CITY OF BELMONT
CITY COUNCIL AND BELMONT FIRE
PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
www.belmont.gov
1. ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Persons wishing to orally address the Council on the items of business listed below will be given an opportunity to do so before or during the Councils consideration of the item.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. State Legislative Advocacy for the City of Belmont
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
6:30 PM
City Council Chambers
City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, California
TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS
Councilmembers will participate by teleconference under Government Code Section 54953(e), and City Council Resolution 2021-007. All votes shall be by roll call.
The meeting will be broadcast live to Belmont residents on Comcast Cable Channel 27, streamed live via the City’s website at www.Belmont.gov. The public may also attend the meeting in the City Council Chambers and address the council from the chambers. Social distancing must be practiced, and seating will be limited.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
To maximize time for live public comment, we encourage members of the public to provide comments by joining the City Council meeting via Zoom: For web, visit https://belmontgov.zoom.us/ select “Join” and enter Meeting ID: 95745673035. Use the Raise Hand feature to request to speak. You may rename your profile if you wish to remain anonymous.
For dial-in comments, call *67 1-(669) 900-6833 (your phone number will appear on the live broadcast if *67 is not dialed prior to the phone number), enter Meeting ID: 95745673035, and press *9 to request to speak. All public comments are subject to a 3-minute time limit unless otherwise determined by the Mayor.
If you wish to submit written public comment, you may send an email to [email protected] before the council considers the item. Please indicate the agenda item topic or agenda item number you wish to comment on in your email’s subject line. Any public comment regarding agenda items that are received from the publication of the agenda through the meeting date will be made part of the meeting record, but will not be read during the Council meeting.
1 Recommendation: Receive a legislative update and provide feedback to update the City’s Legislative Platform. No action is required by the Council.
Attachment(s):
Staff Report
RPPG PPT Presentation
2022 _DRAFT Legislative Platform City of Belmont
3. ADJOURNMENT
If you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (650) 595-7413. The speech and hearing-impaired may call (650) 637-2999 for TDD services. Notification in advance of the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Meeting information can also be accessed via the internet at: www.belmont.gov. All staf reports will be posted to the web in advance of the meeting, and any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council/District Board or Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Of ice, One Twin Pines Lane, during normal business hours and at the Council Chambers at City Hall, Second Floor, during the meeting. 2
State Legislative Advocacy Legislative Platform Updatev2 - Staff Report 2.22.22
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: February 22, 2022
Agency: City of Belmont
Staff Contact: Afshin Oskoui, City Manager, 650-595-7408, [email protected] Agenda Title: State Legislative advocacy for the City of Belmont Agenda Action: For Information Only
Recommendation
Receive a legislative update and provide feedback to update the City’s Legislative Platform. No action is required by the Council.
Strategic Focus Area
Fiscal and Organizational Sustainability
Background
The City’s Legislative Platform was reaffirmed by the Council on March 9, 2021. However, in recent years there has been a significant increase in State legislation that directly affects cities—particularly in the areas of housing, land use, environmental and operational local mandates. Moreover, with the budget, health and safety as well as economic impacts due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the City Council expressed interest in receiving more regular updates on pending legislation, engaging on pending legislation that impacts the City as well as exploring funding opportunities for the City.
For the past two years the City has retained Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) to provide State Legislative Advocacy and Consulting Services. RPPG was engaged to provide guidance and advocacy services when appropriate on state legislation regarding housing initiatives, infrastructure, regional transportation improvements, environmental sustainability, community services, public safety and emergency management and other policies that may affect the City’s operations or finances.
With respect to state legislative engagement, out of the eleven pieces of legislation that Belmont engaged on in 2021 PPG helped the City put its mark on nine. With the 5 measures the City opposed, RPPG was critical in securing amendments requested by the City to lessen the impact of said legislation or was able to successfully stop the legislation from advancing in 2021.
Belmont’s sponsored piece of legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 640 (Becker), allowing for multiple jurisdictions statewide pool their resources together for eligible Senate Bill 1 transportation projects of mutual interest In 2021, the City worked with RPPG and Senator Josh Becker in advancing Belmont’s first piece of sponsored legislation. Senate Bill (SB) 640 allows jurisdictions to issue joint proposals using local streets and roads resources for projects of mutual interest.
In an effort to drive awareness and to implement a successful legislative advocacy strategy, RPPG hit four key performance indicators in the last 12 months under contract with the City of Belmont. 3
State Legislative Advocacy Legislative Platform Updatev2 - Staff Report 2.22.22 Analysis
The objective in pursuing a legislative program for the City is to keep the City Council, staff and residents abreast of proposed legislation that may have the potential to impact the City. The City’s Legislative Platform contains broad policy statements pertaining to a variety of issues important to us. Additionally, it provides a policy framework for the City to respond to issues in a timely manner, including correspondence from the Mayor or City Manager to the Legislature and/or Congress. The City’s primary legislative focus includes protecting local government control, improving public safety, maintaining local government revenues, obtaining funding for environmental sustainability, transportation, recreational, technology and infrastructure improvements.
