v . 0 0 5 P a g e | 1
April 1, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Legislative Platform: Approve the 2025-2026 Legislative Platform
Report Number: 25-0070
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the activity qualifies for an Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving the 2025-2026 Legislative Platform.
SUMMARY
The City coordinates and implements its legislative program with the assistance of Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP, a professional advocacy firm in Sacramento to engage at the state level on legislative priorities and policies that advance City interests.
The City’s Legislative Platform provides a foundation for the legislative program and serves as a framework to help Chula Vista engage and collaborate to advance its interests with California po licy makers, agency representatives, industry leaders and others (the “Legislative Platform”). The Legislative Platform is reviewed and updated periodically to ensure that City staff members have the direction needed to respond to legislative proposals in accordance with the City Council’s priorities and policy preferences.
The 2025-2026 Legislative Platform has been updated to reflect advocacy efforts, accomplishments from the previous year and includes new topics.
P a g e | 2
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it has also been determined that the activity qualifies for an Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
In August of 2021, the City Council approved an agreement with Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni, LLP (Nielsen Merksamer) to perform State Legislative Advocacy Services and assist with implementation of the City’s Legislative Program (the “Legislative Program”).
The Legislative Platform provides a foundation for the Legislative Program and serves as a framework to help Chula Vista engage and collaborate to advance its interests with California policy makers, agency representatives, industry leaders and others.
The City Manager implements the Legislative Platform that is reviewed and approved by City Council. The Platform is updated periodically to ensure that City staff members have the direction needed to respond to legislative proposals in accordance with the City Council's priorities and preferences. Items covered by the Legislative Platform can be acted upon quickly by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or City Manager in order to respond to measures that might affect City operations, revenue resources, and other measures. Measures which are not covered by the Legislative Platform, but which are considered sufficiently significant to merit a response from the City, can be brought before the City Council for consideration and direction. 2024-2025 Legislative Session
The second half of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session wrapped up in December 2024 and of the nearly 2,200 bills introduced, Governor Newsom signed 1,011. The City of Chula Vista was active and engaged on several legislative efforts, including AB 2783, SB 99, SB 549, SB 1178 and SJR 18 (see bill outcomes below).
AB 2783 (Alvarez): San Diego Unified Port District
City Position: Support
Outcome: Did not pass
SB 99 (Umberg): Law enforcement agencies: military equipment City Position: Oppose unless Amended
Outcome: Did not pass
SB 549 (Newman): Gaming: Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act City Position: Oppose
Outcome: Signed by Governor
SB 1178 (Padilla): California Water Quality and Public Health Protection Act City Position: Support
Outcome: Did not pass.
P a g e | 3
SJR 18 (Padilla): Tijuana River: pollution
City Position: Support
Outcome: Passed
Summary of Changes to Legislative Platform
In the coming legislative year, we are continuing to prioritize critical infrastructure at rail crossings along the I-5 corridor and on the University-Innovation District, removal of toll-only operations of the SR-125, expanded parkland in western Chula Vista and supporting the continued redevelopment of Chula Vista’s Bayfront.
Additionally, the following are new position statements that are recommended to be added to reflect current, ongoing issues and/or areas of concern. As a reminder, categories of policy position statements are broad and are not intended to be all-inclusive. They are intended to be used as a reference tool and guideline for the City’s advocacy efforts.
Community Services
Support funding efforts to increase park maintenance staffing that meets national standards. Support legislation and funding in support of spaying or neutering and/or microchip identification of animals.
Education and Economic Development
Support legislation that provides funding for innovative approaches to workforce development for in-demand employment sectors.
Support legislation that provides resources to assist tourism industry businesses and creative workers, including those in convention centers, hospitality, lodging, and special events. Support legislation and funding opportunities for athletic facility upgrades (i.e., Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center) in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.
Environmental Quality
Support legislation that requires manufacturers of products containing hazardous materials to adopt financial responsibility for the proper management and disposal of their products sold or distributed in California, including collection, transportation, and recycling. Support legislation and programs regarding the development of a statewide Building Performance Standard (BPS) (SB 48, the Building Energy Savings Act) to manage energy usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Support efforts to expedite disbursement of Proposition 4 (Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, and Protecting Communities and Natural Lands From Climate Risks) funds to local governments.
Housing and Homeless Services
Support the development of affordable student and faculty housing across higher education segments and associated financing.
P a g e | 4
Support legislation and administrative actions that would result in a sustainable and consistent source of funding for homelessness programs including removal of encampments in public right-of- way.
Public Safety
Support legislation that encourages home hardening efforts and reduction of hazardous fuels and recognizes these measures through lower insurance premiums.
Transportation, Telecommunication and Public Works
Support legislation to enhance and promote safe, walkable neighborhoods.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
City Council previously approved an agreement with Nielsen, Merksamer Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP (Resolution 2021 -147) to implement the Legislative Platform. City Council further authorized the City Manager to execute up to four one-year optional extensions, for a total amount not to exceed $400,000. The City Manager has extended the agreement for the current fiscal year pursuant to this authority.
All associated consultant costs are included in the current fiscal year 2024-25 budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Future expenditures for legislative advocacy services will be included as part of the budget process in subsequent years.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025-2026 Legislative Platform
Staff Contact: Adrianna Relph, Special Projects & Legislative Manager, City Manager’s Office