HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-7 Staff Report - 2024 Legislative PlatformCONSENT ITEM
E-7
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
FROM: NICO DE ANDA-SCAIA, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
DATE: JANUARY 16, 2024
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF 2024 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
2024 Legislative Platform and approves State and Federal Legislative Priorities for 2024.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council take the following actions:
1)Adopt the proposed 2024 City’s Legislative Platform; and
2)Approve the proposed 2024 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 continue to respond to the rapidly changing
nature of legislative matters in an efficient and expeditious manner.
The Legislative Platform has been used as a guideline for City positions on legislative proposals that often
arise at the local, state and federal levels. It is commonplace for the City to receive requests from local
partners, legislative advocacy organizations and legislators for joint support of, or opposition to a wide
range of legislative proposals. These matters often require swift action by stakeholders and therefore a
streamlined process for facilitating such requests is necessary. Resolutions, major and/or unique
controversial issues, and regulatory items of substantial importance to the City will continue to be taken
to City Council for formal consideration and adoption.
Approved
City Council
January 16, 2024
2024 Legislative Platform and Priorities
January 16, 2024
Page 2
The proposed Legislative Platform has been drafted using the guiding priorities of the City Council and the
League of California Cities. Once adopted, the Platform will remain in effect for the current year and/or
until otherwise amended. This Platform is a living document which may be amended by the City Council
at any time, and therefore it is brought forward each year as a standard item for consideration and renewal.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Upon adoption of the Legislative Platform, the City Manager's Office (CMO) will continue to perform day-
to-day oversight of legislative matters. In addition to coordinating formal action through the City
Manager’s Office and/or City Council, Staff will administer the City’s Legislative Platform by performing
the following functions:
• Continue to work with all City Departments 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 special formal action by the City Council;
• Review positions and analysis done by municipal legislative advocacy organizations such as
the League of California Cities, National League of Cities, and other 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 as appropriate;
• Communicate the City’s positions to federal, state, and county legislators;
• Participate as needed in the drafting and amending of legislative proposals that significantly
and/or adversely 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; and
• Participate and attend legislative briefings and meetings to actively engage and stay apprised of
legislative trends and upcoming legislation.
The 2024 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 with or without amendments) will be drafted for
signature by either the Mayor or City Manager; (2) in the event that the Mayor’s signature is expressly
required, the City Manager’s Office will circulate the draft position letter to the City Council for reference;
(3) in the event that the legislative matter is not addressed in the City’s adopted Legislative Platform, is
not consistent with legislative positions the City has taken in the past, or if there is interest by the City
Council for future discussion, the matter will be placed on a future Council meeting agenda for
consideration by the full City Council; (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 associated with the recommended actions.
2024 Legislative Platform and Priorities
January 16, 2024
Page 3
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Nico De Anda-Scaia Sergio Gonzalez
Deputy City Manager City Manager
Attachment: 1) 2024 Legislative Platform and State and Federal Legislative Priorities
LEGISLATIVEPLATFORM
2024
CITY OF AZUSA
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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
laws 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 or City
Manager’s signature. 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 as 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.
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
01
Advocate the City’s legislative interests at the Federal, State and
Local 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.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Legislative Platform Goals are outlined below.
Program Goals:
02
I. Communicate legislative positions on proposed Federal, State,
and County legislation, measures, initiatives, and governmental
regulations:
The Legislative Platform Program Strategies and Actions are outlined below.
Wo rk w it h Ci ty dep ar tme nt s and our le g isl at iv e ad vocate s to
d ev el op p os it ions on pr o po sed F eder a l an d State legi sl a t iv e
me asure s .
Staff wi ll re vi ew t he p o s ition s and a nalys is d on e by t he L ea g u e of
C a lifo rn ia C ities, ou r l egi sla tive ad vocate s ’ fe edb ack, an d ot her
l o c al go ve rn ment/p rofe ssi on al ass oc iati on s in f o rmul at in g Ci ty
p os it ions .
Th e Ci ty w il l ta ke po siti on s on ly on proposals th at c le ar ly im pact
our Ci ty o r are a th re at to l oc a l contr o l.
A c tivel y tr ack key bill s t hrou gh t he le g isl at iv e p roce ss, u tiliz ing the
C it y’s a dvoca c y se rv ices, vari ou s Legi sl a t ive websit es, a n d
gover nm en t/pr ofessi o nal associ at ions .
C ommunicate the C it y’s p os it ion t o o ur Fede ra l, S t a t e, and Coun ty
L egi s la tor s, b ill au th or(s), comm itt ee s, and Leg is lature , thr o ug h
correspon d en c e, te s t im o ny , a nd i n‐per s o n mee ti ngs.
