2021-2022 City of Alameda Legislative Agenda
General Principle
The City of Alameda (City) will strongly consider supporting the use of incentives to encourage local government action and legislation that promote social equity and enhance the quality of life and health of Alameda residents. The City will strongly consider opposing any legislation or regulations that preempt s local control while supporting Council priorities, negatively affects the City’s budget, or imposes unfunded mandates on the City.
The City supports addressing the ongoing COVID -19 response and recovery efforts, including protecting the health and safet y of residents and workers, ensuring equitable access to a vaccine, safely reopening local schools, financial resources and other support to assist individuals and businesses impacted by the pandemic, and economic recovery efforts.
The City supports legislation that will advance the following City Council priorities:
1. Preparing Alameda for the future;
2. Encouraging economic development throughout Alameda;
3. Supporting enhanced livability and quality of life;
4. Protecting core services; and
5. Ensuring effective and efficient operations.
The City’s 2021-2022 Legislative Agenda includes the following categories: Base Reuse, Redevelopment, Land Use, Infrastructure and Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Parks and Open Space, Revenue and Taxation, Employee Relations, Environment, and Housing.
Base Reuse
Support legislation and policies that preserve Alameda’s interests related to base reuse, clean-up, and conveyance.
Support changes that support the efficient redevelopment and leasing of property at former military bases consistent with approved community reuse plans. Support legislation that allows for a greater housing allocation at Alameda Point. Continue work for V eterans Affairs federal construction funding and project completion.
Seek transportation, park and open space, affordable housing, and infrastructure funds.
Work with the Army Corps of Engineers and other relevant agencies on shoreline stabilization and seek funds for implementation.
Promote funding of environmental clean-up and expedited property conveyance. Support efforts to create and enhance financing tools, such as tax increment financing, for the funding of parks and infrastructure. Support efforts to retain MARAD (United States Maritime Administration) ships in Alameda.
Seek funding for dredging at the Alameda -based MARAD facility as it may relate to Homeland Security.
Redevelopment
Support legislation that assists cities to address issues stemming from the State of California’s dissolution of Redevelopment in 2011.
Support legislative efforts to provide a funding mechanism and other strategies to promote economic development and affordable and middle -income housing programs.
Support legislation regarding the unwinding of redevelopment that maximizes the former redevelopment agency’s flexibilit y and authority regarding enforceable obligations, implementation of DDA’s, etc.
Land Use
Support legislation that improves the quality of life for Alameda residents and businesses.
Support incentives that assist local governments to accommodate new growth in existing communities.
Support transportation, land use, and building policies that encourage the thoughtful use of resources, lower energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas consumption, and enhance resilience.
Support actions that minimize noise impacts from planes on the City’s residents. Preserve/expand maritime uses, including derelict vessels, dredging, marina upgrades/grants, and regulations.
Oppose legislation that would limit the City’s ability to control the time, place, manner, and cost of wireless communication facilities on City property and within the public right of way.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Support measures that make Alameda safer for pedestrians and bicyclists , increase safety around schools, address the City Council’s stated priorities on transportation projects, directly or indirectly reduce or help alleviate on - and off-island traffic concerns, and lower transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions.
Seek funding and programmatic support for bike -pedestrian bridge between Alameda and Oakland.
Support federal and state funding to support public transit systems in Alameda and regionally, including facilitating BART in Alameda.
Support the smart city objective to provide an equitable internet access option for telecommuting, teleschooling and telehealth to ensure digital inclusion, especially for disadvantaged populations.
Support the smart city objective to improve safety with emergency response optimization, disaster early -warning signals and vehicl e-to-vehicle communications including advanced collision avoidance systems while reducing threats from cyber-attacks.
Support state legislation to increase enforcement of speed violations, including to allow the use of automated enforcement cameras for speed violations. Support state legislation to develop a new approach to setting speed limits that would provide more control for local jurisdictions and greater flexibility of speed limit setting in urban areas.
Support legislative efforts that enable local governments to improve road safety, including but not limited to changes to the 85 th percentile rule used to set speed limits, allowing localities to set their limits (including under 25) and design guidelines for standards for low-speed streets, changes to the stop sign warranting process to prioritize safety over car throughput, and the removal of the ban on speed enforcement cameras.
Support greater local control , heightened regulation, and transparency of Transportation Network Companies (TNC) including Uber and Lyft and Automated Vehicle deployment and operations.
Support innovative t echnological solutions to eliminate the dangerous use of phones in moving vehicles.
Support changing state requirements that slow down safety projects, including but not limited to CEQA exemptions.
Support Oakland Alameda Access Project traffic improvements. Support the development of a West End bicycle/pedestrian bridge. Promote expansion and improvement of Bay Area -wide water transit, with an emphasis on ferry service in Alameda.
