REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on 2025 Legislative Advocacy Positions
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
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) 2025 LAPs (Attachment 2) 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 November 2024 and January 2025, 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 2025. The proposed 2025 LAPs reflect Council and departments’ feedback and once adopted, will provide guidance on how to advance the City’s goals this year, which has already experienced significant legislative activity that will impact local government.
The 2025 LAPs consist of 11 existing 2024 LAPs that have been updated to reflect current positions on key policy issues. Updates to the LAPs are summarized 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 a position statement to monitor regulatory and rulemaking activities by the Federal Communications Commission, and California Public Utilities Commission, for potential impacts to telecommunications, broadband, and cable infrastructure within the City.
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 statements, including those that reflect Councilmember(s)’s feedback:
• Support legislation and funding that promotes increased access to parks, open space, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Support efforts and funding to promote the usage of reclaimed or recycled water, and reduce the amount of potable water used, in parks and other municipal outdoor applications.
• Support efforts and funding to expand neighborhood associations and efforts to facilitate and promote neighborhood beautification projects.
• Support efforts to increase the awareness of internet and social media addiction amongst youth, as well as efforts to increase parental involvement, encourage healthy habits, and provide professional support systems and counseling to those suffering negative affects from internet and social media addiction.
Staff also recommends expanding an existing position statement related to enrichment activities for students to include school break-related activities.
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: Staff recommends updating the LAP to include the following position statements, including those that reflect Councilmember(s)’s feedback:
• Support legislative efforts and funding to assist local governments with the development of wildfire mitigation plans.
• Support funding and efforts for cybersecurity resilience, preparedness, response, mutual aid, and forensic investigation capabilities.
• Support expedited California Disaster Assistance Act and Stafford Act reimbursement funding activities.
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, SVP has an adopted 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 the LAP to include the following position statements, including those that reflect Councilmember(s)’s feedback:
• Support efforts to increase advance notice for Emergency Energy Alerts to allow for preparation of backup power generation, or other alternative power supply during disruptions.
• Support efforts to reduce supply chain delays negatively impacting the ability to secure equipment for electric utilities.
• Support legislation and other efforts to promote the public retention of energy and utility assets, as well as other efforts aimed at mitigating increased costs for utility providers and customers.
• Support Northern California Power Agency (NCPA), American Public Power Association (APPA), and California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) positions on legislation that benefit Santa Clara.
• Oppose legislation and efforts that increases the supply chain costs for electricity generating or transmission equipment and components.
Staff also recommends updating the following existing position statements to make clarifications and/or expand their scope:
• Support efforts to expand energy generation and transmission infrastructure that will help the City meet the pace of decarbonization goals. Proposed update includes examples of permit streamlining and other efforts.
• Support legislation and efforts to enhance funding for clean energy, energy storage, and transmission development. Proposed update incorporates the expanded category of grid transforming technologies that include but are not limited to those existing categories listed in the 2024 LAP.
• Monitor PG&E’s rate-making and regulatory activities. Proposed update changes PG&E to “Natural Gas Transportation and Electric Transmission Owner”.
Through the LAP development process, staff reviews Councilmember(s)’s feedback for alignment with existing legislation and City operations. Feedback was received regarding potential inclusion of a position statement to reform State Proposition 26 (Prop 26) to allow for more electrical rate tiers if they help with climate goals. Staff and Townsend reviewed the request and determined that the initiative was approved by California voters in 2010 as a constitutional amendment so its provisions cannot be changed by the Legislature (it must be a part of a statewide ballot). As such, the feedback related to reforming Prop 26 was not included in the proposed 2025 Energy Legislation, Regulations, and Issues LAP.
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 the LAP to include the following position statements, including those that reflect Councilmember(s)’s feedback:
• Support efforts and funding for the development of sanctioned safe parking sites, including streamlined permitting, site preparation, hygiene services, waste removal services, program operations, case management, security measures, and programs to prevent pollution that may cause public health threats.
• Support legislation to amend liability insurance requirements, related to condominiums, to reduce delays and facilitate construction of these multifamily housing developments.
• Support legislation that creates a more equitable Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process that takes into account local factors including existing proportion of deed restricted affordable housing stock in each City, availability of developable land, and other factors related to developing the regional allocation of housing units.
Staff also recommends updating the following existing position statements, including those that reflect Councilmember(s)’ feedback, to make clarifications and/or expand their scope:
• Support legislation that would establish additional ongoing funding streams for the construction, preservation, and operation of local affordable housing developments. Proposed edits include funding for staff and programs.
• Support legislation and efforts that provide increased access to resources to address the needs of the most vulnerable residents through a variety of services and programs. Proposed update includes families experiencing homelessness and mental health care and substance use treatment.
• Support legislation and efforts that provide resources for small to medium sized cities to plan and implement strategies that address the impacts of homelessness on public facilities and services. Proposed update includes funding for staffing.
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 1,200 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: Staff recommends updating the LAP to include a position statement, that reflects Councilmember(s)’s feedback, to support efforts to update the Public Records Act process that balance public agencies’ resources while maintaining transparency and accountability.
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 statements:
• Support legislation that standardizes policies, training and accountability in the use of police canines to enhance both officer and community safety.
• Support efforts and funding that promotes rapid implementation, enforcement, and prosecution of laws aimed at reducing gun violence. This position statement replaces an existing position statement that states, “Support legislation that seeks to impose stricter gun violence laws and/or requires the safe storage of unattended firearms, including background checks and training requirements for gun sales.”
