Fairfield City Council
March 4, 2025

City of Fairfield
2025 Federal and State Legislative Platform

Reaffirmed by City Council Resolution 2025-36 on March 4, 2025

PURPOSE
The Legislative Platform establishes the priorities, principles, and policy statement of the City of Fairfield City Council and creates the basis for its advocacy efforts, alerting our legislative partners of the greatest needs of our residents and where w e need additional help. The Platform provides general direction to City departments, legislative advocates, delegation members, and the public on our positions on critical policy matters that may impact how the City does business. Adoption of a legislative platform by the City Council streamlines the City’s advocacy efforts by enabling City staff to take immediate action on pressing legislative items efficiently and without delay under City Council direction.

Throughout the legislative session, the City w ill review and take positions on various policy and budget items at the State and Federal level s. When a recommended position is consistent with existing City policy, as adopted in the Platform, the City Manager’s Office will prepare a position letter for the mayor’s signature.

PRIORITY POLICY AREAS
Throughout the year , the City will respond to various legislative items, but three policy areas will remain a priority.

 Affordable Housing and H omeless Resources – The City support s policies and funding mechanisms for affordable housing and homeless resources. The City strives to permanently reduce homelessness in Fairfield by protecting the health and safety of all residents, increasing housing opportunities, enhancing the system of care, improving public policy and engagement, and strengthening regional coordination and capacity to address homelessness.

Since Fiscal Year 2019, the City of Fairfield has spent approximately $11.57 million in overall services for those experiencing homelessness. The City will continue to seek funding support and legislation that provides resources and programming to address California's homeless crisis. Funding for a ffordable and permanent supportive housing i s vital in addressing homelessness, and the City strives to make housing accessible to all income and service levels. The City will monitor and support sustainable funding for various housing types while also balancing the importance of local control over planning and land use.

 Maintaining Local Control – The City of Fairfield is committed to preserving local control and decision-making authority, along with state and local funding sources, and opposes unfunded or inadequately funded mandates . The City su pports ongoing engagement between state and local governments to ensure local control is maintained and responsible housing development is promoted in a collaborative effort.

 Criminal Justice Reform – The City of Fairfield is dedicated to advocating for meaningful reforms to California Propositions 47 and 5 7 to address concerns related to public safety and the criminal justice system. Recognizing the importance of criminal justice reform, the City seeks modifications to Proposition 47 to ensure that its i ntended goals of reducing certain non -violent offenses to misdemeanors do not inadvertently compromise public safety. The City also advocates for a review and potential adjustment of Proposition 5 7, which addresses non -violent juvenile offenders. While sup porting the underlying principles of these propositions, the City emphasizes the necessity of refining the legislative framework to strike an appropriate balance. The aim is to prevent unintended consequences that may hinder the police department's ability to hold offenders accountable and ensure community safety. The City urges collaborative efforts to revisit and reform Propositions 47 and 57 to better align with the needs and concerns of our community while upholding the principles of fairness, justice, and public welfare.

POLICY STATEMENTS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : Monitor and support efforts that encourage economic development; strengthen local government’s capability to implement plans for growth, development, and conservation; seek additional funding through grants and other possible revenue streams for housing and neighborhood revitalization programs.

State
 Support legislation that provides cities with tools and resources to promote and stimulate economic development.
 Support local, county, and state efforts to attract, retain and provide incentives for current and future commercial and industrial businesses; to jointly leverage resources and assets to develop economic centers in Fairfield.  Support incentives for priva te investment, technological innovation, and job creation throughout the City.