Wo rk c oop er at iv el y w ith o th er c ities, association s , a nd t he Leagu e
of Cali f orni a Ci ties on a dvoca ting o ur le gisl at iv e posit ions.
A s ne ce s sar y, par t ici pate in th e d ra f ting an d a me nding of
p ropose d F eder al an d State m ea s ur es t h at h ave the p ote nt ia l to
s igni f ica nt ly impa c t the City .
M ee t wi th Legisl at ors an d th ei r r ep re se n t a t iv es, as well as ot her
F eder a l, St at e an d C o u nty go ve rn ment offici als on a r egular b asi s,
to discu s s l o c al g o vernme nt i s sue s, p roposed le gisl at ion, re quests
for f unding ass istan c e, a nd Ci t y pro g rams a nd se rv ices.
PROGRAM STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
S t ra t e gi e s /Acti o n s :
03
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.
Identify and track relevant Congressional (Senate and House) and
State bills, and local laws from the proposed bill development
stage through bill and law passage in each of the respective
government bodies.
Once approved and/or becoming law, City staff to identify and
track the allocations, earmarks, grants, etc. with the distributing
agencies until the funds are secured and distributed to the City.
PROGRAM STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
The Legislative Platform Program Strategies and Actions are outlined below.
S t ra t e gi e s /Acti o n s :
II. Seek Federal, State, and Local funding through earmarks,
allocations, grants, and other discretionary funding for City
projects, services, and programs:
04
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS’STREAMLINED PROCCESS
The process for responding to legislative proposals is streamlined as follows:
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 with or without
amendments) will be drafted for the Mayor or City
Manager’s signature.
If an item expressly requires the Mayor’s signature, the
City Manager’s Office will circulate the draft position
letter to the City Council for reference.
In the event that the legislative matter is not addressed in
the City’s adopted Legislative Platform, is not consistent
with legislative positions the City has taken in the past, or
if there is interest by the City Council for future
discussion, the matter will be placed on a future Council
meeting agenda for consideration by the full City Council.
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. A copy of the final
letter shall also be distributed to the City Council.
05
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The 2024 Legislative Priorities provide 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 are the foundation of a focused advocacy strategy.
Guiding Principles
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 legislative proposals that will reduce existing local revenues
or require use of local revenues for anything other than funding local
government programs and services, and opposes any new mandates that
are unfunded and/or inadequately funded.
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 legislative proposals that will reduce existing local revenues
or require use of local revenues for anything other than funding local
government programs and services, and opposes any new mandates that
are unfunded and/or inadequately funded.
II. Preserve Local Authority
06
2024
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
L o c a l C o n t r o l
S U P P O R T
Legislation that enhances local control and allows cities to address the
needs of local constituents within a framework of regional cooperation.
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.
Support efforts to enhance and strengthen local representation on regional
commissions, task forces and governing boards.
S U P P O R T
O P P O S E
Preemption of local authority whether by state or federal legislation or
ballot propositions.
L a n d U s e
Legislation that strengthens local governments’ regulatory authority and
control over the siting of medical marijuana dispensaries.
Encourage legislation to help provide clarity on matters where there may
be inconsistencies with the intent of legislation vs application by local
government.
Legislation that strengthens the concept of local control/local home rule for
local decision making on land use and zoning matters.
Legislation and full funding eligibility to leverage private, non-traditional
funding sources, alternative financing options, and project delivery
methods to advance construction or revitalization of public spaces.
S U P P O R T
O P P O S E
Legislation that imposes a mandatory cap on local parking standards in
transit intensive areas.
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.
07
2024
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t
S U P P O R T
O P P O S E
Legislation that erodes the ability of cities to condition and deny projects
that inadequately mitigate impacts to the community.
Legislation that would reduce funds dedicated to the CDBG program.
08
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.
Legislation that enhances the City’s efforts to retain existing businesses
and attract new businesses.
Legislation that provides tangible and productive tools and incentives to
support job creation and retention.
Workforce development initiatives, programs, and activities that
promote job creation for a skilled workforce that incorporate residents
and the veteran community.
Policies and programs that support the integration of art, culture and
the rich historical elements of the City into public spaces.
2024
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
F i s c a l R e s p o n s i b i l i t y
Full cost reimbursement to the City for all federal, state and county-
mandated programs.
Legislation that strengthens and expands ongoing revenue for the City.
S U P P O R T
O P P O S E
Any legislation that would make local agencies more dependent on the
State for financial stability and policy direction.
Legislation that would impose State mandated costs for which there is no
guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.
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).
Legislation that undermines and preempts local authority over local
taxes and fees.
09
2024
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
E n v i r o n m e n t
Efforts which seek to improve community and infrastructure resiliency in
climate change effects, disaster preparedness and training, and emergency
action plans.
Policy development, funding, research, and implementation strategies
based on scientific data and human/ecological risk assessment for
addressing urban water and storm water runoff.
