PISMO BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #12.C
SUBJECT/TITLE:
2024 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA AND AMENDMENT #1 TO THE AGREEMENT
WITH TOWNSEND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving Amendment #1 to the agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for state legislative advocacy services from January 2024 through June 2026, in an amount not to exceed $138,000; and approving the 2024 State Legislative Agenda.
BACKGROUND:
Townsend Public Affairs (Townsend) has provided the City with grant writing and legislative advocacy services at the state level since June 2016. During that time, Townsend has formulated the City's State Legislative Agendas and provided focused and effective grant writing and legislative advocacy services in accordance therewith.
Townsend has been very successful in helping to obtain funds for various City priorities including Central Coast Blue, and in acting as a liaison to state legislators with respect to complex issues including transportation and housing.
2024 Legislative Agenda
Townsend has proposed a State Legislative Agenda for 2024, provided as Attachment
1.B. The legislative agenda serves as the City's official policy document for interacting with state officials and for taking positions on legislation. At this meeting, Eric O’Donnell of Townsend will review the proposed 2024 Legislative Agenda and provide an overview of current activity at the state level.
Agreement for Legislative Advocacy Services
The current contract with Towsend Public Affairs expires on December 31, 2023, but allows for extensions of the agreement. Staff recommends extending the term of the agreement for another two and a half-year period. In order to maximize the value to the City, staff recommends a modification to the scope of work to expand grant writing services from a support role, to a full-service grant writing, strategy, and coordination level of service that will provide a significant return on investment and reduce the burden on limited staff resources. The proposed Amendment #1 (Attachment 1.A) includes increases in years two and three of the agreement. To align the contract with the fiscal year for budgeting purposes, staff is also recommending a modified contract period to be consistent with other similar services.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1) approving Amendment #1 to the contract with Townsend Public Affairs for state legislative advocacy services through June 2026 in an amount not to exceed $138,000, and approving the 2024 Legislative Agenda.
12.C-1Council Agenda 12-5-2023
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of approving the subject Resolution is $138,000 over a two and a half- year contract term, or $4,000 per month for the first 6 months between January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024, $4,500 per month for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, and $5,000 per month for FY 2026. If approved, the amendment will total $24,000 in FY 2024, $54,000 in FY 2025, and $60,000 in FY 2026. This cost will be shared 50% in the General Fund and 50% in the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds. Of the 50% share in the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds, 33% of this will be allocated to the Water Enterprise Fund for the Central Coast Blue project and 67% of this will be allocated to the Wastewater Enterprise Fund for the Central Coast Blue project. There are sufficient budgeted amounts in both FY 2024 and FY 2025 to support this cost.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Modify the Amendment with Towsend Public Affairs and Modify the State Agenda;
2. Deny the Amendment and Federal Agenda; provide direction.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
1.A. Exhibit A to Resolution: Amendment #1 to Agreement
1.B. Exhibit B to Resolution: 2024 State Legislative Agenda Submitted by: Meeting Date: December 5, 2023
Jorge Garcia, City Manager
City Manager Approval:
12.C-2Council Agenda 12-5-2023
RESOLUTION NO. R-2023-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA APPROVING AMENDMENT #1 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
TOWNSEND PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES FROM JANUARY 2024 THROUGH JUNE 2026, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $138,000; AND APPROVING THE 2024 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA WHEREAS, Townsend Public Affairs has provided the City with grant writing and legislative advocacy services at the state level since June 2016; Townsend has formulated the City's State Legislative Agendas during that time, and has been very successful in helping to obtain funds for various City priorities, and in acting as a liaison to state legislators with respect to complex issues including transportation and housing; and
WHEREAS, Townsend has proposed a State Legislative Agenda for 2024, which will serve as the City's official policy document for interacting with state officials and for taking positions on legislation; and
WHEREAS, the City’s current contract with Townsend expires on December 31, 2023, but allows for extensions of the agreement; staff recommends extending the term of the agreement for a two and a half-year period to allow the City to continue engaging the services of Townsend throughout the construction of Central Coast Blue and other important initiatives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach hereby approves Amendment #1 (Exhibit A) to the agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for state grant writing and legislative advocacy services for the period of January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $138,000, including $24,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, $54,000 in FY 2025, and $60,000 in FY 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach hereby approves the 2024 State Legislative Agenda (Exhibit B).