 Support programs that enable local government to finance economic revitalization; pursue tax -increment financing through Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), or similar redevelopment strategies.  Support efforts to protect local control over planning and land use while strengthening local agencies’ legal and fiscal capability to prepare, adopt , and implement financial plans for orderly growth, development, beautifi cation, and conservation of local planning areas.
 Support legislation that provides additional resources, including adequate funding, to local agencies to address regional growth issues such as air quality, water quality, air pollution, transportation corridors, and homelessness.  Oppose efforts to penalize RHNA non -performance without specific entitlement funding from the state to support local affordable housing development.  Monitor local, state, and federal actions related to medical and recreational marijuana regulatory changes; support legislation strengthen ing the legal cannabis industry, to push out the illicit market, while maintaining local governments’ regulatory authority and control over siting of marijuana.  Seek modification to the current state guidelines on the disposition of City surplus property, allowing more flexibility on how disposed property may be developed.  Seek additional funding sources, including grants, for affordable housing such as single residence occupancy housing, transit -oriented development, after - school/preschool programs, health and fitness programs, and downtown economic development.
 Support efforts to create efficiencies within CEQA and support efforts to limit delays in the local planning and development process.
 Support legislation that prevents CEQA lawsuits from being filed for any reason other than a genuine environmental impact.

Federal
 Monitor federal mandates affecting economic development, land -use planning, neighborhood rehabilitation, revitalization, and oppose any redundant or cumbersome mandates/restrictions.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS : Monitor impacts of legislation or reform affecting public employees’ benefits, rights, and labor relations.

State
 Monitor legislation and regulations affecting labor relations, employee rights, benefits, and working conditions.
 Oppose legislation and regulations that further erode the management rights of public employers.

 Preserve a balance between the needs of the employees and the resources of public employers that have a legal fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers.  Monitor legislation or reform impact ing local public agencies and existing labor agreements.
 Monitor legislation o r reform impact ing the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).
 Work in partnership with other groups and stakeholders to promote sustainable and secure public pension systems to help ensure responsive and affordable public services.
 Support legislation that would control medical and legal costs related to workers’ compensation, especially for safety employees.

FIRE/EMS/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Seek and support funding for various fire, EMS, and disaster preparedness projects, including s pecific federal funding for enhancements to the Emergency Operations Center and Fire Training Facility.

State
 Support efforts to address disaster preparedness and operational needs at the city and county levels, particularly communication equipment, PG &E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, training, or ongoing operations and maintenance costs.
 Support efforts to improve disaster preparedness , including evacuation preparedness and emergency fire responsiveness; healthy vegetation management; clim ate adaptation and resilience; and homeowner’s insurance reform.
 Seek funding and support for Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training and programs to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) effects on public safety and administration.
 Monitor legislation and potential reform surrounding the state EMS Act and Local EMS Agency (LEMSAs) authority regarding EMS delivery in the City.  Seek funding and possible legislation to recover costs associated with preparing for and recovering from PG&E PSPS events.

Federal
 Support, and if necessary, apply for Urban Search & Rescue (US&R), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), and Physical Fitness funding in order to strengthen existing programs, replace outdated equipment, provide training, safety gear and continuing education, and to increase public awareness about Emergency Awareness and Fire Safety.

 Support and apply for funding to enhance the City’s Emergency Operations Center and disaster preparedness capabilities.

GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION & BUDGET/FINANCE: Protect and secure local authority and revenue sources to preserve existing infrastructure and community programs. Support legislation and funding that helps the City of Fairfield provide residents equitable access to City programs and services.

State
 Support initiatives to protect and enhance local government’s ability to raise revenue at the ballot box.
 Oppose efforts to restrict voters' rights to revenue measures to increase taxes, assessments, and other funding mechanisms to fund critical infrastructure and services.
 Oppose efforts to eliminate or cap the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds - one of the few remaining tools for local governments to finance large capital projects.  Seek, promote, and implement any new or alternative approaches that may replace redevelopment funding mechanisms that deliver positive benefits to Fairfield.
 Oppose attempts to restrict local authority concerning issues that affect local communities.
 Oppose attempts to decrease, restrict, or eliminate city revenue sources. Oppose efforts at the state level to retain additional revenues currently dedicated to local government for state purposes.
 Oppose measures that would impose state-mandated costs for which there is no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits (i.e., unfunded mandates). Monitor legislation affecting accounting rules and financial reporting for both changes and conflicts between federal and state regulations.  Seek modification to state and local sales tax use and allocation, specifically online sales tax from the County pool to the city where the purchase is made, and the voter threshold for local infrastructure funding, to provide the City more opportunity to pursue particular local tax revenue.
 Monitor potential legislation that makes mandatory changes to district election policy and procedures.
 Seek modification to the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 to allow Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) channels to be included in High -Definition tiers of service provided by any multichannel video service provider at no cost to local government.
 Support state action and funding to assist cities in maintaining local services and pandemic relief programs for residents and businesses.

