CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF THE 2026/2027 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Teresa Gallavan, Assistant City Manager
SUMMARY:
This action recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed 2026/2027 Legislative Platform. This platform serves as a comprehensive policy and funding guide for the City’s legislative advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. It outlines key priorities and positions that will help the City of Palm Springs proactively pursue funding, monitor legislation, and engage with policymakers on issues that align with the City Council’s strategic goals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend that the City Council adopt the proposed 2026/2027 Legislative Platform (Attachment A).
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
According to the Public Integrity Disclosure form included (Attachment D), Townsend Public Affairs, Inc., is registered in the state of California.
BACKGROUND:
On July 9, 2025, the City Council adopted the 2025/2026 Legislative Platform, which established the City’s legislative priorities and advocacy framework for state and federal engagement.
Townsend Public Affairs, the City’s legislative consultant, has worked with City staff to review and update the platform for the 2026/2027 legislative cycle. The platform is intended to guide the City’s legislative advocacy efforts, identify opportunities for funding, and provide direction on legislation that may impact the City.
City Council Staff Report
September 9, 2026 -- Page 2
Adopt the 2026/2027 Legislative Platform
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The updated 2026/2027 Legislative Platform serves as a strategic policy document outlining the City’s priorities, goals, and opportunities at the state and federal levels. The legislative platform remains flexible as legislative proposals and funding opportunities continue to evolve throughout the year.
The proposed Legislative Platform builds upon the City's ongoing advocacy efforts and recent accomplishments. As summarized in Attachment C, the City's partnership with Townsend Public Affairs has helped secure more than $7.7 million in grant funding over the past four years, with nearly $8 million in additional funding currently pending, while supporting legislative advocacy, grant development, and strategic engagement at the state and federal levels. Over the past two legislative sessions, the City has taken positions on more than 30 pieces of legislation, and engaged in advocacy missions to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., demonstrating its commitment to active engagement in the policymaking process.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The 2026/2027 Legislative Platform outlines specific policy and funding priorities that support the City’s ability to proactively engage in legislative processes and pursue critical resources. Key areas of focus include:
Homelessness and Behavioral Health
Housing
Economic Development
Infrastructure and Facilities
Public Safety and Community Services
Climate Resiliency
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The requested City Council action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This legislative platform supports all four of the City Council’s Broad Goals including Economic Development, Public Safety and Community Services, Infrastructure and Facilities, and Housing.
City Council Staff Report
September 9, 2026 -- Page 3
Adopt the 2026/2027 Legislative Platform
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FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Legislative and grant services are included in the City’s proposed budget.
REVIEWED BY:
Assistant City Manager: Teresa Gallavan
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. 2026/2027 Legislative Platform
B. 2026/2027 Draft Legislative Platform – Mark Up
C. 2026 Summary of Efforts
D. Public Integrity Disclosure Form