CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: February 1, 2022
Subject
Consider adopting the proposed 2022 Legislative Platform.
Recommended Action
Adopt the proposed 2022 Legislative Platform.
Background
Each year, the Council adopts a Legislative Platform (Platform) that guides and informs official City positions on pending legislative issues during the year. The Legislative Review Committee (LRC) uses the Council-approved Platform to authorize City positions and position letters on legislation. Federal and state bills consistent with the City’s legislative priorities would be supported by the City. Those policies or proposals in conflict with the Platform would be opposed. Items not clearly addressed in the City’s Platform would require Council approval prior to any position being taken. For example, when the Platform indicates that an issue will be “monitored” without providing support or oppose direction, legislation regarding that issue will need to come before the full Council if the City wishes to take an official position. Since the LRC is a smaller group comprised of two councilmembers, they can remain nimble and respond to time-sensitive legislative issues. More information on the LRC and City positions can be found at cupertino.org/LRC.
Discussion
This year’s draft Legislative Platform includes many of the same elements as the 2021 Legislative Platform and includes some modifications based on recommendations from the LRC and staff. These changes from the 2021 Platform can be seen in the attached redline version (Attachment B). The following sections of the Draft 2022 Legislative Platform have been updated:
Housing and Community Development
This section was updated to include support for legislation that positively addresses housing shortages in communities. It also emphasizes the City’s support for local control by opposing legislation that provides the state with additional powers to overturn local planning decisions. In addition, this section was updated to also monitor legislation that modifies Density Bonus Law.
Economic Development
As a response to bills like SB 792, this section has been updated to oppose legislation that would amend sales tax distribution formulas in a way that would negatively affect the City. In addition, this section now includes support for legislation and funding for workforce development and skills training.
Emergency Preparedness
The section was updated to include monitoring legislation related to regulating drone usage by public agencies.
Environmental Protection
This section was updated to include support for legislation and funding for electrification of residential homes.
Transportation and Infrastructure
A slight modification was made in this section by emphasizing that lot splits or the addition of a second unit on a parcel should also be included when opposing legislation that limits or reduces local impact fees. Additionally, this section was updated to support legislation and funding to provide free or reduced-price access to public transit to low-income individuals.
Health and Public Safety
Both the state and federal sections now include new monitoring positions on legislation related to appropriate law enforcement response to public protests. Additionally, due to the increase in thefts in the Bay Area, this section now includes monitoring for legislation related to petty theft and theft value limits.
Homelessness
This section now has an emphasis on supporting legislation that provides financial counseling and prevention resources to those at risk of becoming homeless.
On December 10, 2021, the LRC considered the proposed Platform and unanimously recommended that Council adopt the proposed 2022 Legislative Platform with the amendments they discussed. The amendments have been incorporated into the proposed Platform and are summarized above.
Sustainability Impact
No sustainability impact.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact.
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Prepared by: Astrid Robes, Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Christopher Jensen, City Attorney
Dianne Thompson, Assistant City Manager
Katy Nomura, Deputy City Manager
Approved for Submission by: Jim Throop, City Manager
Attachments:
A – Proposed 2022 Legislative Platform
B – Proposed 2022 Legislative Platform Redline