REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the City’s 2026 Legislative Advocacy Positions
Report
BACKGROUND
On October 9, 2018, Council adopted Resolution No. 18-8611 to approve a Legislative Advocacy Position (LAP) Policy (Attachment 1). The purpose of the LAP Policy is to establish clear guidelines for advancing City goals and positions through legislative review and advocacy at the regional, State, and federal levels of government and to provide guidance for City officials who serve on regional, State, and national boards, committees, and commissions when they are asked to review public policy matters and issues.
The LAP Policy requires the City Council to adopt or update the LAPs at the beginning of the calendar year to identify specific legislative priorities outside of the legislative guiding principles listed below:
• Support the League of California Cities and National League of Cities positions on priority bills that benefit Santa Clara
• Protect local revenue sources and prevent unfunded mandates
• Protect and/or increase funding for specific programs and services
• Protect and/or increase local government discretion
• Advance approved policies such as the City’s Statement of Values, the General Plan, or the Climate Action Plan
Staff is presenting eleven (11) 2026 LAPs (Attachments 2 and 3) for the City Council’s consideration and adoption. If approved, staff and the City’s legislative consultant, Townsend Public Affairs, LLC (Townsend), will use these LAPs to track, monitor and advocate for legislation that is consistent with the City’s legislative priorities and provide quarterly legislative updates to the Council on those efforts as required by the LAP Policy.
DISCUSSION
Between December 2025 and February 2026, the City Manager’s Office and Townsend conducted legislative briefings with departments and Councilmembers to share updates on current state and federal activity and identify legislative priorities for 2026. The proposed 2026 LAPs reflect Councilmembers and departments’ feedback and once adopted, will provide updated guidance on how to advance the City’s goals this year.
The 2026 LAPs consist of the 11 existing 2025 LAPs, seven (7) of which were updated to reflect current positions on key policy issues. A summary of the proposed updates is provided below:
Broadband, Cable Services, and Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
The federal and state governments have made efforts to limit or preempt local control over placement of wireless telecommunications facilities and supporting structures in and outside the rights of way. Over the past several years, actions by federal and state lawmakers, and regulating entities, have resulted in the adoption of regulations and orders controlling local authority over placement of wireless facilities, including the adoption of “shot clocks” requiring local agencies to complete review of projects within a specified time period.
Recommended Updates: Staff recommends updating this LAP to include the following position statement:
• Support legislation and policies that would provide options for recovering costs associated with providing broadband services.
Staff also recommends expanding an existing position statement about supporting efforts to retain and expand local control of permitting wireless communications and non-cable services in the public right-of-way to include “City property.”
Community Services
The City of Santa Clara offers a wide range of community services through Santa Clara City library, parks and recreational facilities, and in partnership with community organizations and non-profits. The Santa Clara City Library is a dynamic community hub that provides access to information, literacy resources, educational programming, and civic engagement opportunities for the Santa Clara community.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the City's neighborhood parks, mini parks, community parks, open space sites, recreation buildings, trails, joint use facilities, and bodies of water at five sites. The department also assists the public with facility rentals, community services, cultural programs, special events, enhanced natural environments, fitness and wellness programs, as well as sports and aquatics opportunities.
Recommended Updates: Staff recommends updating this LAP to include the following position statement:
• Support state and federal funding and resources to create a more informed, engaged, and welcoming experience for immigrants.
Staff also recommends expanding an existing position about support for funding and efforts that enhance programs that serve low-income seniors to include “providing access to nutritional meals.”
Emergency Management
The City’s Office of Emergency Services maintains an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in “response-ready” condition to serve as the City’s hub for emergency management activities in support of large-scale emergencies or planned events. In the event of any all-hazard emergency, the City will closely monitor County, State and federal orders, guidance and legislation to see how they apply to Santa Clara, advocate for regional, State, and federal resources and funding to provide as needed assistance to individuals and businesses that have been negatively impacted and focus on economic recovery.
Recommended Updates: No updates are proposed for this LAP at this time.
Energy Legislation, Regulations and Issues
The City’s electric utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP), has a mission to be a progressive, service-oriented utility, offering reliable, competitively priced services for the benefit of Santa Clara and its customers. Additionally, in 2018, SVP adopted a Strategic Plan that is intended to address the challenges facing the utility over a ten-year period. This LAP works to further the objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan and complements the other LAPs adopted by the City.
