REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on 2020 Legislative Advocacy Positions [Council Pillar: Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency]
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 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 nine updated LAPs and five new LAPs for Council's consideration. If approved, staff will use these LAPs to track, monitor and advocate for legislation that is consistent with the outlined priorities and provide quarterly legislative updates to the Council as required by the LAP Policy.
DISCUSSION
Staff recommends that Council approve the attached 2020 LAPs (Attachment 2) to provide staff with direction on future legislation. Nine are existing LAPs that have been updated to reflect new legislation and work efforts. Staff is also introducing five new LAPs on the topics of 1) COVID-19 Legislation, 2) Council Districting, Campaign Reform and Public Records, 3) Hum...
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