Agenda Item No. 10
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: April 25, 2022 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Kristin Eriksson, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT: Legislative Update from the League of California Cities
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report on current legislation and other related State issues from the League of California Cities and provide input and direction to staff.
BACKGROUND:
The League of California Cities (Cal Cities) was founded in 1898 to advocate for local control through advocacy in the State legislature, at the ballot box, and in the courts and through strategic outreach and education for the public, policymakers and stakeholders. Annual advocacy efforts by Cal Cities are determined by seeking resolutions from Cal Cities membership, including the City. Cal Cities has identified the following strategic advocacy priorities for 2022 on behalf of cities throughout the state:
• Secure funding to increase the supply and affordability of housing and reform state housing laws to retain local authority;
• Attain investments to strengthen and sustain critical infrastructure; • Secure increased funding and resources to prevent homelessness and assist individuals experiencing homelessness; and
• Strengthen disaster preparedness, resiliency and recovery from climate change impacts through improved collaboration and resources.
Additional information about these priorities is shown in Attachment 1. As part of the City’s partnership with Cal Cities, the Channel Counties (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties) Regional Public Affairs Manager, Dave Mullinax, will provide the Council with an overview of pending legislation and other related issues at the State level and to discuss the value and importance of legislative platforms for the Council’s future consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from receiving this report.
Staff Report: Legislative Update from the League of California Cities Page 2 April 25, 2022
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Receive the report from Cal Cities on current legislation at the State level and information regarding legislative platforms; or
2. Provide alternative direction to staff
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Attachments
1. Cal Cities 2022 Action Agenda
League of California Cities 2022 Action Agenda
1. Secure funding to increase the supply and affordability of housing and reform state housing laws to retain local authority. Secure adequate and sustainable funding for cities to increase construction of housing at all income levels, particularly affordable housing and workforce housing. Reform state housing laws to ensure cities retain local decision-making to meet the needs of their communities.
2. Attain investments to strengthen and sustain critical infrastructure. Advocate for policies that strengthen the conditions of local streets, highways, bridges, public transit, and broadband to improve workforce and economic development. Secure support for the modernization and expansion of the statewide water grid, including infrastructure, storage, and conveyance. Work with stakeholders to provide cities with access to the tools needed to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively to meet current and future needs.
3. Secure increased funding and resources to prevent homelessness and assist individuals experiencing homelessness. Secure additional ongoing, flexible resources to provide navigation assistance, emergency shelters, and permanent supportive housing. Enhance city and county coordination and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to ensure adequate wraparound services are available for adults and youth at risk of, or already experiencing, homelessness in our communities, and effectively address mental health and substance use disorders.
4. Strengthen disaster preparedness, resiliency, and recovery from climate change impacts through improved collaboration and resources. Secure additional resources and support to mitigate the effects of climate change, including catastrophic wildfires, drought, and sea level rise. Promote collaboration with other city, state, and federal governments, to strengthen disaster preparedness, resiliency, and recovery.
Attachment 1