HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-14 Staff Report Legislative PlatformCONSENT ITEM
E-14
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: TROY L. BUTZLAFF, ICMA-CM, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LOUIE F. LACASELLA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
DATE: MARCH 6, 2017
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF 2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND STATE AND FEDERAL
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
SUMMARY:
In March of 2016, the City adopted a Legislative Platform (“Platform”) to provide a streamlined process for
responding to legislative proposals that may impact the City. The proposed action adopts 2017 Legislative
Platform and approves State and Federal Priorities for 2017.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the proposed 2017 City’s Legislative Platform; and
2)Approve the proposed 2017 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed Legislative Platform identifies the fundamental legislative issues deemed important to the City, and
upon Council approval, will continue to allow Staff to respond to the rapidly changing nature of legislative items
efficiently, and more importantly, without delay.
The Legislative Platform has been used as a guideline for urgent requests in support, against or neutral positions
of a legislative proposal. Resolutions, major and/or unique issues and items of substantial merit important to the
City will continue to be taken to Council for formal consideration and adoption.
Like last year, the proposed Legislative Platform has been drafted using the guiding priorities of the City Council,
as established in the City's Goals and Objectives. Once adopted, the Legislative Platform remains in effect for the
year. Upon consideration, the City Council, may add, remove, or modify items within the Legislative Platform.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Upon the Legislative Platform’s adoption, the City Manager's Office will continue to exercise day-to-day
oversight of legislative matters. In addition to coordinating formal action through the City Council, the City
Manager and Management Analyst to the City Manager will administer the City’s Legislative Platform by
performing the following functions:
APPROVED
COUNCIL MEETING
3/6/2017
2017 Legislative Platform and Legislative Priorities
March 6, 2017
Page 2
Continue to work with Department Directors and Staff to identify matters of legislative importance and
develop positions on federal and state legislative proposals and general matters of legislative interest.
Communicate matters of legislative importance to the City Council through periodic updates, and identify
and coordinate positions for formal action by the City Council.
Review positions and analysis done by the League of California Cities, National League of Cities, the
City’s legislative advocate, and local government/professional associations in formulating positions.
Monitor and track key bills through the legislative process utilizing the City’s advocacy services,
legislative websites, and government/professional associations.
Communicate the City’s positions to federal, state, and county legislators.
Participate as needed in the drafting and amending of legislative proposals that significantly impact the
City.
Work with the League of California Cities, National League of Cities, the City’s legislative advocate,
other cities and local government/professional associations on legislative matters of mutual concern.
Participate and attend legislative briefings and meetings to actively engage and stay apprised of legislative
trends and upcoming legislation.
The 2017 Legislative Platform, would continue the practice of responding to legislative proposals as follows: (1)
once a determination has been made that a legislative proposal may impact the City, a letter outlining the City’s
position (support, neutral or oppose) will be drafted for the Mayor’s signature; (2) the City Manager will circulate
the draft position letter to the City Council for review; (3) if there is Council objection, the position letter will be
placed on the next Council agenda for consideration; (4) if there is no objection, Staff will finalize the position
letter and forward it to the bill’s author, the League of California Cities, the City’s legislative advocate and other
stakeholders as deemed appropriate; and (5) a copy of the final letter will be distributed to the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact association with the adoption of the 2017 Legislative Platform and the 2017 State and
Federal Legislative Priorities.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Louie F. Lacasella Troy L. Butzlaff, ICMA-CM
Management Analyst City Manager
Attachment:
1) 2017 Legislative Platform and 2017 State and Federal Legislative Priorities
Legislative Platform
Page 1
ATTACHMENT 1
2017
Legislative Platform
CITY OF AZUSA
Legislative Platform
Page 2
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
The primary objective of the Legislative Platform is for the City Council to adopt official City
positions on clearly stated legislative issues at the start of the legislative session. By doing this, the
legislative approval process is streamlined by receiving clear direction at the beginning of the
legislative session from the City Council on pertinent legislative issues.
The Platform is developed and maintained using the goals and objectives adopted by the City
Council, a review of legislative priorities from the League of California Cities, input from City Council
and Staff, research of current law and pending legislation, as well as discussions with local legislative
staff and the City’s legislative advocate.