UPON MOTION OF Council Member , seconded by Council Member , the foregoing resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach this 5th day of December 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
Attachment 1
12.C-3Council Agenda 12-5-2023
Approved: Attest:
________________________ ________________________
Ed Waage, Mayor Erica Inderlied, City Clerk
Attachment 1
12.C-4Council Agenda 12-5-2023
AMENDMENT # 1
to the
December 10, 2020 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH AND Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Pursuant to the December 10, 2020 Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Pismo Beach, hereinafter referred to as “City,” and Townsend Public Affairs, Inc., hereinafter referred to as “Vendor,” City and Vendor hereby agree as follows:
1. Continued services shall be performed as set forth in Exhibit A dated December 5, 2023, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
2. Compensation for and timing of the additional services shall be as set forth Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Compensation for the additional services shall not exceed the amount of one hundred thirty-eight thousand dollars ($138,000), including $24,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, $54,000 in FY 2025, and $60,000 in FY 2026, without prior written approval of the City.
FEE SCHEDULE:
Year one, partial (January 1, 2024—June 30, 2024):
o Four thousand dollars ($4,000) per month.
Year two (July 1, 2024—June 30, 2025):
o Four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500) per month. Year three (July 1, 2025—June 30, 2026):
o Five thousand dollars ($5,000) per month.
inclusive of normal business expenses, not to exceed $138,000 for the two and a half- year period ending June 30, 2026.
3. The revised fee under the December 10, 2020 contract, plus this addendum, is two hundred seventy thousand dollars ($270,000).
4. The agreement term end date is hereby revised to June 30, 2026.
5. All other provisions of the above agreement between City and Vendor shall remain in full force and effect.
Signatures begin on the following page.
Attachment 1.A
12.C-5Council Agenda 12-5-2023
CITY:
City of Pismo Beach, a Municipal Corporation
Signed:
Name: Jorge E. Garcia
Title: City Manager
Dated: ________________________________
ATTEST:
Signed:
Name: Erica Inderlied
Title: City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Signed:
Name: David M. Fleishman
Title: City Attorney
VENDOR:
Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Signed:
Name: ________________________________
Title: _________________________________
Dated: ________________________________
Address for giving notice:
(if changed from prior agreement)
______________________________________
______________________________________
Email address for official communications:
(if changed from prior agreement)
______________________________________
Vendor Representative:
(if changed from prior agreement)
Name/Title: ____________________________
Attachment 1.A
12.C-6Council Agenda 12-5-2023
EXHIBIT “A”
TO
AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES
December 5, 2023
SERVICES: GRANT WRITING AND FUNDING ADVOCACY
A. Conduct Detailed Orientation: TPA utilizes a comprehensive onboarding process that includes extensive meetings with various relevant members of leadership and key departments to help develop a strategic plan that is carefully tailored to satisfy the needs of the client and is designed for maximum success in the current political climate and funding environment.
B. Craft Strategic Funding Plan: Utilizing the information gathered during the onboarding process, TPA will coordinate with the client to develop a proactive and comprehensive strategic funding plan that serves the needs of the client’s priorities. The plan will do more than simply identify client projects; it will outline and prioritize multiple funding options for each project and develop a specific plan of work tailored for each project. It will also identify key “strings attached” to help assess the cost/benefit ratio for each grant opportunity.
C. Identify, Research, and Monitor Grant Funding Opportunities: TPA will utilize list-serve subscription programs, funding workshops, agency canvassing, and other networking tactics to ensure every potential opportunity is identified and reviewed for relevance with the client’s projects. TPA will then share these opportunities with the client for further assessment and determination if a grant application is warranted. The client will also receive a grant matrix of funding programs that is updated regularly as new opportunities arise.
D. Community Outreach: TPA will assist the client with community outreach required for grant applications by ensuring the client is aware of specific requirements, helping develop materials that capture all elements required by the grant, and compiling the outreach data for inclusion in the application.
