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2026 Legislative Platform
The City of Huntington Beach is firmly committed to upholding its City Charter, which prioritizes local control over land use decisions. This commitment protects the community’s distinct character, quality of life, and identity by ensuring thoughtful stewardship of both residential neighborhoods and business corridors. The City recognizes the importance of policies that respect property rights and preserve property values, helping to sustain a stable, safe, and prosperous environment for residents and businesses alike.
The City of Huntington Beach Legislative Platform establishes a coordinated framework that guides how the City Council, City Manager, City staff, and legislative advocates respond to legislative, regulatory, administrative, and budgetary proposals. The Platform enables timely and unified engagement while maintaining alignment with City priorities and policy direction. It also provides the flexibility necessary for proactive advocacy at both the State and Federal levels.
The Legislative Platform supports the implementation of the City of Huntington Beach 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on economic vitality, local control, fiscal sustainability, public safety, infrastructure investment, and quality of life. Through this Platform, the City advances policies that strengthen the Surf City USA economy, preserve community character, deliver safe and efficient public services, and protect the City’s authority as a charter city.
Legislation that aligns with this Platform may be reviewed, approved, and acted upon in accordance with established City policies and procedures.
Guiding Principles
The City of Huntington Beach supports legislation that:
• Preserves and strengthens local control and municipal authority. • Promotes economic resilience and small business vitality. • Ensures fiscal responsibility and access to external funding. • Supports investment in infrastructure, mobility, and public safety. • Protects community character, quality of life, and public trust.
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2026 Legislative Platform
Business & Economy
The City of Huntington Beach supports business -friendly legislation and strategies that promote sustainable economic growth, strengthen local revenue, and enhance the City’s position as a premier destination for residents, visitors, and employers.
The City will support legislation and funding that:
• Empowers local entrepreneurship and small business development, including policies that reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers and expand access to capital, workforce development, and technical assistance.
• Promotes and enhances Huntington Beach as a premier tourist destination, recognizing tourism’s critical role in job creation, economic activity, and City revenues.
• Actively pursues state and federal funding opportunities, including grants and appropriations, to support City programs, services, and capital improvement projects.
• Positions the City to capitalize on major regional and international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, by supporting legislation and funding that improves mobility, access, and public safety.
Local Control
The City of Huntington Beach strongly supports the principle of local control and opposes unfunded mandates or policies that preempt municipal authority and undermine the City’s ability to govern in a manner responsive to local community needs.
The City will support legislation that:
• Preserves the City’s authority as a charter city to establish policies, regulations, and priorities that reflect the needs of Huntington Beach residents and businesses without undue state or federal interference.
• Opposes unfunded or underfunded mandates that impose new responsibilities on local governments without providing adequate resources or offsetting benefits. • Grants municipalities greater authority over the siting and operation of unlicensed and State -licensed group homes, including sober living homes, residential care facilities, and transitional or supportive housing.
Infrastructure & Mobility
The City of Huntington Beach is committed to investing in infrastructure and transportation systems that promote public safety, efficient service delivery, economic vitality, and community connectivity.
The City will support legislation and funding that:
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• Upgrades and maintains core City infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, bridges, and water systems.
• Prioritizes maintenance and repair projects that improve traffic, advance public safety, and improve access to recreation and beaches.
• Advances pedestrian, bicycle, and e-bike infrastructure and safety.
Public Safety
The City of Huntington Beach supports legislation that enhances public safety, strengthens emergency preparedness, and ensures effective law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency response capabilities.
The City will support legislation and funding that:
• Promotes practical policies that reduce crime and strengthen the capacity of police, fire, lifeguards, and emergency services.
• Clarifies and strengthens safety standards for e -bike use, including speed limits, equipment requirements, and enforcement tools such as licensing authority and impounding.
• Provides funding for local resources, training, and technology that enhances the protection and resilience of the community.