Report Prepared by: by Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of the Updated 2024-25 Regional, State, and Federal Legislative Platform
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the updated 2024-25 Regional, State, and Federal Legislative Platform.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting the updated 2024-25 Regional, State, and Federal Legislative Platform.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for consideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Chapter 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City Council adopted its first Legislative Platform in August 2017 after the Council expressed a desire to take a more decisive role advocating on behalf of the City in the regional, state, and federal arenas. The Legislative Platform serves as the policy document to guide the City’s advocacy efforts. In addition, the Platform is a guide for responding to State and Federal legislation and other initiatives proposed during the year.
The City retained Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) December 2022 to provide advocacy services. RPPG representatives and staff have reviewed and agree with the Platform.
Staff will continue to use the Legislative Platform to advocate on behalf of the City using various means, including letters, phone calls, personal meetings, testimony, and media outreach. Council will be kept aware of staff’s efforts and receive copies of materials distributed. In addition, staff will report Legislative updates to Council.
Staff will report on legislation and topics not addressed in the Legislative Platform directly to the City Council for consideration. The Legislative Platform will be brought back annually to the City Council for review and adoption after the California legislative session ends in October.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds needed.
ATTACHMENT
1. 2024 Legislative Platform