By implementing and maintaining an active legislative advocacy program, the City can ensure the City Council and staff continue to be fully apprised of evolving state initiatives that may affect the City’s key priorities, programs, or operations.
Review of Current Legislative Platform –
RPPG conducted a review of the 2021 Belmont Legislative Platform. All told, the platform is quite detailed and certainly provides direction for city staff and RPPG to engage on a variety of policy issues.
As detailed in Attachment B, RPPG made minor suggested amendments in the areas of housing and utilities. These suggested changes serve as a starting point for council to discuss and provide direction for city staff and RPPG. After receiving feedback from Council, RPPG plans to work with staff to make additional modifications for the Council’s consideration for adoption. The legislative platform is designed 547
Pieces of Legislation Tracked on Behalf of the City
Legislation, tracked and assessed for impacts on City operational, legal and/or loss of local decision making
82%
On Legislative Engagement—Making the City's Voice Heard Either achieved the desired outcome or secured critical amendments to dramatically reduce adverse impacts on the City. (9 desired outcome OR significanlty improved based on RPPG's engagement out of 11 total).
$200K
+
In Revenue Protected
From clawbacks due to annual Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) shortfall.
328
Combined Deliverables and Touchpoints Provided to and on behalf of the City Legislative updates, legislative and budgetary position letters, policy, and political analysis, meetings with City and/or state legislature on behalf of the City. 4
State Legislative Advocacy Legislative Platform Updatev2 - Staff Report 2.22.22 to be an evolving document. As part of a multi-layered approach, it is intended that this document be updated at least once annually, preferably in advance of each new legislative session. This annual review and update will ensure that RPPG and city staff is continuing to engage on polices that matter most to Belmont.
California State Budget Highlights, Timing and Process – On January 10, Governor Newsom presented for nearly three hours on the budget in its entirety. The $286.4 billion spending plan is an increase of 9% in total. While the projected surplus comes in it at approximately $45.7 billion the Governor was quick to point out that over half ($25 billion) has been earmarked through Proposition 98 ($16.1 billion), Proposition 2 ($3.9 billion) and various state reserves ($5.21 billion) leaving approximately $20.6 billion in discretionary reserves. Similar to his predecessor, Governor Newsom has proposed little in the ways of long-term funding commitments and instead is seeking to bolster current programs and make one-time investments centered around five major themes:
1. Fighting COVID-19 With Science
2. Combating the Climate Crisis
3. Confronting Homelessness
4. Tackling the Cost of Living
5. Keeping our Streets Safe
One notable exception to mostly one-time or short term (multi-year) funding proposals aims to expand full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility to all income-eligible adults aged 26 through 49 regardless of immigration status. Over the last decade, the Medi-Cal program has significantly expanded and changed. This is due in large part to the implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as well as California's expansions of Medi-Cal coverage to children, young adults, and adults over 50. The Governor proposes an ongoing $2.2 billion appropriation with a target date of no sooner than January 1, 2024, to expand Medi-Cal—making it available to all income-eligible Californians.
Timing
The Administration will work with the State Legislature over the next six months considering the merits of the Governor’s budget proposal—deliberating items through various budget sub committees, the Administration and the Legislature will come to a consensus to adhere to the Constitutional June 15, 2022, deadline to adopt a balanced budget. The Governor will then have until June 30, 2022, to sign the Budget into law. Keep in mind that the “Budget Act” is bound by constitutional restraints as outlined. However, it has become common practice for the Governor and the Legislature to use the Budget Trailer Bill (BTB) process (e.g., a series of smaller—often topic-specific budget bills) that can quickly move anytime through the year to advance both early and late budget action. RPPG will continue to engage and advise on all budget-related matters of interest to the City.
RPPG Work Plan –
RPPG continues to engage the San Mateo County legislative delegation, the Office of the Governor as well as Senate and Assembly leadership to ensure the City of Belmont is apprised of all relevant actions taking place that may have a material impact on the City. As we move through the legislative session, RPPG will continue to keep the City updated on all actions and movements important to Belmont, such as the VLF shortfall issue. Throughout this legislative session RPPG will continue to work on the following deliverables including:
5
State Legislative Advocacy Legislative Platform Updatev2 - Staff Report 2.22.22 • Update and development of the City’s legislative platform and advocacy materials. • Monitoring, tracking, engaging, and reporting on key legislation regarding the City’s priorities and interests.
