City of Indio
City Council
April 2, 2025
STAFF REPORT
To: City Council
From: Bryan H. Montgomery, City Manager
Prepared by: Jose Ramirez, Management Analyst
Subject: Resolution No. 10481 adopting the City of Indio Legislative Platform for Fiscal Year 2025-26
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the Resolution No. 10481, approving the City of Indio Legislative Platform for Fiscal Year 2025-26
SUMMARY:
The City of Indio Legislative Platform is a summary of locally approved policy statements that provide a framework for the City’s response to the county, state, and federal legislation. It authorizes the Mayor and staff, on behalf of the City of Indio, to contact state and federal representatives to advocate for legislation consistent with the goals of the Legislation Platform. The City of Indio recognizes the need for active legislative engagement at the county, state, and federal levels to protect and enhance the interests of Indio’s residents and businesses. In the City’s continued efforts to proactively and appropriately address legislation that promote City interest and preserve local legislative authority, and in alignment with the City Council’s Strategic goals and Objectives, staff recommends the Council’s adoption of the City of Indio Legislative Platform for FY 2025-26.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The purpose of the City of Indio Legislative Platform for FY 2025-26 is to clearly outline the position of the City on priority issues and matters that impact the City's ability to operate effectively. It publicly states the City's position on the issues it faces, and provides a vehicle whereby its interests can be protected at the county, state, and federal levels. Legislative platforms convey to legislators, policymakers, the public, and the media where City Council stands on important policy positions. A legislative platform also allows the City to respond quickly to issues that could directly impact the City, and to reach out to legislators to assist the City in communicating its interests at the county, state, and federal levels.
Council approval of the Legislative Platform will allow the City of Indio to advocate for the county, state, and federal legislation. A platform that is comprehensive and current will enable the City to act quickly when advocacy is needed. The City Manager and/or designated staff within the City Manager's Office will monitor county, state, and federal legislation as directed by the City Council and take appropriate action when required in order to safeguard and/or advance the City's interests.
In cases where a legislative issue is not addressed in the Legislative Platform but impacts the City, staff will return to City Council for direction as necessary. Additionally, if there is a legislative need specific to Indio, staff will identify the item as a possible subject of legislation to be sponsored by the City of Indio.
Upon the Legislative Platform's adoption, the City Manager's Office will exercise day-to-day oversight of legislative matters. Staff will track and review legislation, as warranted, and will characterize the City's position with respect to each along the following lines:
• Support: Legislation that the City should support as drafted. • Oppose: Legislation that the City should oppose as drafted. • Oppose unless amended: Legislation the City opposes unless amended. • Watch: Legislation that the City should continue to monitor.
Staff may initiate letters, contact legislative staff, or speak on behalf of the City regarding legislation.
Letters of support/opposition will be signed by the Mayor; if the Mayor is unavailable, letters will be signed by the Mayor Pro Tem; if both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are unavailable, letters will be signed by the City Manager with notification to City Council.
The City Council will receive from the City Manager's Office updates on legislative activities the City has taken a position on and/or those related to the City's Legislative Platform.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Direct staff to modify the proposed City of Indio Legislative Platform FY 2025-26.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Resolution No. 10481 - Legislative Platform FY25-26 Attachment 2 - City of Indio - FY 2025-26 Legislative Platform
APPROVAL(S):
Bryan H. Montgomery, City Manager Approved - 25 Mar 2025
1 RESOLUTION NO. 10481
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIO,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26, AND DETERMINING THAT SAID
ACTION QUAILFIES FOR THE COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(b)(3) OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AS IT CAN BE SEEN
WITH CERTAINTY THAT THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY THA THE
ACTIVITY IN QUESTION MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON
THE ENVIRONMENT
WHEREAS, a City objective is to adopt a legislative platform to strengthen local government and promote the City’s goals;
WHEREAS, it is vital to the fiscal health and autonomy of the City to effectively communicate with the County Supervisors, State Legislator, and Federal Representatives in order to favorably influence State and Federal legislation, regulations, and grant requests;
WHEREAS, the City wishes to be proactive and be involved in the governmental decision-making process directly;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIO DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The above recitals, and each of them, are true and correct.
Section 2. The City Council hereby establishes the “Legislative Platform” set forth in Exhibit A and incorporated herein, as the City’s Legislative Platform for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (“Legislative Platform”).
Section 3. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager (through staff designated by the City Manager) to take positions on legislation and/or state and federal regulations, as applicable, that are generally consistent with the Legislative Platform through the form of letters or other written communication and/or verbal contacts with appropriate state and federal staff. Letters of support and/or letters of opposition are to be signed by the Mayor and if the Mayor is not available, such letters shall be signed by the City Manager with notification to the City Council.