Recommended Updates: Staff recommends updating this LAP to include the following position statements:
• Support policies and legislation that allow SVP to provide safe, reliable, affordable energy to businesses and residents.
• Support legislation streamlining the CEQA processes for rebuilding infrastructure damaged by wildfires.
• Support efforts to increase the utilization of hydropower, including, but not limited to streamlining of hydropower relicensing processes and including hydropower as part of the Renewable Portfolio Standard.
• Oppose legislation that would impose additional costs on SVP customers, or would require the implementation of programs whose costs would be passed on to SVP customers
Housing
The City is committed to being a leader at the local level in providing affordable housing, as well as making a fair share contribution to the overall need for housing production within Silicon Valley, and will continue to proactively take concrete steps to realize new housing production within the City. Santa Clara is also prepared to participate in broader regional efforts that are collaborative, recognize the unique characteristics of local jurisdictions, and provide opportunities for local representation. The City is monitoring potential measures imposed at the State or regional level that can reduce local control, recognizing that in some instances such measures can be necessary or helpful to advance common goals across multiple jurisdictions, but also recognizing that such efforts may have unintended consequences, limited effectiveness, or create inequities due to a lack of consideration of localized circumstances.
Recommended Updates: Staff recommends updating this LAP to include the following position statements, including those that reflect Councilmember(s)’s feedback:
• Support legislation that provides homeowners, renters, and businesses with access to affordable private property insurance, including in areas that are subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes or wildfires.
• Support planning processes that align with state objectives and the City’s adopted Housing Element.
• Support legislation that would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to consistently provide timely detailed review and clear, consistent and specific requirements for achieving Housing Element certification and pro-housing designation, to further streamline the local jurisdictions’ housing policy review and adoption processes.
• Oppose housing, development, and zoning objectives or directives at the regional level that conflict with state requirements and/or do not integrate seamlessly into the state’s existing Housing Element review process.
Staff also recommends expanding an existing position statement to reflect Councilmember(s)’ feedback about support for legislation to amend liability insurance requirements to reduce delays and facilitate construction of these multifamily housing developments to include “and other regulatory barriers related to the development of condominiums.”
Human Resources and Public Sector Employment
The City of Santa Clara provides a myriad of services to the community, including police, fire, public works, electric utility, planning, parks and recreation, and library services. The City employs approximately 1,203 full-time equivalent employees that provide these and other services to the community. These services provide opportunities and careers for all types of interests, and the City should endeavor to leverage the rewards and benefits that come with working for the City.
Recommended Updates: No updates, except for a minor edit to the overview section of the LAP, are proposed at this time.
Public Safety
Santa Clara is committed to promoting a living and working environment that allows for the best quality of life. The City believes that crime prevention and enforcement efforts are integral to creating and maintaining a safe environment for residents and visitors. At the same time, the City recognizes that crime prevention and enforcement efforts alone cannot foster community safety and wellness; education, intervention and prevention efforts on various public safety topics, such as gun violence, gang activity, alcohol and tobacco use, driver and bicycle safety, and driving under the influence, are equally important. Additionally, as the State and region continues to experience civil unrest and an unprecedented number of natural and man-made disasters, the City recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to public safety.
Recommended Updates: Staff recommends updating the LAP to include the following position statement:
• Support legislation and funding that strengthens recruitment and retention of public safety personnel, including workforce housing incentives and other strategies that improve affordability and long-term staffing stability in high-cost regions.
Staff also recommends updating an existing position statement about supporting efforts to facilitate timely and complete implementation of voter-approved public safety initiatives aimed at reducing crime to provide additional clarification by specifically identifying Proposition 36 as an example of a voter-approved initiative aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety.
Regional Issues and Collaboration
While the City of Santa Clara is unique in many ways, it experiences many of the same issues as other cities in the region. As described in other LAPs, the City works closely with other jurisdictions to address a variety of issues that impact residents and businesses in Silicon Valley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, such as affordable housing, homelessness, transportation, emergency management, sustainability, water conservation, and airplane noise. The City recognizes the importance of regional collaboration and participates in various regional organizations to not only advance the City’s goals but to contribute to regional work efforts.
Recommended Updates: Staff recommends updating this LAP to include the following position statements, including those that reflect Councilmember(s)’s feedback:
• Support legislation and funding efforts that provide benefits to local businesses.
• Support legislation and other efforts to mitigate the number of communities where residents lack access to affordable, healthy food options, and increase the availability of healthy food options within existing food deserts.
