Legislative Platform 2023
What is a Legislative Platform?
The Legislative Platform established the City of Fullerton’s legislative priorities for the purpose of advocacy efforts at regional, state and federal levels.
Provides general direction to City departments, legislative advocates, and the public on our positions of support or opposition to key policy initiatives. 2 About this Platform
Platform was updated in February 2023
Platform is based upon existing City priority policy statements.
City will continue to update the Legislative Platform, considering new issues or priorities as they relate to the community or regional partners.
Does not preclude City Council consideration of additional legislative matters arising throughout the year. 3 Platform Goals
4 Streamlines City’s process and allows City staff to effectively respond and act on pressing legislation under City Council direction.
Positions of Support
Federal and State legislative proposals and policies consistent with City’s Platform may be supported by the City.
Positions of Opposition
Policies and proposals inconsistent with this platform may be opposed by the City.
Items not addressed in the City’s Platform will require further direction from the City Council.
Guiding Principles
5 Preserve Local Control
Promote Fiscal Stability
Support Funding Opportunities
6 Changes from 2022 to 2023
Item #6: Allows local legislative bodies to continue to be flexible with remote meetings while still being in compliance with Brown Act.
Item #13: Oppose policies that could increase voter thresholds when it pertains to local revenue measures and the potential for litigation over taxes and fees.
Item #44: Oppose efforts that would require local jurisdictions within Orange County to adhere to additional surplus land act requirements
7 Changes from 2022 to 2023
Item #47: Support the enactment of policies and encourage state funding opportunities to assist agencies in meeting sustainability objectives including energy and water efficiencies, active transportation enhancements, connectivity and mobility improvements, and carbon sequestration through natural landscape management and protection.
Item #48: for maintenance, operations, and programming for West Coyote Hills Open Space and Item #50: Support access opportunities for physical activity, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle options through the promotion of active transportation, complete street implementation, healthy food, youth programming, and maximizing the usage of green space in urban/suburban settings.
8 Changes from 2022 to 2023
Item #56: Support legislation or policies that protect the City from frivolous lawsuits or third-party litigation practices with no substantive objectives.
Item #57: Support legislation or policies that limit financial penalties or payouts for local governments engaged in litigation.
Item #75: Oppose National Fire Prevention Association (NPFA) standard 1710 requiring four-person fire crew staffing on each apparatus but support effective firefighting force.
9 Changes from 2022 to 2023 (COVID-19 Related)
Item #11: Support the reimbursement of local governments for pandemic-related expenses, including the need for essential public safety service overtime, personal protective equipment, and small business relief.
Item # 20: in response to the pandemic.
Item #55: Monitor legislation or regulations that mandate vaccines, including but not limited to the pandemic vaccine, for public employees.
Item #65: Advocate for pandemic local recovery efforts by providing cities with direct and flexible federal and state funding to support the public's health and the economy.
Potential Earmark Funding Requests
This year, staff is seeking Council support to pursue funding through this process for the following four types of project categories:
1. Street Infrastructure Improvements
2. Water or Sewer Infrastructure Improvements
3. Replacement of Fire Apparatus
4. Building Improvements to Historic City-Owned Buildings 10 Consideration of Legislative Advocacy Guidance
The City Manager’s office can represent the City on advocacy and funding requests consistent with the legislative platform or other projects included in the City’s priorities or budget.
The Mayor or Council designee can represent the City on advocacy and funding requests consistent with the legislative platform or other projects included in the City’s priorities or budget.
If funding is through an agency that works directly with a department, the Department Director can advocate if consistent with City policy. 11 Recommendation
Discuss platform and provide direction as to any changes.
Adopt 2023 Legislative Platform
Authorize Mayor (or Mayor Pro Tem in Mayor’s absence) to sign policy and position letters within platform guidelines.
Provide guidance on the City Council legislative advocacy process. 12