez
• Town of Moraga
• City of Oakley
• City of Orinda – Ryan O’Kane
• City of Pinole
• City of Pittsburg – Jolan Longway
• City of Pleasant Hill – Laetitia Porta
• City of Richmond – Bradley Harms
• City of San Pablo – Amanda Booth