• Representation at legislative committee meetings on matters of interest to the City. • State Administration outreach.
• Assistance with the identification of relevant grant opportunities and other funding sources and development of strategies for securing them.
• Other duties as directed.
Alternatives
1. Provide direction and postpone for future discussion Attachments
A. RPPG PowerPoint Presentation
B. Redlined DRAFT revisions and comments too 2022 Legislative Platform Fiscal Impact
☒ No Fiscal Impact
Source: Purpose: Public Outreach:
Staff Council Vision/Priority Posting of Agenda
6 City of Belmont: Legislative Update
Study Session
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Dane Hutchings, Managing Director, RPPG
February 22, 2022
7 RPPG + City of Belmont Core Team
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Dane Hutchings
Primary Advocate
Alyssa Silhi Jake Whitaker
Grant Research
A team of municipal policy experts, with decades of experience in advancing the policy and funding needs for local government agencies.
Sharon Gonsalves
8 Quick Snapshot: Governors Budget
• Governors Budget Proposal outlines $25 billion in discretionary surplus. • Major Themes Include:
• COVID response (EBA) $1.9 billion funding package approved February 10, 2022 • Climate action($2.35 billion) and Green infrastructure ($6.1 billion) • Transportation ($10.6 Billion)
• Homelessness ($2 Billion)
• Housing ($2 billion)
• Combatting retail crime ($350 million)
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com 9 Quick Snapshot: State Legislature Cont.
• As of February 16, there has been a total of 781 new pieces of legislation introduced.
• Expecting another 1,200 by February 18, 2022
• Currently “triaging” legislation (e.g., track, divide by subject matter, assess for impacts).
• Early indicators of legislative turnover due to 2022 ratified district maps. • Dozens of lawmakers have either resigned or have announced they are not seeking reelection.
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com 10 Quick Snapshot: State Legislature Cont.
• COVID-19 Vaccine
requirements
• Housing, ADUs, Parking
Restrictions
• Brown Act reforms
• State and Local recall reforms
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
• Transportation—including
CEQA streamlining for projects
• ZEV and EVC Stations
• Utilities and CCAs
• Fire, Floor and Climate
Change
Major Legislative Themes Include
11 Quick Snapshot: State Legislature Cont.
• January 31—Last day for bills introduced in 21’ to advance to the opposite house.
• February 18—Last day for bills to be introduced in the 2022 session • Early May—Governor will present “May Revision” of his FY22-23 budget proposal • May 27—House of origin deadline last day for bills introduced in 22’ to advance to the opposite house.
• June 30 FY22-23 Budget Must be signed by the Governor Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com 12 Review of Belmont State Legislative Platform
Minor suggested edits include:
Housing:
Support funding opportunities provided to local jurisdictions through statewide bond efforts.
Review and evaluate legislation that would directly tie production mandates to the regional housing needs assessment process.
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com 13 Review of Belmont State Legislative Platform
Utilities:
Support legislation that provides fair and equitable rate structures for CCA customers including access to revenues through Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) program.
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com 14 Review of Belmont State Legislative
Platform
Next Steps:
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Feedback and direction
from Council
Work with City Staff to
incorporate Council
feedback and direction
council adoption
15 Thank You!
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
16 Belmont Legislative Platform redline 2022
City of Belmont
DRAFT 2022 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Platform Overview
The Legislative Platform contains broad policy statements pertaining to a variety of issues that impact the City of Belmont—reflecting the mission, vision and values of the City to enrich the quality of life for our community with services that provide for a safe, fulfilling and vibrant life.
The Legislative Platform provides a policy framework for the City to respond to state and federal legislative issues important to the City in a timely manner. Outlining policy guidelines will also serve to provide direction to City staff and legislative consultants to engage on state legislation on behalf of the City in real time—including correspondence from the Mayor or City Manager to the Legislature and/or Congress.
The City’s primary legislative focus include protecting local government control, improving public safety maintaining local government revenue, obtaining funding for environmental sustainability, transportation, recreational, technology and infrastructure improvements.
Furthermore, our focus remains committed to finding ways to work collaboratively with federal, state and local partners to further our City’s ability to achieve its strategic goals.
Legislative Issues
Local Control
The City values its ability and authority to exercise local control and to protect and enhance the quality of life for Belmont’s residents. Support Legislation that enhances local control of resources and that allows cities to address the needs of local constituents within a framework of regional cooperation. Encourage the use of federal and state incentives for local government action rather than mandates (funded or unfunded).
Oppose preemption of local authority whether by state or federal legislation or ballot propositions. Support efforts to streamline regulations that simplify the job of running a city and oppose efforts that erode the city’s authority to control its own affairs.