Federal and state legislative proposals and policies consistent with the legislative priorities may be
supported by the City. Those policies or proposals inconsistent with this agenda may be opposed by
the City.
For proposed legislation, either consistent with the City’s legislative priorities or consistent with
legislative positions the City has taken in the past; City staff shall be authorized to prepare position
letters for the Mayor’s signature after City Council consideration. Items not addressed in the City’s
legislative priorities will require further Council direction, Staff will be required to submit a request
to Council. Legislative priorities may only address issues directly relevant to or impacting the
provision of municipal services. Generally, the City will not address matters that are not pertinent to
the City’s local government services such international issues.
City departments are encouraged to monitor and be knowledgeable of any legislative issues related
to their discipline. However, any requests for the City to take positions on a legislative matter must
be directed to the City Manager’s Office. City departments may not take positions on legislative
issues without City Manager’s Office review and approval.
City of Azusa
Legislative Platform
Legislative Platform
Page 3
PROGRAM GOALS AND STRATEGIES/ACTIONS
The Legislative Platform Goals and Strategies/Actions are outlined below.
Program Goals:
Advocate the City’s legislative interests at the Federal, State and County levels.
Inform and provide information to our Legislators, City Council, and Staff on the legislative
process and key issues and legislation that could have a potential impact on the City.
Serve as an active participant with other local governments, the League of California Cities,
regional agencies such as SCAG, SCAQMD, and local professional organizations on
legislative/regulatory issues that are important to the City and our Region.
Seek grant and funding assistance for City projects, services, and programs to enhance
services for our community.
Strategies/Actions:
I. Communicate legislative positions on proposed Federal, State, and County legislation,
measures, initiatives, and governmental regulations.
• Work with City departments and our legislative advocates to develop positions on proposed
Federal and State legislative measures.
• Staff will review the positions and analysis done by the League of California Cities, our
legislative advocates’ feedback, and other local government/professional associations in
formulating our positions.
• The City will take positions only on proposals that clearly impact our City or are a threat to
local control.
• Actively track key bills through the legislative process, utilizing the City’s advocacy services,
various Legislative websites, and government/professional associations.
• Communicate the City’s position to our Federal, State, and County Legislators, bill author(s),
committees, and Legislature, through correspondence, testimony, and in‐person meetings.
• Work cooperatively with other Cities, associations, and the League of California Cities on
advocating our legislative positions.
• As necessary, participate in the drafting and amending of proposed Federal and State
measures that have the potential to significantly impact the City.
• Meet with Legislators and their representatives, as well as other Federal, State and County
government officials on a regular basis, to discuss local government issues, proposed
legislation, requests for funding assistance, and City programs and services.
Legislative Platform
Page 4
II. Seek Federal, State, and County funding through earmarks, grants, and other discretionary
funding for City projects, services, and programs.
• Annually identify City projects for potential submittal for Federal earmark
consideration. Develop a submittal packet for Legislators that provides information and
need for the projects.
• Provide information to City departments on potential grant funding opportunities and
recognition programs.
• Advocate and request letters of support for City projects and grant applications or other
resources that are being considered for Federal, State, and County funding
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS STREAMLINED PROCCESS
The process for responding to legislative proposals is streamlined as follows:
1. Once a determination has been made that a legislative proposal may impact the City, a
letter outlining the City’s position (support, neutral or oppose) will be drafted for the
Mayor’s signature.
2. The City Manager will circulate the draft position letter to the City Council for review.
3. If there is Council objection, the position letter will be placed on the next City Council
agenda for consideration.
4. If there is no objection, Staff will finalize the position letter and forward it to the bill’s
author, the League of California Cities, the City’s legislative advocate and other stakeholders
as deemed appropriate.
5. A copy of the final letter will be distributed to the City Council.
Legislative Platform
Page 5
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The 2017 Legislative Priorities provides a framework for the City of Azusa’s Legislative
Platform. Going forward, adopted annually, the City’s Legislative Priorities will serve as a reference
guide for legislative positions and objectives that provide direction for the City Council and Staff
throughout the year. The Legislative Priorities is the foundation of a focused advocacy strategy.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
I. Preserve Local Funding
The City supports the protection of existing state and local funding sources and the authorities that
provide revenues to the City of Azusa. Such areas include the protection of state-shared revenues,
assets of the former redevelopment agency, and the ability to collect compensation for the use of
the public right-of• way or city-owned facilities. The City opposes any new mandates that are
unfunded and/or inadequately funded.
