CITY OF FORT BRAGG
Incorporated August 5, 1889
416 N. Franklin Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone: (707) 961-2823
Fax: (707) 961-2802
May 13, 2024
League of California Cities
C/o Public Affairs Department
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Letter Opposing Initiative 21-0042A1
On May 13, 2024, the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg voted to oppose initiative #21-0042A1, a November 2024 statewide ballot proposition. The measure is a significant threat to local control and voters’ rights that could jeopardize the cities’ ability to provide essential services and infrastructure for our residents.
The measure includes undemocratic provisions that would make it more difficult for local voters to pass measures needed to fund local services and projects and would limit voter input by prohibiting local advisory measures where voters can express a preference on how they want their local tax dollars spent.
This measure creates new constitutional loopholes that allow corporations to pay far less than their fair share for the impacts they have on our communities, which could force residents and taxpayers to pay more to maintain services.
The measure puts billions of dollars currently dedicated to local services at risk and could force cuts to fire and emergency response, law enforcement, services to support homeless residents, and more.
Furthermore, the measure contains intentionally vague and restrictive language that will encourage hundreds of frivolous lawsuits against cities and local governments — costing taxpayers millions and blocking investments, development, and long-term planning.
Major examples of affected fees from this initiative are listed below:
Certain water, wastewater, and garbage fees.
Fees for recreational services
Fees for processing of land use and development applications such as plan check fees, use permits, design review, plan amendment, and subdivision map changes.
Emergency response fees- such as in connection with DUI.
Code enforcement fees.
Facility use charges.
Fines, penalties.
Code Enforcement fees.
The measure benefits wealthy corporations and real estate developers while decimating our local communities and neighborhoods.
You may list the City of Fort Bragg in formal opposition to Initiative #21-0042A1 and include our city as part of the growing coalition of public safety, labor, local government, infrastructure advocates, and other organizations throughout the state opposed to this deceptive proposition.
Sincerely,
Bernie Norvell Jason Godeke
Mayor Vice Mayor
Teresa K. Albin-Smith Lindy Peters Marcia Rafanan Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
May 13, 2024
League of California Cities
C/o Public Affairs Department