Protect existing transportation funding and oppose efforts that would reduce or eliminate funding for cities. Support State, County, and Federal transportation funding for:
o Stable and reliable revenue streams for transportation reconstruction and maintenance that is available for local priorities and transportation needs. o Implementation of the Citywide Transportation Choices Plan, Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, and other City transportation efforts to minimize traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. o Fruitvale lifeline bridge and other egress off of Alameda. o West End bicycle and pedestrian bridge.
o Regional transit access to Oakland and BART.
o Greenhouse gas reduction efforts such as supporting expansion of Electric Vehicles and their charging infrastructure.
o Bicycle, pedestrian, and trail improvements.
Support pedestrian and bike safety as well as access improvements throughout the City with an emphasis on enabling residents to get safely to BART, ferries, and other methods of commuting.
Promote and support active transportation efforts.
Support the League of California Cities’ strategic advocacy priority to protect and modernize critical infrastructure . Seek increased state and federal resources for critical and sustainable local infrastructure projects including roads, public transit, active transportation, water availability, and broadband deployment that enhance workforce and economic development and improve quality of life.
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Support legislation that provides resources for police and fire services, disaster preparedness, and resiliency and helps reduce crime and increase the public safety of Alameda residents.
Support policing and racial equity outcomes consistent wit h actions taken by the City Council during the year.
Support for legislation that would restrict catalytic converter sales. Support S B 271, repealing eligibility provis ions for the office of elected county sheriff.
Support measures that reform the criminal justice system in California, including , but not limited to, eliminating cash bail.
Support gun safety and common-sense gun laws and policies that keep guns out of the wrong hands, including expanded background check requirements. Increase local control to strengthen firearm safety where state or federal preemption prohibits.
Seek funding and resources for disaster preparedness, prevention, recovery, response, and resilience for all-hazard threats, including but not limited to flooding, earthquakes, and fires.
Support legislative efforts to mitigate impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Maintain federal investment in resources critical to enabling local law enforcement to adequately provide public safety such as the Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) program funding.
Maintain full federal funding for the Staffing for Adequate Fir e and Emergency Response (SAFER) and the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant programs and retain the local cost share waiver for the AFG program. Support the proposed legislation to allow City and County Fire Departments the same authority to implement cost recovery for emergency services as current State law applies to fire districts and special districts.
Continue and enhance funding for estuary/marine debris removal. Support efforts to improve patient care and reduce costs through an adoption of a Community Paramedic Program with an alternate destination project, where patients who are suffering from minor cuts or illnesses are asked by a trained paramedic if they can be transported to an urgent care center or physician’s office instead of an emergency room for treatment.
Support the League of California Cities’ strategic advocacy priority to improve state-local coordination and planning to strengthen community disaster preparedness, resiliency, and recovery. Pursue additional resources and support to mitigate the effects of climate change, sea level rise, catastrophic wildfires, and flooding in our communities. Promote community disaster preparedness, resiliency, and recovery in collaboration with the state and federal governments.
Increase availability and access to the National Flood Insurance Program to include other natural disasters.
Health & Human Services
Support legislation that increases equity and addresses systemic racism , provides additional funding and resources to improve the physical health, mental health, and well- being of Alameda residents, provides funding for services and programs for unsheltered residents, and promotes social equity.
Support policing and racial equity outcomes consistent with actions taken by the City Council during the year.
Support efforts that address the most vulnerable in Alameda and increase positive outcomes with the mentally ill and unhoused population. Support state and federal efforts to provide greater rights and protections to cities that have adopted Sanctuary City policy.
Support efforts to provide pro bono and other low cost services to residents who are immigrants and refugees and others who are in need. Support efforts that help address inequities created by the previous criminalization of cannabis.
Protect State rights regarding legalization and decriminalization of cannabis. Support the work of organizations such as the National Institute of Health, to conduct scientific research that studies cannabis as a substance, its uses and side effects, its classification and possible removal as a Schedule 1 drug , and the potential health benefits of cannabis and reducing opioid abuse. Support legislation on funding and other resources for testing for lead poisoning , especially among children.
Support efforts that promote public health and sanitation. Support efforts to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our residents, including helping prevent youth smoking and vaping and reducing the consumption of sugary beverages.
Support the League of California Cities’ strategic advocacy priority to increase flexibility and resources to provide navigation assistance and emergency shelters, and strengthen partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure mental health, substance abuse treatment, and wrapa round services are available for adults and youth at risk of – or already experiencing – homelessness in our communities.
Parks and Open Space
Support legislation that supports the development, expansion, and maintenance of Alameda parks.
Support State, County, and Federal funding for park development, infrastructure, and maintenance.