Federal
 Monitor the progress of the federal budget committee and the b udget’s effects on local government.
 Support federal action and funding to assist cities in maintaining local services and pandemic relief programs for residents and businesses.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND CYBER SECURITY: Support legislative initiatives and pursue funding to promote data and technology to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve transportation and mobility, improve sustainability, enhance the municipal quality of life factors, and help solve civic challenges. The City supports harnessing the power of AI for strategic planning to promote fair housing and workforce opportunities through data analytics, while supporting and aligning with legislative protections against Generative AI bias, inaccuracy, ensuring adherence to responsible AI practices for the good of their citizens.

State
 Advocate for legislation and funding to prevent and reduce cybercrime that would impact municipal services and support efforts to protect, prevent, and resolve cyber security attacks and breaches.
 Support and advocate for legislation and funding and resources for an emergency response to develop technology infrastructure.
 Support and advocate for funding for technological advances for the proper digitization and archival of vital City records to ensure transparency, accessibility, and posterity of records.
 Support legislation and regulations that ensure emergency communication capabilities and interoperability for information technology and public safety department and agencies.
 Support legislation for cost-effective environmental technology initiatives.  Support policies that enhance digital inclusion and equity and seek to overcome the digital divide.
 Support legislative initiatives and funding to increase access to technology to increase digital literacy and technology access.

Federal
 Advocate for legislation and funding to prevent and reduce cybercrime that would impact municipal services and support efforts to protect, prevent, and resolve cyber security attacks and breaches.
 Support legislation focused on expanding upon the Executive Order, E.O. 14110 Safe Secure and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, guiding principles of transparency, equity, inclusion, accountability, accuracy and

security, while responsibly leveraging data, AI, and community engagement for the advancement of local governance.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS: Monitor and support sustainable funding for various levels of housing to address California’s housing and homeless crisis ; neighborhood revitalization programs; improve cumbersome state funding allocation process and requirements; increase local funding and opportunities for substance abuse and/or mental health related homelessness, seek additional funding through grants and other types of revenue sources that improve and sustain the quality of life for all Fairfield residents, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

State
 Develop, seek, and support legislation to provide the City with tools and resources that promote and stimulate housing development in areas of most need.  Support state budget policies and related legislation that provide sustainable and reliable funding for homeless response, workforce development, and affordable housing for very low- to moderate-income persons.
 Monitor state mandates such as CEQA and Bay Area Quality Management District legislation, that can potentially delay housing development, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.  Support owner -occupancy through homeowner housing and homebuyer assistance programs that foster long -term neighborhood investment and stabilization.
 Propose modifications to any programs that fund affordable housing programs and projects that do not provide funds to administer and deliver them.  Pursue additional funding sources, including grants, to produce workforce and affordable housing for lower -income households. Housing types include single - residence occupancy units, transit-oriented development, and accessory dwelling units.
 Support and pursue changes to the Surplus Land Act that currently limits local authority to dispose of property where proceeds can be used for affordable housing development.
 Continue opposition to state efforts to mandate construction of new unfunded affordable housing and penalties that would penalize cities that fail to meet under- funded Regional Housing Needs Allocation requirements for new housing construction.
 Support legislation that increases mental health funding, services, and resources for homeless individuals, including crisis intervention, mobile outreach, diagnosis, streamlined access to medication, and dual diagnosis.
 Support legislation exempting motel and hotel conversions to transitional housing from CEQA.