II. Preserve Local Authority
The City supports local decision-making authority and opposes preemption of local control. Cities
are voluntarily created by the residents of a community to provide local self-government and to
make decisions at a local level to best meet the needs of the community. Each community has
unique needs and characteristics that are best met by policies set by its local governing body.
Statewide efforts to remove the ability to set policy at the local level should be opposed, while
promoting legislation that allows flexibility in the City's effort to cost-effectively meet energy goals
and mandates.
City of Azusa
2017 Legislative Priorities
Legislative Platform
Page 6
LOCAL CONTROL
1. Support legislation that enhances local control and allows cities to
address the needs of local constituents within a framework of regional
cooperation.
2. Oppose preemption of local authority whether by state or federal
legislation or ballot propositions.
3. Support legislation that streamlines and simplifies the job of running a
city and oppose efforts that erode the City’s authority to control its
own affairs.
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
1. Oppose legislation that erodes the ability of cities to condition and
deny projects that inadequately mitigate impacts to the community.
2. Support legislation that preserves or increases funding for the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as provided by
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Support
legislation that expands the eligibility and allowable uses of CDBG
funds. Oppose legislation that would reduce funds dedicated to the
CDBG program.
3. Support legislation that enhances the City’s efforts to retain existing
businesses and attract new businesses.
4. Support legislation that provides tangible and productive tools and
incentives to support job creation and retention.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Support measures to finance local and regional transportation
programs and improvements, including alternative modes of
transportation and transportation demand management systems.
2. Support continuous appropriations of new monies directly to cities for
the preservation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and development of
local street and road systems.
3. Support efforts to fully fund the rehabilitation and reopening of the
closed segment of SR-39.
City of Azusa
2017 State Legislative Priorities
Legislative Platform
Page 7
FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY
1. Oppose any legislation that would make local agencies more
dependent on the State for financial stability and policy
direction.
2. Oppose legislation that would impose State mandated costs for which
there is no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.
3. Oppose any change in revenue allocations that would negatively
(current or future) affect local government, including the
redistribution of sales tax, property tax, COPS grants, Proposition 172
funds, gas tax (HUTA), transient occupancy tax (TOT) and vehicle in-
lieu fees (VLF).
4. Support full cost reimbursement to the City for all federal, state and
county‐mandated programs.
5. Support legislation that strengthens and expands ongoing revenue for
the City.
6. Oppose legislation that undermines and preempts local authority over
local taxes and fees.
LAND USE
1. Oppose legislation that imposes a mandatory cap on local parking
standards in transit intensive areas.
2. Support legislation that strengthens local governments’ regulatory
authority and control over the siting of medical marijuana
dispensaries.
3. Oppose legislation that weakens local governments’ ability to regulate
massage establishments through zoning code provisions.
4. Oppose legislation and regulatory efforts that would diminish or
eliminate the authority of cities to zone and plan for the development
of telecommunications infrastructure, including the siting of cellular
communications towers or transmission sites.
5. Support legislation that strengthens the concept of local control/local
home rule for local decision making on land use and zoning matters.
City of Azusa
2017 State Legislative Priorities (Continued)
Legislative Platform
Page 8
PUBLIC SAFETY
1. Support efforts to maintain permanent, sufficient Public Safety
Realignment funding and establish an equitable county allocation
formula in order for local governments to adequately manage the
shifting of inmates from state prisons to local jails.
2. Oppose legislation that would impede local law enforcement from
addressing crime problems and recovering costs resulting from a
crime committed by the guilty party.
3. Support efforts that strengthen local law enforcement’s ability to
prevent and fight crime.
4. Support legislation that minimizes alcohol‐related criminal behavior
and underage drinking.
ENERGY
1. Support legislation that allows flexibility in the City’s effort to cost-
effectively meet energy goals.
2. Support legislation that keeps funding for public benefits programs
in local communities.
WATER
1. Oppose efforts to mandate a state water public benefits charge
unless funds remain within the local community.