• Monitor legislation related to artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on communities through the direct application of AI, the job and economic opportunities generated through AI-related employers, and the impact on regional resources.
Staff also recommends updating an existing position statement related to supporting federal and state legislation to provide funding for regional solutions to problems, such as housing, homelessness, emergency management and response, water supply, climate change, sustainability, resiliency, and transportation. The proposed update clarifies that such support applies to regional approaches for addressing “local” problems.
Sustainability and Environmental Protection
The City strives to conduct its operations in a way that is environmentally conscious and promotes sustainability and is dedicated to collaborating with regional stakeholders to improve the air quality, water quality, and overall environmental quality of life for the residents and businesses of the City. Sustainability and environmental issues at the state and federal levels will likely continue to result in new legislation and regulation changes that could significantly impact the City. The City’s monitoring and advocacy efforts will be geared towards ensuring that emerging legislation and regulations align with the City’s interests in providing sustainable services to its residents and businesses.
Recommended Updates: No updates are proposed for this LAP at this time.
Transportation Issues
The City of Santa Clara believes that a robust transportation network, and related infrastructure, is a critical element to a successful and thriving community. The City works with the federal government, State government, and regional stakeholders to ensure that residents and businesses have access to traditional modes of transportation and promote alternative modes that would alleviate traffic congestion and pollution. Additionally, it is important for the City’s transportation network to continue to evolve to best serve the future needs of the community.
Recommended Updates: Staff recommends updating the LAP to include the following position statements, including those that reflect Councilmember(s)’s feedback:
• Support legislation that promotes the safe operation of e-bikes, including requirements for safety training, helmets and safety equipment appropriate for the class of e-bike being operated, and age-appropriate restrictions for certain classifications of e-bikes.
• Support efforts to provide protections to the public (all roadway users: pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists) that prevent conflicts and promote safe autonomous vehicle operations on Santa Clara roadways.
Staff also recommends expanding an existing position statement about supporting legislation and efforts that provide funding for diverse transportation projects to include “traffic safety” improvements.
Water Supply and Conservation
The City of Santa Clara operates 21 wells that tap the underground aquifers and make up about 62% of the City's potable water supply. The underground aquifers are replenished from local reservoirs by the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) water recharge program and through surface water infiltration. The remaining water is supplied by water imported from the SCVWD and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) through the Hetch-Hetchy Reservoir.
For certain approved non-potable uses, recycled water from the San Jose/Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility's South Bay Water Recycling (SBWR) facility is used. This highly treated water is delivered through separate pipelines and makes up about 20% of the water sales in the City. Recycled water offsets the use of potable sources in drought-prone California and is a reliable source for conservation of potable sources. The City continues to work closely with SBWR in order to increase recycled water supplies in order to meet existing demands within the City.
The City continually works to meet State reporting requirements. The State Water Resources Control Board adopted new regulations in July 2024, Making Conservation a California Way of Life, that establish unique efficiency goals for each urban retail water supplier in California. As part of the regulation, suppliers-not individual households or businesses-will be held to Urban Water Use Objectives. Starting January 1, 2025, and by January 1 every year after, each urban retail water supplier must calculate its Urban Water Use Objective and, beginning January 1, 2027, annually demonstrate compliance with its objective.
Recommended Updates: No updates, except for minor edits to the overview section of the LAP, are proposed at this time.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no costs associated with this report except for administrative time.
The City has an existing agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for state and federal legislative advocacy services, which includes conducting orientations and developing and implementing a legislative strategy as part of the City’s all-inclusive monthly fee.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office. The LAPs were coordinated with Townsend Public Affairs and the departments with purview over the issues within the LAPs, including Community Development, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Library, Office of Emergency Services, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works, Silicon Valley Power, and Water and Sewer Utilities.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt the 2026 Legislative Advocacy Positions on Broadband, Cable Services, and Wireless Telecommunications Facilities; Community Services; Emergency Management; Energy Legislation, Regulations and Issues; Housing; Human Resources and Public Sector Employment; Public Safety; Regional Issues and Collaboration; Sustainability and Environmental Protection; Transportation Issues; and Water Supply and Conservation in the forms presented.
Staff
Reviewed by: Christine Jung, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Legislative Advocacy Position Policy
2. 2026 Legislative Advocacy Positions - Redline
3. 2026 Legislative Advocacy Positions - Clean