 Support efforts to prevent and end youth and transition al-aged youth homelessness.
 Support legislation and resources that support mental health resources, such as access to psychiatric facilities, behavioral health care treatment, and street-based services.
 Support ongoing state investment for homeless services, homelessness prevention, and rapid rehousing/supportive housing to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness and the chronically homeless.  Improve state funding allocation process and requirements for emergency shelters, homeless prevention, and supportive services for homeless and those at risk of homelessness.
 Increase local funding and opportunities for substance abuse and/or mental health related homelessness.
 Seek and support legislation and/or initiatives that create alternatives to incarceration for homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse conditions committing low-level crimes.
 Seek and support initiatives that i dentify, address, and eliminate racial disparity among homeless and those at risk of homelessness.
 Support legislation and policy that provides opportunity for regional collaboration of services and funding that most effectively and efficiently serves home less and those at risk of homelessness.

Federal
 Monitor federal mandates that affect housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, and homeowner/homebuyer assistance programs, and continue opposition to additional mandates/restrictions that delay development.  Urge Congressional action to adopt federal spending plans that provide sustainable, reliable funding for priority local programs such as Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Hou sing (VASH) vouchers and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program funds. Monitor budget bills to ensure that administrative and program funding is not provided at levels below what is required to manage these programs.

PARKS AND RECREATION: Support investment in policy and funding that creates equitable access to City programs, parks, open space and recreation and that fosters active and healthy lifestyles.

State
 Support youth funding and policies th at promote healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, life skills, college preparation, job experience training, antibullying

awareness, decrease obesity and diabetes, and funding incentives for inter - generational programming.
 Seek funding and support legislat ion for trail improvements, park development, enhancement, and expansion. Offer Prop 68 funding or similar opportunities annually.
 Support senior funding and policies that promote healthy lifestyles, financial protection and security, safety measures, proper nutrition, and funding incentives for intergenerational programming.
 Seek funding and resources to provide more opportunities for at -risk youth to access youth programming.
 Support diverse ethnic public health outreach efforts and policies that educ ate and promote physical activity, healthy lifestyle options, and maximize use of open space for personal enjoyment.
 Seek and support funding and policies that promote equity of access to recreational programming for people with disabilities, and funding incentives for adaptive recreation programming.
 Support funding and legislation in line with community need that improve community engagement through technology at all City Community Centers, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades and improvements , community outreach efforts, virtual programming, and enhanced quality of the City’s local access station, Channel 26.
 Seek funding for ADA upgrades on existing facilities, park and open space improvement and preservation, water safety, and increased eq uitable access to outdoor recreation in low-income neighborhoods.
 Seek funding and resources such as solar and habitat restoration that foster environmental stewardship and sustain the future of Fairfield’s natural habitat.  Seek funding for additional facilities and upgrades on existing facilities including youth soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, and basketball courts that will result in additional programming opportunities for at -risk youth and in locations in high unemployment and low-income neighborhoods.
 Seek ongoing funding for ongoing disease prevention (such as COVID-19) for public protection and prevention, such as sanitization, staffing, supplies, and one -time equipment upgrades in parks and public facilities.
 Support strategies and legislation to foster independence, well -being, and access to resources for older adults.
 Advocate for state and federal funding for opportunities to increase access to childcare for the community.
 Support legislation and bon d measures that provide per capita grants to local governments to fund parks and capital improvements to community facilities and recreation programs that enhance the quality of life for Fairfield residents.

 Seek and support funding and policies that promote art in public places, including parks and on public property.
 Seek and support funding and policies for irrigation infrastructure, including the removal and replacement of water smart technologies for municipal golf courses.  Seek and support funding for open space maintenance, educational programming, and increased public safety.

