SB 18 Tribal Consultation Guidelines & Toolkit

Overview

The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) is moving into the next phase of updating California’s SB 18 Tribal Consultation Guidelines and developing an accompanying Tribal Consultation Toolkit. This update builds on Tribal consultations and outreach that began in September 2025.

LCI’s updated Tribal Consultation Guidelines and Toolkit will aid jurisdictions in understanding and complying with legislative requirements around planning and Tribal consultation. The updated guidelines are designed to provide more comprehensive tools to help jurisdictions facilitate meaningful consultations with Tribal governments, build lasting relationships rooted in trust and respect, and foster a more inclusive planning process.

The Tribal Consultation Guidelines and Toolkit will be developed in collaboration with our Planning Tribal Advisory Group (PTAG). Nominations for the PTAG are now open. For more information about the nomination process, visit our engagement page or send an email to tribal.affairs@lci.ca.gov.

Updates

Tribal Roundtable Series

LCI is hosting a series of Tribal Roundtables to gather feedback and direction from Tribes and delegated representatives throughout the update process.

The Tribal Roundtables will focus on how Tribal priorities and perspectives shape land use planning and strengthen Tribal representation throughout the General Plan Guidelines. Additional details on upcoming sessions will be shared as dates are finalized.

Tribes and delegated representatives are invited to join any of the upcoming virtual roundtables:

Tribal Roundtable: Identifying Tribal Priorities in General Plans

July 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. | Register through Zoom

Tribal Roundtable: Embedding Tribal Priorities into General Plans

August 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. | Register through Zoom

Tribal Roundtable: Topic TBD

September 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. | Register through Zoom

These roundtables do not replace opportunities for direct Tribal Consultation. To initiate government to government consultation or schedule an individual meeting, contact tribal.affairs@lci.ca.gov.

Information Session Video

LCI hosted two virtual Information Sessions on April 8, 2026 to review the PTAG process, the SB 18 Guidelines & Toolkit, the General Plan Guidelines, and the Specific Plan Guidelines updates, and available opportunities for consultation and engagement. The recorded session has been posted below.

Planning Tribal Advisory Group

As part of this work, LCI is opening a 60‑Day Solicitation Period from March 19–May 22, 2026 for nominations to the Planning Tribal Advisory Group (PTAG). The PTAG will support updates to the SB 18 Guidelines & Toolkit as well as the General Plan Guidelines and Specific Plan Guidelines. Tribal leaders, staff, planners, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO), and Indigenous Knowledge holders are encouraged to nominate themselves or others.

Please see the PTAG Nominations Flyer for more details.

Receive Updates

You can also contact us via email: tribal.affairs@lci.ca.gov