ENVIRONMENT
1. Oppose legislation that imposes undue hardship on local agencies to
implement environmental regulations.
2. Oppose air quality legislation that restricts the land use authority of cities.
3. Oppose actions by Regional Water Quality Control Boards that impose
mandates on cities that exceed state or federal regulations and/or are
outside their jurisdictional authority to impose or enforce.
4. Support policy development, funding, research, and implementation
strategies based on scientific data and human/ecological risk assessment for
addressing urban water and storm water runoff.
5. Support policy development, “watershed based” solutions, funding and
research for addressing urban runoff and beach closures, which identify the
sources of bacterial, viral and other contaminants as well as human
pathogens.
City of Azusa
2017 State Legislative Priorities (Continued)
Legislative Platform
Page 9
EMPLOYEE AND
LABOR RELATIONS
1. Oppose any measure that imposes upon local government
mandated employee benefits that are more properly decided at
the local level.
2. Oppose efforts which reduce local control over public employee
disputes and impose the regulations of an outside agency.
3. Support reform measures that provide sustainable and secure
public pensions and other post-retirement benefits to ensure
responsive and affordable public services.
4. Oppose efforts to legislate changes in how the California Public
Employee Pension System invests its assets if the proposed
changes will result in a loss of funds.
5. Support legislation that streamlines the Workers’ Compensation
system and makes it easier for employers, employees, and health
care providers to navigate.
ELECTIONS
1. Support legislation that provides cities that currently have stand-
alone municipal elections the option to maintain their separate
election.
HOMELESSNESS
1. Support legislation and local, state, and federal programs that
employ evidence-based best practice strategies to reduce the
number of people experiencing homelessness by: preventing
homelessness for those at-risk; providing emergency and
transitional housing; expanding affordable permanent housing;
and promoting self-empowerment through counseling, job
training, and other supportive services.
City of Azusa
2017 State Legislative Priorities (Continued)
Legislative Platform
Page 10
Below is an overview that summarizes major legislative events and key dates that occur month
to month, and following is the 2017 Legislative Calendar created by the Office of the Secretary
of the Senate.
JANUARY
The previous year's laws go into effect during this month. Legislature
reconvenes to discuss the new year of legislation ahead, and all bill
requests must be submitted before the end of the month. Budgets must
be submitted by the Governor during the beginning portion of the month.
FEBRUARY
The last day for bills to be introduced occurs at the end of February.
MARCH Spring Recess occurs at the end of the month.
APRIL Legislature will reconvene from Spring Recess during this month to
continue discussions.
MAY
The beginning of this month marks the last day for policy committees to
hear and report to fiscal committees regarding fiscal bills being
introduced. Policy committees must also report non-fiscal bills by the
middle of the month. Policy committees are given their last day to meet
before convening in June near the end of this month, and report Floor
bills for their house.
JUNE
Floor session conducted in the beginning of the month, the last day for bills
to be passed out of the house of origin occurs, and the committee meetings
resume. All budgets must be passed by middle of month.
JULY The last day for policy committees to meet and report bills occurs during
the month before Summer Recess begins.
AUGUST
Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess. The last day for fiscal
committees to report bills to the floor occurs at the end of the month .
Floor session begins at the end of the month as well.
SEPTEMBER
The last day to amend bills on the Floor occurs at the beginning of the
month, with the last day for each house to pass bills occurring in the
middle of the month. Interim Study Recess begins shortly after.
OCTOBER
The last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills is passed by
Legislature occurs during the middle of the month.
Monthly Overview
2017 State Legislative Calendar
2017 TENTATIVE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE
Revised 11/16/2016
DEADLINES
Jan. 1 Statutes take effect (Art. IV, Sec. 8(c)).
Jan. 4 Legislature reconvenes (J.R. 51(a)(1)).
Jan. 10 Budget must be submitted by Governor (Art. IV, Sec. 12(a)).
Jan. 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan. 20 Last day to submit bill requests to the Office of Legislative Counsel
Feb. 17 Last day for bills to be introduced (J.R. 61(a),(1)(J.R. 54(a)).
Feb. 20 Presidents’ Day
Mar. 31 Cesar Chavez Day.
Apr. 6 Spring recess begins upon adjournment of this day’s session
(J.R. 51(a)(2)).