POLICE DEPARTMENT/CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: Monitor ongoing effects of Criminal Justice Reform including potential for available funding sources; 2016’s passage of Proposition 64; and seek funding for supported local law enforcement projects including the Fairfield Police Activities League. Support legislation that assists in preventing and reducing crime, such as drug prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and solutions for homelessness.

State
 Support legislative and/or ballot measure efforts that provide dedicated funding to address the impacts associated with California’s Criminal Justice Reform.  Continue to participate with local partners and the California Police Chiefs Association in addressing the adverse effects of California’s Criminal Justice Reform.
 Support efforts to address emergency preparedness and operational needs, particularly those that include regional efforts to improve interoperability, training, and/or ongoing operations and maintenance costs.  Monitor legislation that would implement changes to police officers’ duty requirements, including use of police cameras, K9 dogs, license plate readers, city cameras, data storage requirements, and any changes to officer training requirements.
 Seek support and funding resources for mental health, supportive housing, and shelters to assist the police Homeless Intervention Team in r educing homelessness.
 Seek support and funding resources to create a mobile mental health system that addresses acute mental health needs in line with current trends in response to the homeless mental health crisis.
 Oppose restrictions on the use of K9s for the purpose of apprehension and arrest which reduce the use of lethal force encounters.
 Oppose restrictions on the type of firearms police officers are allowed to purchase and use in an off-duty capacity.

PUBLIC WORKS/ NATURAL RESOURCES/ TRANSPORTATION: Secure funding and favorable administration to ensure infrastructure is built in a timely manner and projects are delivered.

State
 Monitor climate change, alternative fuels, innovative clean transit regulations, and their potential impacts.
 Support the state's goals for increased use of zero emission vehicles and support funding that goes towards converting gas-powered fleet to electric vehicles and the charging and electrical infrastructure necessary for plug-in electric vehicles.

Allow flex ible standards for certain emergency and fleet vehicles that require traditional fuel due to technology, range, and terrain issues.  Support legislation that provides funding opportunities for energy -efficiency projects and programs for public buildings, facilities, and infrastructure.  Oppose further restrictions and changes in state law on local water conservation.  Oppose legislation that encroach, diminish, or restrict the city’s water rights.  Oppose legislation that strengthens the State’s ability to issue curtailments in any water year type.
 Monitor and oppose efforts to impose state water taxes on local water utilities.  Support legislation that provides additional time to meet municipal and transit fleet electrification mandates.
 Support legislation that removes restricted requirements, such as farebox recovery ratio, in the Transportation Development Act.
 Support legislation providing land use incentives in connection with rail and multimodal transit stations (Transit Oriented Development).  Support legislation that generates funding to support all modes of transportation, including transit, bicycles, and pedestrians.
 Support legislation that generates funding for storm drain capacity and maintenance projects.
 Oppose legislation that would reduce access to, or otherwise condition the receipt of, local streets and roads funding.
 Support legislation and regional policy that provide qualified commuter carpools and vanpools with reduced tolls on toll facilities as an incentive to encourage and promote ridesharing that reduces greenhouse gases. Support legislative and regulatory efforts to ensure that projects are eligible for state and regional funding of Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) projects. Ensure that development a nd transit standards for TOD projects can be reasonably met by developing suburban communities.
 Monitor and support efforts to streamline application, reporting and monitoring requirements to meet State local road mandates, and decrease additional requirements for ADA standards for on -street public parking and ramps for persons with disabilities.

