STATE PUBLIC WORKS BOARD (PWB) OVERVIEW - 6820
(Revised and Renumbered from 6842.)
The following summarizes statutory and administrative provisions relating to PWB.
Origin/Role:
The State Public Works Board (PWB) was created by the Legislature to oversee the fiscal matters associated with construction of projects for state agencies, and to select and acquire real property for state facilities and programs. The PWB is also the issuer of lease-revenue bonds, which is a form of long term financing that is used to pay for capital projects.
The Legislature appropriates funds for capital outlay projects such as acquiring land, planning and constructing new buildings, expanding or modifying existing buildings, and/or purchasing equipment related to such construction. Through review and approval processes, the Board ensures that capital outlay projects adhere to the Legislature’s appropriation intents.
Membership: Voting members of the PWB are the:
1. Director of Finance, who historically has chaired PWB;
2. Director of Transportation;
3. Director of General Services;
4. State Controller (for lease-revenue bond items only); and
5. State Treasurer (for lease-revenue bond items only).
6. Secretary, Natural Resources Agency (for actions related to property acquisition and project construction for entities within the Natural Resources Agency).
In addition, PWB has the following advisory members: The Director of the Employment Development Department when PWB is engaged in contingency planning for emergency public works per Government Code Section 15799.2; and non-voting legislative advisors (three Senators appointed by the Senate Rules Committee and three Assembly members appointed by the Speaker).
PWB staff: Analysts from the Finance Capital Outlay unit serve as staff to the PWB, while Principal Program Budget Analysts serve as Deputy Directors, and the Assistant Program Budget Manager serves as the Executive Director. The PWB also has a dedicated Executive Secretary. Collectively, PWB staff administers all necessary functions of the PWB, including the management of semi-annual bond transactions.
Meetings: The PWB process, including monthly meetings, is described in Section 6821.
More information about the PWB can be found at: https://spwb.ca.gov.