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 re...
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