HomeMy WebLinkAboutD-2 Staff Report - Legislative Platform 2019SCHEDULED ITEM
D-2
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
FROM: AARON LEDET, SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST
DATE: JUNE 3, 2019
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF 2019 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND STATE AND FEDERAL
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
BACKGROUND:
Since 2016, the City has annually adopted a Legislative Platform (“Platform”) to provide a streamlined process for
responding to legislative proposals that may impact the City. The proposed action adopts the 2019 Legislative
Platform and approves State and Federal Legislative Priorities for 2019.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the proposed 2019 City’s Legislative Platform; and
2)Approve the proposed 2019 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
ANALYSIS:
The proposed Legislative Platform identifies the fundamental legislative issues deemed important to the City, and
upon City Council approval, will 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 or against a legislative proposal.
Resolutions, major and/or unique issues and items of substantial merit important to the City will continue to be
taken to City Council for formal consideration and adoption.
The proposed Legislative Platform has been drafted using the guiding priorities of the City Council and the League
of California Cities. Once adopted, the Legislative Platform will remain in effect for the year. Upon consideration,
the City Council, may add, remove, or modify items within the Legislative Platform.
APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
6/3/2019
2019 Legislative Platform and Legislative Priorities
June 3, 2019
Page 2
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Upon the Legislative Platform’s adoption, the City Manager's Office will continue to perform day-to-day oversight
of legislative matters. In addition to coordinating formal action through the City Council, the Senior Management
Analyst will administer the City’s Legislative Platform by performing the following functions:
• Continue to work with Department Directors and other 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 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, 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 2019 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 signature (by either the Mayor or City Manager); (2) if the
Mayor’s signature is required, the City Manager’s Office 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, the City Manager’s Office will finalize the position letter and forward it
to the bill’s author 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 recommended actions.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Aaron Ledet Sergio Gonzalez
Senior Management Analyst City Manager
Attachment:
1) 2019 Legislative Platform and 2019 State and Federal Legislative Priorities
Legislative Platform
Page 1
ATTACHMENT 1
2019
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 City Council direction; as such Staff will be required to
submit a request to the 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 or City Manager’s signature.
2. If an item requires the Mayor’s signature, 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.
City of Azusa
2019 Legislative Priorities
Legislative Platform
Page 5
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The 2019 Legislative Priorities provides a framework for the City of Azusa’s Legislative
Platform. Adopted annually, the City’s Legislative Priorities 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 rights‐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.
Legislative Platform
Page 6
City of Azusa
2019 State Legislative Priorities
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.
Legislative Platform
Page 7
City of Azusa
2019 State Legislative Priorities (Continued)
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.
Legislative Platform
Page 8
City of Azusa
2019 State Legislative Priorities (Continued)
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 a ssessment 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.
Legislative Platform
Page 9
City of Azusa
2019 State Legislative Priorities (Continued)
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 enables cities to retain authority over
their elections.
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.
Monthly Overview
Legislative Platform
Page 10
2019 State Legislative Calendar
Below is an overview that summarizes major legislative events and key dates that occur
month to month, and following is the 2019 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 Various Committee Hearings are held throughout the month.
APRIL Legislature will begin and reconvene from Spring Recess during this
month to continue discussions. Fiscal bills are considered by the end
of the month.
MAY
The beginning of this month marks the last day for policy committees to
hear and report to the Floor non-fiscal bills being introduced. Policy
committees are given their last day to meet and report Floor bills for their
house before convening in June The last day for bills to be passed out of the
house of origin occurs.
JUNE Committee meetings resume. All budgets must be passed by middle of the
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.
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 passed by
Legislature on or before September 13th and in the Governor’s
possession after September 13th.
2019 TENTATIVE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
October 31, 2018 (revised)
DEADLINES
Jan. 1 Statutes take effect (Art. IV, Sec. 8(c)).
Jan. 7 Legislature reconvenes (J.R. 51(a)(1)).
Jan. 10 Budget must be submitted by Governor (Art. IV, Sec. 12(a)).
Jan. 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Jan. 25 Last day to submit bill requests to the
Office of Legislative Counsel
Feb. 18 Presidents’ Day.
Feb. 22 Last day for bills to be introduced (J.R. 61(a)(1)), (J.R. 54(a)).
Mar. 29 Cesar Chavez Day observed.
Apr. 11 Spring recess begins upon adjournment of this day’s session (J.R. 51(a)(2)).
Apr. 22 Legislature reconvenes from Spring recess (J.R. 51(a)(2)).
Apr. 26 Last day for policy committees to hear and report to fiscal committees
fiscal bills introduced in their house (J.R. 61(a)(2)).
May 3 Last day for policy committees to hear and report to the Floor
nonfiscal bills introduced in their house (J.R. 61(a)(3)).
May 10 Last day for policy committees to meet prior to June 3 (J.R. 61(a)(4)).
May 17 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 3 (J.R. 61(a)(6)).
May 27 Memorial Day.
May 28-31 Floor Session Only.
No committees, other than conference or Rules committees, may meet for any purpose
(J.R. 61(a)(7)).
May 31 Last day for bills to be passed out of the house of origin (J.R. 61(a)(8)).
*Holiday schedule subject to 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
2019 TENTATIVE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
October 31, 2018 (revised)
Jun. 3 Committee meetings may resume (J.R. 61(a)(9)).
Jun. 15 Budget Bill must be passed by midnight (Art. IV, Sec. 12(c)(3)).
Jul. 4 Independence Day.
Jul. 10 Last day for policy committees to hear and report fiscal bills to fiscal
committees (J.R. 61(a)(10)).
Jul. 12 Last day for policy committees to meet and report bills (J.R. 61(a)(11)).
Summer recess begins upon adjournment of this day’s session, provided
Budget Bill has been passed (J.R. 51(a)(3)).
Aug. 12 Legislature reconvenes from Summer recess (J.R. 51(a)(3)).
Aug. 30 Last day for fiscal committees to meet and report bills to Floor
(J.R. 61(a)(12)).
Sep. 2 Labor Day.
Sep. 3-13 Floor Session Only. No committees, other than conference
and Rules committees, may meet for any purpose (J.R. 61(a)(13)).
Sep. 6 Last day to amend bills on the floor (J.R. 61(a)(14)).
Sep. 13 Last day for each house to pass bills (J.R. 61(a)(15)).
Interim Study Recess begins upon adjournment 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
2019
Oct. 13 Last day for Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature on or before Sep. 13
and in the Governor’s possession after Sep. 13 (Art. IV, Sec.10(b)(1)).
2020
Jan. 1 Statutes take effect (Art. IV, Sec. 8(c)).
Jan. 6 Legislature reconvenes (J.R. 51 (a)(4)).
Page 2 of 2
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
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
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 11
City of Azusa
2019 Federal Legislative Priorities