Interesting perspective. 

 As I have worked extensively with ABAG, I can't quite fit your view into the specific group operations.  While there are efforts put forth, few are legally mandatory in nature, and most which are bind the ABAG organization itself and not the various constituent cities and counties.

I think that  organizational goals, policies and recommendations oft get confused with requirements.

 The San Mateo County GIS system may be a different mapping system than what you think, too.  Your assessment seems...off.  The online interface to which I speak is being standardized throughout the state by county and it does not yet appear to be supplanting local city implementation.  I think we are talking about different applications.