Fiscal and Administrative Initiatives
Support fiscal sustainability and ‘best in class’ administrative initiatives to ensure the delivery of superlative city services. Monitor initiatives which seek changes in fiscal relationships at the local, state and federal level, and support legislation that guarantees ongoing revenue sources for local government.
Support opportunities that allow the City to compete for its fair share of regional, state and federal funding, and that maintain funding streams. Opportunities may include competitive grant and funding programs. Pursue funding opportunities for public facilities and services including capital improvement projects, public works projects, homeland security, library, parks and social service facilities.
17 Belmont Legislative Platform redline 2022
Support legislative, administrative and/ or funding mechanisms that enable the City to better provide core services and respond to the needs of its residents. Options may include regional service delivery, flexibility around seasonal workforce, project specific workforce or other innovate tools to adapt to changing fiscal conditions and resident’s needs.
Oppose legislative, legal or ballot measures that
Housing and Land Use
Support incentive-based housing legislation to encourage expanding affordable housing supply including development of fiscal tools and incentives to assist local governments in their efforts to encourage housing, finance the infrastructure to support housing, establish an ongoing state commitment to funding affordable housing, and fund and support affordable housing programs, including supportive housing programs and necessary infrastructure.
Support funding programs that promote the development and enhancement of safe, affordable, and accessible housing within the City for all economic segments of the population, including workforce housing.
Support reforms and improvements to housing element law to provide clear processes and flexibility to allow regional cooperation and establish realistic housing goals and performance standards—including modifications in criteria to meet the State’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) goals.
Support legislation that provides incentives (tax benefits, grants, loans, credits for affordable units) to local agencies, private developers and non-profit groups in order to rehabilitate residential units and commercial properties.
Oppose state mandated attempts to usurp local discretion over matters relating to local housing and land use policies.
Advocate for recognition and use of inclusionary housing requirements as a condition of development and other tools in an effort to incorporate affordable housing into market rate development.
Support funding opportunities provided to local jurisdictions through statewide bond efforts.
Review and evaluate legislation that would directly tie production mandates to the regional housing needs assessment process.
18 Belmont Legislative Platform redline 2022
Transportation
Support state and federal legislation that enhances the safety of the City’s streets for automobile, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, including issues related to speed enforcement, traffic congestion reduction programs and regional transportation improvements.
Support protection of dedicated transportation-related tax revenues and enhance the ability of local agencies to finance local transportation programs and facilities (e.g. Gas Tax, State bond funds).
Support efforts to maximize the State’s purchasing power to lower materials costs for local streets and road repair.
Support federal and state funding and policy goals to enhance multi-modal transportation efforts.
Environmental Sustainability
Support cost-effective, sustainable and responsible environmental policy programs in the areas of energy efficiency, greenhouse gases, climate change, wastewater, solid waste removal and stormwater, among others. Support measures that expand markets for recyclable materials and maintain local authority and flexibility to regulate solid waste and recyclables.
Oppose waste and resource recovery measures imposing state-mandated costs when there is no guarantee of local cost recovery or offsetting benefit.
Community Services
Support funding for ADA facility and park upgrades. Promote legislation that provides for increased services to or funding for youth and at-risk populations such as the frail elderly, homeless, disabled and other challenged populations.
Infrastructure Maintenance and Rehabilitation
Support legislation and policies that promote investing in the maintenance and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure (streets, stormwater, wastewater, parks and facilities). Support the lowering of the threshold for voter-approved capital financing and opportunities for innovative public financing.
Utilities
Support efforts that maintain the ability to retain existing fees on telecommunications services and for public, educational and governmental channels. Oppose efforts to restrict the authority of cities to zone and plan for the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. Support the ability of cities to maintain and manage the public right-of-way and receive compensation for its use.
Support California PUC efforts to require enhanced, more effective and timely notification for planned and unplanned repairs resulting in power outages to customers. Monitor California PUC 19 Belmont Legislative Platform redline 2022
regulatory system for impacts to overall safety, health, and quality of life of the residents of Belmont.
Support legislation that provides fair and equitable rate structures for CCA customers including access to revenues through Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) program.
Public Safety
Support legislative efforts to improve local law enforcement, fire suppression and prevention, hazardous materials mitigation, rescue, emergency medical services, and disaster preparedness.
Including legislation and grant funding opportunities for innovate fire suppression technology.
Support forward thinking legislative, administrative and funding polices that promote civic engagement, community partnerships and public education.
Support legislative efforts to grant state and federal funding to supplement local law enforcement to increase staffing, equipment and capital improvements to maintain public safety. 20