• Support efforts that facilitate the timely and complete implementation of voter-approved public safety initiatives, as well as legislatively approved measures aimed at reducing crime and increasing public safety.
• Support efforts to maintain public agencies’ ability to provide 9-11 system ambulance transportation and other emergency medical services.
• Support funding and efforts for public safety resources to implement a holistic approach to supporting the unhoused community and its perceived impact on community safety.
• Support legislation that allows officers to initiate a vehicle pursuit, and to have the responsibility to terminate the pursuit when the benefits of immediate apprehension are outweighed by the hazards of continuing the pursuit.
Staff also recommends updating the following existing position statements to make clarifications and/or expand their scope:
• Support efforts to reduce the list of who can seek early parole and re-classify some theft crimes from misdemeanors to felonies by reforming Assembly Bill 109 (approved by the Legislature in 2011), Proposition 47 (approved by voters in 2014) and Proposition 57 (approved by voters in 2016). Proposed updates to the position statement will expand it to “Support efforts that continue to address addiction as a health issue requiring treatment and drug and theft crimes, as well as a stricter stance on repeat offenders, through a new approach to prosecution and sentencing, including but not limited to “wobbler” offenses. A far-reaching approach with the intent to address the negative implications of Assembly Bill 109 (approved by the Legislature in 2011), Proposition 47 (approved by voters in 2014) and Proposition 57 (approved by voters in 2016) balances public safety with fair and proportionate treatment for offenders.”
• Support legislation that preserves, or expands, funding levels for public safety programs, services, reimbursement of administrative costs associated with grant implementation, record keeping and reporting, and equipment, such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants. Proposed updates expand the position to include reimbursement for administrative costs incurred by civilian/professional personnel.
• Support legislation that addresses crime trends and attempts to curb illegal activity, including but not limited to, illegal street racing and sideshow activity, thefts from automobile burglaries, and organized retail thefts, all of which are growing trends in our region. Proposed updates expand the position to include drug trafficking and human trafficking.
• Support legislation that identifies new funding sources for fire and law enforcement agencies to promote First Responder wellness and employee training. Proposed update clarifies wellness and training for all classifications of employees in public safety.
• Support legislation and efforts that aim to provide public safety resources that will be used and implemented to ensure safe and successful major events throughout the City. Proposed update includes support for funding.
• Monitor the California Police Chiefs Association positions on legislation and advocate for those that benefit Santa Clara and align with the League of California Cities’ position. Proposed update includes the California Fire Chiefs’ Association.
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 efforts to maintain and protect federal and state funding for existing City programs and services.
• Support efforts to modernize the Brown Act, particularly as in pertains to the rules related to usage of, and public notice requirements for, remote videoconferencing technology for meetings.
Additionally, staff recommends expanding an existing position statement that supports federal and state legislation to provide funding for regional solutions to problems to include climate change and sustainability.
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: Staff recommends updating this LAP to include the following position statements:
• Support funding opportunities that will assist with the transition of the City’s vehicle fleet to low- or zero-emission vehicles.
• Support efforts to provide flexibility in the transition of the City’s vehicle fleet to low- and zero-emission vehicles, as to take into account the limited availability of vehicles, availability of specialized features, costs associated with the transition, power availability to charge electric vehicles, and potential reliability impacts.
• Support legislation and funding for resiliency to develop home hardening, defensible space at the home and neighborhood level.
Staff also recommends updating the following existing position statements to make clarifications or expand their scope:
• Support efforts to expand energy generation and transmission infrastructure that will help the City meet the pace of decarbonization goals. Proposed updates include expanding the scope to include distribution infrastructure, power availability, and energy/load growth.
• Track the progress of the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project and the Santa Clara County Subregional Shoreline Adaptation Plan and support associated regional resiliency planning and funding efforts to ensure that Santa Clara’s infrastructure and community assets are considered and protected as the Bay Area plans and constructs resiliency projects. Proposed updates include tracking the process of infrastructure improvements that provide coastal flood protection from a rising sea level and support for funding efforts.
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 this LAP to include a position statement, that reflect Councilmember(s)’s feedback, to support efforts to ensure financial stability for local public transit operators. Staff also recommends making minor edits to an existing position statement related to supporting efforts to ensure accountability and fairness during the implementation of regional transportation ballot measures to include legislation and adoption of the measures.
Water Supply and Conservation
The City of Santa Clara operates 19 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. 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 delivered through separate pipelines 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: Staff recommends updating the LAP to include the following position statements:
• Support Making Conservation a California Way of Life legislation and funding.
• Support legislation that provides flexibility to utilize revenue for the implementation of low-income rate assistance programs, or similar assistance programs.
• Support legislation and efforts aimed at reducing water loss, including increased penalties associated with water and water related appurtenances theft.
Staff also recommends updating an existing position statement related to supporting legislation with regional partners that allows purified recycled water to be added to potable water supply, to include funding, reflecting Councilmember(s)’s feedback.
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 and the departments with purview over the issues within the LAPs, including City Attorney’s Office, Community Development, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Library, Office of Emergency Management, 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 2025 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 form presented.
Staff
Prepared by: Christine Jung, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Legislative Advocacy Position Policy
2. 2025 Legislative Advocacy Positions - Redline
3. 2025 Legislative Advocacy Positions - Clean