 As Performance Standards continue to become more restrictive, actively support dialogue and possible legislation that would relax the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) standards to qualify for funding.
 Seek and support legislation and transportation funding reform to permanently increase funding for local streets and road maintenance. Continue to work with the local, regional, state, and federal pa rtners to secure permanent funds for transportation infrastructure including maintenance and electrification mandates.  Support efforts to preserve and enhance local road maintenance funding, as well as transit, “safe route to school” initiatives, road safety, and enhanced accessibility and mobility initiatives.
 Monitor state efforts to lower the voter threshold on local tax measures for local road maintenance, storm drainage, and capital improvements.  Support legislation preserving the City’s interest i n telecommunication, broadband, and infrastructure operations. Support efforts to fund and provide high-speed internet including infrastructure development and training, competition and redundancy, and local franchise authority and public right-of-way management. Monitor implementation of the State “Broadband for All" Action Plan.
 Support legislation, regulation, and compliance regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations.
 Oppose legislation, regulatory proposals, or ad ministrative actions that limit or eliminate local discretionary review of the installation of small cell wireless equipment or any wireless technology facilities on public infrastructure or in the public right of way.
 Seek funding support to help comply with solid waste mandates for recycling and organics recovery/processing.

Federal
 Seek and secure funding to meet storm water/water quality regulation mandates.  Continue to support and seek funding for transportation infrastructure, Fairfield/Vacaville Hannigan Intermodal Train Station buildout (including a station structure located on -site), Fairfield Transportation Center improvements, and public transportation equipment, maintenance, replacement, and electrification initiatives.
 Seek funding for the New Canon Road rail crossing grade separation.  Support federal legislation in both houses for MAP -21 and related transportation legislation and assist Fairfield a nd Suisun Transit (FAST) and the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) in their efforts to secure federal funding for local and regional initiatives.

 Support legislation and regional policy that provide qualified Commuter Carpools and Vanpools with reduced tolls on toll facilities as an incentive to encourage and promote ridesharing.
 Monitor and support efforts to streamline application, reporting and monitoring requirements to meet federal mandates, and decrease additional requirements for ADA standard s for on -street public parking and handicap ramps associated with local road maintenance.
 Seek remedy to U.S. Attorney opinion requiring costly ADA upgrades to cape seal pavement surfacing projects.

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE/TRAVIS COMMUNITY CONSORTIUM: As the contracting agency for the Travis Community Consortium, support Travis Air Force Base (AFB) in maintaining funding and sustainability for key missions, while protecting the base from issues such as encroachment which would lessen the military value to the Department of Defense.

Travis AFB relies on a complex network of roads, buildings, facilities, utilities, and land – both on and off base – to support critical training, power -projection platforms and the everyday needs of its Airmen and families. Priority efforts will focus on investment in infrastructure and programs that support Travis missions, Airmen and Families:

 Oppose any local development that encroaches on the base or that negatively impacts the mission set of Travis AFB.
 Preserve existing missions and enhance the potential to assume additional missions at TAFB by advocating for investment in base infrastructure, operating and maintenance funding, modernization and technology upgrades for Travis air mobility & refueling fleets.
 Support policy that will ensure continued and compatible regional development, the preservation of unrestricted air space and other base operations from encroachment and remediate situations that may detract from Travis’s standing in future BRAC or non-BRAC decisions.
 Support TAFB in pursuing and developing cooperative projects and areas of benefit through the Air Force Community Partnership programs and Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) grants that enhance the installation value and maximizes a full range of tools that leverage resources to improve the efficiency and resilience of defense infrastructure.  Support additional federal funding for military construction at Travis AFB as part of the President’s Budget Request (PBR) or altern ative methods to provide facilities and infrastructure.
 Support policy to improve Military Family Quality of Life for service members and their families by continued support for legislation that enhances military spouse licensure portability and promoting joint military-community efforts to

ensure military families have access to high-quality schools, childcare, healthcare, affordable housing, and special needs programs.  Oppose budget cuts to the Department of the Air Force caused by federal budget sequestration or other congressional budget actions.
 Remain engaged on military family housing issues and watch the privatized Travis AFB housing. This includes monitoring any changes to the plan and looking for opportunities to further enhance affordable housing opportunities and transportation connectivity for Travis personnel on-base and within the regional community.