Section 4. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this resolution. / / /
/ / /
2 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of April 2025. ____________________________
GLENN MILLER
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________
SABDI SANCHEZ, MMC
DIRECTOR CITY CLERK SVCS.
CITY OF INDIO
LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORM
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
100 Civic Center Mall
Indio, CA 92201
www.INDIO.org
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
Glenn
Miller
Waymond
Fermon
Elaine
Holmes
Oscar
Ortiz
Benjamin
Guitron IV
About Indio
Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Indio, celebrated as the City of Festivals, is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, dynamic art scene, and an array of annual events that attract visitors globally. With a rich history and a vision for sustainable growth, Indio is committed to offering a high quality of life with diverse educational, recreational, and business opportunities. Our commitment to community-focused values, innovation, and providing excellent services defines our approach to enhancing the lives of our residents and visitors alike.
Purpose of the Legislative Platform
The Indio Legislative Platform is designed to promote the adoption of legislation that supports sound public policy and responsible governance. It serves to clearly outline the priorities of the City Council and guide advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. This document is intended to be a living reference, updated regularly to reflect the City’s evolving policy needs and priorities.
1. Local Control
The City of Indio strongly supports retaining local authority over municipal land use, fiscal resources, and legislative powers. We oppose unfunded mandates and legislation that undermines local autonomy, financial independence, or governance structures.
2. Economic Investment
Indio remains committed to fostering economic growth and investment. We support policies that strengthen local businesses, promote practical tax increment financing, support workforce development, and invest in critical infrastructure that drives economic vitality.
3. Public Safety
The safety of our community remains a cornerstone of our platform. We advocate for resources to combat crime and substance abuse, strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response, and support policies that protect our law enforcement officers and modernize public safety standards.
4. Collaboration with Other Governmental Agencies
Indio values collaboration with regional, state, and federal partners. We support coordinated efforts to address homelessness, mental health, and regional challenges, while enhancing communication and oversight to ensure successful program implementation.
5. Commercial and Residential Neighborhoods
The City supports policies that promote safe, vibrant, and inclusive neighborhoods.
We advocate for local authority over land use decisions, balanced development that preserves community character, and support for public art, placemaking, and thoughtful redevelopment projects.
6. Infrastructure, Climate Resiliency, and Environmental Quality Indio recognizes the importance of modern, resilient infrastructure. We support sustainable infrastructure investment, water resource protection, climate resiliency efforts, and balanced environmental regulations that promote public health and safety.
7. Housing and Land Use
Balancing growth with community character and sustainability remains a priority.
We support local flexibility in meeting housing needs, streamlined housing processes, expanded investment in affordable housing, and preservation of historic and cultural resources.
Conclusion
The City of Indio’s FY 2025-2026 Legislative Platform reflects our commitment to protecting local control, fostering economic growth, enhancing public safety, investing in infrastructure, supporting sustainable neighborhoods, and collaborating to solve regional challenges. Our approach aligns with the shared values of California’s cities, as represented by the League of California Cities.
Legislative Alignment and Monitoring
The City of Indio’s Legislative Platform serves as the foundation for evaluating legislation during the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. In cases where proposed legislation does not fall within the priorities outlined in this platform, the City generally aligns with and supports the positions adopted by the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), recognizing their role in representing the collective interests of California’s municipalities.
Additionally, the City’s support for the specific bills referenced in this platform is based on their language as currently drafted as of April 2, 2025. Should amendments be made to any of these measures that materially alter their intent or impact, the City of Indio reserves the right to reassess and revise its position accordingly.
Appendix A - Cal Cities Sponsored Bills (2025)
• AB 424 (Davies): Alcohol and Other Drug Programs: Complaints • AB 492 (Valencia): Alcohol and Drug Programs: Licensing • SB 35 (Umberg): Alcohol and Drug Programs
• SB 329 (Blakespear): Alcohol and Drug Recovery or Treatment Facilities: Investigations • SB 456 (Ashby): Muralist Contractor License Exemption • SB 569 (Blakespear): Homeless Encampment Collaboration Act • AB 846 (Connolly): Endangered Species – Wildfire Preparedness • SB 454 (McNerney): PFAS Mitigation Fund
• AB 996 (Pellerin): Coastal Act – Local Coastal Program Updates • AB 262 (Caloza): California Disaster Assistance – Individual Assistance Program • SB 239 (Arreguín): Brown Act Teleconferencing for Subsidiary Bodies • AB 650 (Papan): Housing Element – Regional Housing Needs Allocation Process • SB 346 (Durazo): Transient Occupancy Taxes – Short-Term Rentals