E. Grant Application Development and Submittal: TPA will develop, draft, submit, and follow up on each client grant application through the following process:
a. Establishment of Clear Accountabilities: TPA will coordinate with the client to ensure the assignment of responsibilities and tasks are made clear so that confusion and inefficiency are avoided, and the client is burdened as little as possible while TPA pursues a grant opportunity. b. Provide Overview of Full Application Requirements: For each grant application, TPA will provide the client with a detailed overview of the requirements for the grant program and corresponding application to ensure that the program is a strong fit for the client’s project. This will include:
i. Application timeline
ii. Eligible project types
iii. Funding availability and award maximums and minimums Attachment 1.A
12.C-7Council Agenda 12-5-2023
iv. List of application components, including proposal questions and any required attachments
c. Assemble Project Background and Details: TPA will conduct a detailed informational interview with client staff most involved with each project in order to gain a full understanding of the project background and scope details necessary for developing the grant proposal and addressing all application questions.
d. Coordinate Technical Project Details: For technical application components such as site plans, detailed cost estimates, project timelines, engineering plans, and cost-benefit analyses, TPA will coordinate with client staff to compile all necessary attachments and ensure consistency across all elements of the application.
e. Draft Written Proposal: TPA will fully draft all narrative components of the application and, when applicable, will indicate where additional input or project detail from the client could be provided during the proposal review process.
f. Incorporate Feedback to Finalize Proposal: Well ahead of the application deadline, TPA will provide the client with a full draft for review and feedback. TPA will incorporate any additional details or revisions provided during this process to finalize the grant application and will obtain client approval for the final version of the application prior to submission.
g. Submit Completed Application: TPA will ensure that applications are submitted prior to the deadline, whether the submission is electronic or through hard copies, in accordance with submission instructions for each individual program. For hard copy submissions, TPA will print and package applications according to submission instructions and will ship applications through a reliable carrier service such as FedEx in order to provide the client with tracking and delivery confirmation for the application. TPA will also obtain a receipt for proof of submission and provide the client with a final copy of all submitted application documents.
h. Funding Advocacy: Throughout the grant application process TPA will leverage relationships with relevant officials and program officers in various state and federal funding agencies to ensure that client grant applications are aligned with the goals of the specific grant program and that the applications are well-crafted and well-positioned for funding.
F. Post-Grant Submittal Advocacy: TPA will frequently contact legislators and agency officials to follow up on the status of a grant application and promote its need and urgency. This will include drafting letters of support after grant submissions and distributing them to legislators for their consideration. In addition, TPA will work with legislators to reach out to individual granting agencies to provide background on client’s projects and convey their support for those projects.
Attachment 1.A
12.C-8Council Agenda 12-5-2023
G. Post-Award Grant Administration and Compliance: TPA will also assist, as needed, with post-award administration and compliance for all grant applications submitted by TPA on behalf of the client. This assistance will include interacting with granting agencies on behalf of the client, providing support for the drafting and submission of required reports and evaluations, and other tasks related to the successful monitoring of and compliance with the program requirements.
H. Post-Award Services—Above and Beyond Advocacy: TPA has a track record of success with post-award grant administration and retention. TPA has worked on behalf of clients who, due to unforeseen circumstances, have needed to request an extension of the grant performance period to accomplish project deliverables. TPA is prepared to engage in the legislative process and work with legislators to get bills passed that would allow for the client to retain its grant funding after the performance period would have otherwise ended. Additionally, TPA is prepared to work directly with the client and agencies to secure scope of work changes to already awarded projects to ensure the client will not have to return any hard-won grant funding.
I. Comprehensive Follow-Up on Unsuccessful Applications: Despite all best efforts, some grant applications are not selected for funding. In those instances where grant applications are unsuccessful, TPA will work with the relevant state and federal funding agencies to set up in-person or telephone debriefing sessions to discuss the grant applications and how to best revise the grant applications for the next funding round to ensure success.
J. Provide Monthly Progress Reports: TPA will confer regularly with the client on our activities. TPA will provide timely electronic monthly reports on the status of all funding activity, such as current funding opportunities, current applications, submitted applications, and post-grant submittal advocacy. In addition to written reports, TPA will be available to the client for conference calls, in-person briefings, and meetings.
Attachment 1.A
12.C-9Council Agenda 12-5-2023
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
A. Conduct Detailed Orientation: TPA utilizes a comprehensive onboarding process that includes extensive meetings with various relevant members of leadership and key departments to help develop a strategic plan that is carefully tailored to satisfy the needs of the client and is designed for maximum success in the current political climate and funding environment.
B. Develop Legislative Strategy: Utilizing the information gathered during the onboarding process, TPA will coordinate with the client to develop an official legislative platform and strategy that represents the client’s priorities in Sacramento and Washington, DC. This blueprint will be shared with key stakeholders in the State Legislature and Governor’s Administration as well as Congress and the Biden Administration.
