Statement from Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, Chair, and
Senator John Laird, Vice Chair, Joint Rules Committee
The California Legislature is committed to completing a safe, functional and accessible Capitol Annex that will serve the public for generations. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the State Capitol each year, and our workplaces and public spaces must be designed to support full participation in the legislative process.
With construction well underway, The Joint Rules Committee has directed legislative staff to provide updated information on the project’s progress, finances, and timeline. For four years, litigation limited what could be shared publicly. Now that those lawsuits have concluded, the Legislature is able to provide clear and consistent updates about the status of the project and the work ahead.
As of September 2025, the total amount spent on the project to date is $518.7 million. Currently, $1.1 billion has been allocated by the Legislature. The project has faced significant cost pressures – including delays from the pandemic and extended litigation, higher prices for materials and labor, supply-chain disruptions, additional security concerns after January 6, and tariffs. In early 2026, the new project manager will take into account litigation costs, Pandemic-era supply chain issues, inflation, and the cost of delays to produce a robust fiscal outlook.
Our goal in releasing this update – and in continuing regular updates – is simple: to ensure transparency and provide taxpayers with clear information about this public investment. Details will be shared as they become available.
The new Annex will be The People’s Building – a place designed to welcome students, families, advocates, and visitors from around the world. The Legislature is committed to making sure that Californians have access to timely information as we complete this project.
