Item 290/2025
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Matthew West
Dept:
City Manager Dept: City Manager
Date: 8/12/2025
Subject: Approval of out-of-state travel for Council Members and City staff to participate in Legislative Advocacy events in Washington, D.C. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
For the City Council to approve overnight travel for Councilmembers and City staff to participate in upcoming legislative advocacy trips to Washington, D.C.
BACKGROUND
Each year, City staff participates in federal legislative advocacy efforts to ensure that the City’s priorities and funding needs are effectively communicated to members of Congress, federal agencies, national organizations and elected officials. These tri ps are organized through regional collaborations to maximize impact and coordination, and provide a platform for influencing policy decisions that impact the community.
DISCUSSION
The Orange County Delegation trip (September 14–18, 2025) and the ACCOC Advocacy trip (October 20–23, 2025), among others, will provide key opportunities for the City to advocate for:
Infrastructure funding
Public safety resources
Housing and homelessness initiatives
Economic development programs
Transportation priorities
Other issues of regional and municipal importance
City participation in advocacy trips is critical to aligning with regional partners, advancing shared objectives, and maintaining strong intergovernmental relationships. Up to three City Councilmembers and two City staff will attend each trip. Final participants will be confirmed based on availability and trip focus areas.
Item 290/2025
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, per diem, and registration fees, are budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 adopted City budget. Costs are not expected to exceed $15,000 for each trip and will be charged to the appropriate departmental accounts.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that City Council:
Approve out-of-state and overnight travel for up to three City Councilmembers and two City staff members to participate in upcoming legislative advocacy trips to Washington D.C.
By: Shawn Park, Assistant to the City Manager