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.
Policies and programs intended to improve local air quality standards,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean water delivery, mitigate
pollutants, and advance zero-emissions technology.
Policies that provide tax credits, grants, loans, and financial incentives to
assist residents, businesses and local governments that invest in energy-
and fuel-efficient equipment and technologies.
S U P P O R T
O P P O S E
Legislation that imposes undue hardship on local agencies to implement
environmental regulations.
Air quality legislation that restricts the land use authority of cities.
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.
10
2024
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
E n e r g y
Legislation that allows flexibility in the City’s effort to cost- effectively meet
energy goals.
Legislation that keeps funding for public benefits programs in local
communities.
S U P P O R T
W a t e r
O P P O S E
Efforts to mandate a state water public benefits charge unless funds
remain within the local community.
11
2024
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
H o m e l e s s n e s s
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;
increasing access to treatments, harm reduction strategies, and
prevention services to combat substance abuse; providing emergency and
transitional housing; expanding affordable permanent housing; and
promoting self-empowerment through counseling, job training, and other
supportive services.
Improve tools and resources intended to address homelessness, mental
health and drug rehabilitation as public health issues in partnership with
public safety authorities.
S U P P O R T
P u b l i c S a f e t y
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.
Efforts that strengthen local law enforcement’s ability to prevent and fight
crime.
Legislation that minimizes alcohol-related criminal behavior and underage
drinking.
Legislation to increase capacity of emergency services.
S U P P O R T
O P P O S E
Legislation that would impede local law enforcement from addressing
crime problems and recovering costs resulting from a crime committed by
the guilty party.
12
2024
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
T r a n p o r t a t i o n
Measures to finance local and regional transportation programs and
improvements, including alternative modes of transportation and
transportation demand management systems.
Continuous appropriations of new monies directly to cities for the
preservation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and development of local street
and road systems.
Efforts to fund improvements, rehabilitation and coordinated operation of
SR-39.
Enhance partnerships that seek to improve safety, enhance mobility,
address deferred road improvements, enhance transit service and
reliability and encourage multi-modal and active transportation.
S U P P O R T
E l e c t i o n s
Legislation that enables cities to retain authority over their elections.
S U P P O R T
13
2024
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
14
E m p l o y e e a n d L a b o r R e l a t i o n s
Reform measures that provide sustainable and secure public pensions
and other post-retirement benefits to ensure responsive and affordable
public services.
Legislation that streamlines the Workers’ Compensation system and
makes it easier for employers, employees, and health care providers to
navigate.
S U P P O R T
O P P O S E
Any measure that imposes upon local government mandated employee
benefits that are more properly decided at the local level.
Efforts which reduce local control over public employee disputes and
impose the regulations of an outside agency.
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.
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 for the Governor to sign or veto bills passed by Legislature before
September 1 and in the Governor’s possession on or after September 1.
OCT/NOV General Election. Adjournment.
Below is an overview that summarizes major legislative events and key dates that
occur month to month, and following is the 2024 Legislative Calendar created by
the California Office of the Secretary of the Senate.
2024
LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
15
COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND
THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK | Revised 11-4-2022
2024 TENTATIVELEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
161
COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND
THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK | Revised 11-4-2022
2024 TENTATIVE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
17
I M P O R T A N T D A T E S O C C U R R I N G D U R I N G F I N A L R E C E S S
*Holiday schedule subject to final approval by the Rules Committee.
Sept. 30
Nov. 5
Nov. 30
Dec. 2
Jan. 1
2 0 2 4
2 0 2 5
Last day for Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature before Sept. 1
and in the Governor’s possession on or after Sept. 1 (Art. IV, Sec. 10(b)(2)).
General Election
Adjournment Sine Die at midnight (Art. IV, Sec. 3(a)).
12 Noon convening of the 2025-26 Regular Session (Art. IV, Sec. 3(a)).
Statutes t a ke ef f ect (Art. IV, Sec. 8(c)).
(CONT.)
LOCAL CONTROL
Oppose any legislation that preempts local authority.
Each community has unique needs and characteristics
that are best dealt with by the local governing body.
1.
Oppose any new program mandates that are unfunded
and/or partially funded.
2.
TRANSPORTATION
Support efforts to secure funding for SR-39 and SR-2.1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG)
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.
1.
Support the preservation of funding for the CDBG
program and increasing the funds available under the
program to 2009 levels.
2.
Oppose restrictions to or elimination of the CDBG
program.
3.
Oppose efforts that impose additional restrictions on
local agencies receiving CDBG funding, including
requirements that dictate cities’ housing and zoning
decisions.
4.
Enable the City to obtain CDBG Entitlement City
Designation.
5.
2024 FEDERALLEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
18