Report Prepared by: Mike Conway, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of the Updated 2020-21 Regional, State and Federal Legislative Platform
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider approving the updated 2020-21 Regional, State, and Federal Legislative Platform.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting the updated 2020-21 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/or 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 2020-21 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
The City Council adopted its first Legislative Platform in August 2017 after the Council expressed a desire for the City to take a stronger 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. It has been used to respond to State and Federal legislation and other initiatives that have been proposed during the year.
The City hired Townsend Public Affairs in October 2017 to provide advocacy services. Their representatives and staff have reviewed the Legislative Platform, reorganizing it and making some revisions and adding elements.
Additions to the platform include:
• Support legislation to protect local control of housing.
• Support legislation regarding creation and financing of quiet zones and other rail safety issues.
• Support legislation to improve the quality of life, and seeking assistance in financing an arts district and funding for arts and cultural events.
• Support for potential use of reclaimed water in future projects.
• Support legislation that would allow the City to share sales tax revenues.
Staff will continue to use the Legislative Platform to advocate on behalf of the City using a variety of means including letters, phone calls, personal meetings, testimony and media outreach. Council will be kept aware of staffs efforts and receive copies of materials that are distributed. Monthly Legislative updates are provided to Council and Townsend representatives have provided Council with annual updates at their meetings.
If there are matters not addressed in the Legislative Platform that come up staff will bring them before Council for consideration. The entire 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 are needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2020-21 Regional, State and Federal Legislative Platform
2. 2020-21 Regional, State and Federal Legislative Platform, redline version