Support San Francisco Bay Trail and Bay Area Water Trail development and the development of a new regional park at the Northwest Territories in Alameda Point.
Revenue and Taxation
Support legislation that creates a positive financial impact on the City.
Support state or federal funding for economic recovery related to the COVID -19 pandemic, including but not limited to small businesses, nonprofits, low -income renters, and assisting utilities with past due accounts. Support SB 314, the Bar and Restaurant Recovery Act, to help small businesses recover from the pandemic.
Support the League of California Cities’ strategic advocacy priority to secure state and federal funding for local COVID -19 public health response and economic recovery for all. Secure direct and flexible funding and resources for cities of all sizes so they can continue to protect residents from the pandemic, deliver essential services, support small businesses, and lead the recovery in our communities.
Improve communication and coordination with regional, state, and federal governments on public health orders and programs to stimulate equitable economic recovery.
Expand economic, business, and job development.
Support legislation that will help local governments recover taxes fro m remote sellers (e-commerce).
Support legislation that will prevent State from redirecting or taking away local revenue sources.
Increase grant funding opportunities with reduced local match requirement. Support State efforts that would reduce the vote threshold for local initiatives. Maintain and when necessary defend funding allocations, particularly as it relates to Sanctuary City status.
Reduce burdensome financial reporting.
Employee Relations
Promote attraction and retention of qualified employees in the workforce.
Maintain decisions about health and retirement benefits at the local level. Assistance with Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liabilities. Assistance with California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) liabilities.
Environment
Support legislation that promotes environmental protection and sustainability, such as resource and energy efficiency, water quality, air quality, recycling, and conservation.
Support Green New Deal legislation that sets a policy framework to imple ment a commitment to reduce severe climate change impacts while protecting public health and the environment, overcome systemic racial injustice, and ensure all California residents enjoy a 21 st century standard of living without regard to their wealth or income.
Support additional resources to assist local governments in developing and implementing energy efficiency and conservation strategies that maximize available resources, reduce costs, exp and community access, and protect public health.
Support additional resources to assist in the City’s implementation of the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.
Support the adopted plastic bag and straw bans, efforts to expand existing bans, and Alameda’s disposable food service ware reduction law. Promote and fund recycling and landfill diversion efforts and ensure residents have access to convenient recycling facilities.
Support efforts to secure a 6 -12 month extension of SB 1383 requirements (75% reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025).
Encourage funding and resources to promote and implement energy efficiency. Support resources to assist local governments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Support funding and resources for local agencies to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including addressing sea level rise and flood protection, implement ing drought tolerant, Bay-Friendly landscape (medians and passive park areas), and providing recycled water infrastructure on the main island. Support storm water program funding and bring additional resources to support green infrastructure planning and projects.
Access t o cap and trade revenues through appropriations for transportation, sustainable communities, affordable housing, and sea level rise. Support State efforts that would grant authority to municipalities to implement congestion pricing.
Promote regional authority to coordinate climate change responses.
Housing
Encourage legislation that supports the funding and development of affordable and middle-income housing.
Support legislation to increase housing near transit and jobs and remove barriers to developing housing.
Support regulations to short term rentals (for example, VRBO and Airbnb) including limiting the number of permits issued.
Support legislation and proposals that provide incentives and resources to expand local efforts that integrate housing, transportation, and land use and assist in the reorganization and replacement of existing infrastructure to support California's growing population.
Support legislation and proposals that promote tax -increment and other financing mechanisms for the provision of affordable housing.
Support initiatives that expand financial resources for affordable housing development, such as increased access to State bond funds for below market rate loans, grants for special needs housing, and loans and loan guarantees to preserve rental housing for long-term affordable use.
Support full funding for the National Housing Trust Fund, Section 8, HOME, and the CDBG programs, and legislation that promotes innovation and flexibility for the administration of housing programs including the Moving to Work program, statutory waivers and a jurisdiction’s ability to respond to housing crises locally.
Support measures and funding for those who face additional housing barriers, including unsheltered residents, veterans, seniors, and disabled members of our community.
Support measures that would reduce income inequalities, including tax deductions for low-income renters and lowering the cap on the mortgage interest deduction and devoting revenues to support programs for unsheltered residents and low- income renters.
Support COVID-19 rental assistance for tenants and landlords. Support state or federal measures to assist first time homebuyers. Support the League of California Cities’ strategic advocacy priority to secure funding to increase the supply and affordability of housing and resources to assist individuals at risk of – or already experiencing – homelessness while preserving local decision making.
Secure additional resources to increase construction of housing, particularly affordable housing, workforce housing, and permanent supportive housing, and ensure cities retain flexibility based on the land use needs of each community.