REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Informational Report on 2023 Q1 Legislative Updates
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
On October 9, 2018, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 18-8611 to approve a Legislative Advocacy Position (LAP) Policy. The LAP Policy establishes clear guidelines for advancing City goals and positions through legislative review and advocacy at the regional, state, and federal levels of government. The policy also provides 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 Council is required to annually adopt or update LAPs at the beginning of the calendar year to identify specific legislative priorities outside of the LAP Policy's legislative guiding principles. On March 21, 2023, the City Council adopted eleven (11) LAPs for 2023 on the following key issues:
* Broadband, Cable Services, and Wireless 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
* Water Supply and Conservation
The LAP Policy also requires staff to provide quarterly legislative updates on public policy items of interest to the Council and provide Council copies of letters or summary of actions on legislative items.
In coordination with City staff, the City's legislative advocacy consultant, Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. (Townsend), tracks and monitors legislation and advocates the City's position on various legislation at the State and federal levels of government. This report provides an update on such efforts.
DISCUSSION
Since the start of the calendar year, staff and Townsend Public Affairs have been tracking and monitoring various legislative items. The 2023 Q1 legi...
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