Apr. 17 Legislature reconvenes from Spring recess (J.R. 51(a)(2)).
Apr. 28 Last day for policy committees to hear and report to fiscal Committees
fiscal bills introduced in their house (J.R. 61(a)(2)).
May 12 Last day for policy committees to hear and report non-fiscal bills
introduced in their house to Floor (J.R. 61(a)(3))
May 19 Last day for policy committees to meet prior to June 5 (J.R. 61(a)(4)).
May 26 Last day for fiscal committees to hear and report to the Floor
bills introduced in their house (J.R. 61(a)(5)).
Last day for fiscal committees to meet prior to June 5 (J.R. 61(a)(6)).
May 29 Memorial Day.
May 30-June 2 Floor Session Only. No committees, other than conference
or Rules committees, may meet for any purpose (J.R. 61(a)(7)).
*Holiday schedule subject to Senate Rules committee approval Page 1 of 2
JANUARY
S M T W TH F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
FEBRUARY
S M T W TH F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28
MARCH
S M T W TH F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
APRIL
S M T W TH F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
MAY
S M T W TH F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
2017 TENTATIVE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE
Revised 11/16/2016
June 2 Last day for bills to be passed out of the house of origin (J.R. 61(a)(8)).
June 5 Committee meetings may resume (J.R. 61(a)(9)).
June 15 Budget must be passed by midnight (Art. IV, Sec. 12(c)(3)).
July 4 Independence Day observed.
July 14 Last day for policy committees to hear and report fiscal bills to fiscal
Committees (J.R. 61(a)(10).
July 21 Last day for policy committees to meet and report bills (J.R. 61(a)(11)).
Summer Recess begins upon adjournment of session provided Budget
Bill has been enacted (J.R. 51(a)(3)).
Aug. 21 Legislature Reconvenes (J.R. 51(a)(3)).
Sep. 1 Last day for fiscal committees to meet and report bills to Floor
(J.R. 61(a)(12)).
Sept. 4 Labor Day.
Sept. 8 Last day to amend on the floor (J.R. 61(a)(14)).
Sept. 5-15 Floor session only. No committees, other than conference or Rules
Committees, may meet for any purpose (J.R. 61(a)(13)).
Sept. 15 Last day for each house to pass bills (J.R. 61(a)(15)).
Interim Study Recess begins at end of this day’s session (J.R. 51(a)(4)).
*Holiday schedule subject to Senate Rules committee approval
IMPORTANT DATES OCCURRING DURING INTERIM STUDY RECESS
2017
Oct. 15 Last day for Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature on or before Sept. 15
and in his possession after Sept. 15 (Art. IV, Sec.10(b)(1)).
2018
Jan. 1 Statutes take effect (Art. IV, Sec. 8(c)).
Jan. 3 Legislature reconvenes (J.R. 51(a)(4)).
Page 2 of 2
JUNE
S M T W TH F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
JULY
S M T W TH F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
AUGUST
S M T W TH F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
SEPTEMBER
S M T W TH F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
LOCAL CONTROL
1. Oppose any legislation that preempts local authority. Each
community has unique needs and characteristics that are best
dealt with by the local governing body.
2. Oppose any new program mandates that are unfunded and/or
partially funded.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Support efforts to secure funding to reopen SR-39 to SR-2.
2. Support a long-term transportation authorization bill that
provides continuous appropriations of new monies directly to
cities to help them plan for the preservation, maintenance,
rehabilitation and development of local infrastructure.
3. Oppose transportation proposals that would adversely affect the
quality of life in the eastern San Gabriel Valley by causing traffic
congestion, air pollution or other problems.
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG)
1. Support legislation that would consolidate and streamline the
administration and reporting requirements of the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Advocate for greater
flexibility of local appropriation and use of monies.
2. Support the preservation of funding for the CDBG program and
increasing the funds available under the program to 2009 levels.
3. Oppose restrictions to or elimination of the CDBG program.
4. Oppose efforts that impose additional restrictions on local
agencies receiving CDBG funding, including requirements that
dictate cities’ housing and zoning decisions.
5. Enable the City to obtain CDBG Entitlement City Designation.
Legislative Platform
Page 10
City of Azusa
2017 Federal Legislative Priorities