C. Implement the Legislative Strategy: TPA will advocate for the client’s legislative agenda utilizing the following methods:
a. Build and Strengthen Relevant Relationships: TPA has cultivated a network of valuable relationships that will be leveraged to promote the client’s legislative agenda.
b. Leverage Relationships for Strategic Advocacy Plan: TPA will engage various techniques to leverage our network of key relationships on behalf of the client:
i. Schedule meetings for the client to discuss relevant legislation ii. Prepare all briefing materials and talking points for the client iii. Brief legislative offices and stakeholders on the client’s legislative agenda
iv. Follow-up on meetings to ensure commitments and deliverables are being met
c. Coordinate Advocacy Trips: TPA will work with the client to coordinate advocacy trips to Sacramento and Washington, DC to meet with the client’s legislative delegation, as well as legislators that serve on committees relevant to the client’s agenda. Furthermore, whenever possible, TPA will also schedule site visits by legislators to the client.
d. Track Legislation: TPA will identify, analyze, and monitor all bill introductions and amendments relevant to the client’s legislative platform and assess their potential impact on the client.
e. Craft Testimony and Position Letters: TPA will prepare and submit written and verbal testimony regarding legislation relevant to the client. TPA will also draft and deliver position letters to legislators and key officials on specific bill language.
f. Draft Bill Language: TPA will draft language and amendments for relevant legislation, as required to protect and promote the client’s agenda.
g. State Budget Funding Opportunities: In an effort to maximize state funding, TPA will work with the client to identify projects and other funding priorities that may be suitable for funding through the State Budget. TPA Attachment 1.A
12.C-10Council Agenda 12-5-2023
will coordinate with the client to develop supporting materials for the budget request. TPA will also work with members of the client’s state legislative delegation, along with the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees, to gain support for the inclusion of the client’s project in the final State Budget approved by the Legislature.
h. Federal Earmark Opportunities: In an effort to maximize federal funding, TPA will work with the client to identify projects and other funding priorities that may be suitable for funding through the Federal Earmark process.
TPA will coordinate with the client to develop supporting materials for the earmark request. TPA will also work with members of the client’s federal legislative delegation to gain support for the inclusion of the client’s project.
D. Provide Progress Reports: TPA will confer regularly with the client on our activities. TPA will provide timely electronic reports on the status of all legislative activity, such as bill language, amendments, and committee analyses. In addition to written reports, TPA will be available to the client for conference calls, in-person briefings, and meetings.
E. Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports: TPA will prepare and file, on behalf of the client, all applicable state and federal lobbying disclosure reports.
CITY Initials _________
VENDOR Initials ________
Attachment 1.A
12.C-11Council Agenda 12-5-2023
EXHIBIT “B”
TO
AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES
FEE SCHEDULE: Year 1, partial (January 1, 2024—June 30, 2025): $4,000 per month Year 2 (July 1, 2024—June 30, 2025): $4,500 per month
Year 3 (July 1, 2025—June 30, 2026): $5,000 per month
Optional:
Year 4 (July 1, 2026—June 30, 2027): $5,000 per month
Year 5 (July 1, 2027—June 30, 2028): $5,000 per month
CITY Initials _________
VENDOR Initials ________
Attachment 1.A
12.C-12Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 STATE
LEGISLATIVE
AGENDA
City of Pismo Beach, California
December 2023
Attachment 1.B
12.C-13Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 1
Townsend Public Affairs, Inc., is proud and honored to represent the City of Pismo Beach. This legislaƟve agenda is prepared in alignment with City Council goals and objecƟves, and to provide background informaƟon and recommendaƟons for the City as part of its criƟcal work on behalf of its residents and visitors.
Pismo Beach City Council
Mayor Ed Waage
Mayor Pro Tempore Mary Ann Reiss
Council Member Marcia Guthrie
Council Member Stacy Inman
Council Member ScoƩ Newton
Jorge Garcia, City Manager
December 2023
Attachment 1.B
12.C-14Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 2
2024 State LegislaƟve Agenda
CITY OF PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Governance, AdministraƟve and Finance
Central to many of the City’s funcƟons is its ability to effecƟvely govern, administer and financially sustain its municipal operaƟons and assets on behalf and for the benefit of its residents. Among the prioriƟes for the City are following:
Preserve local control by the City for its various permiƫng, land use, contracƟng and other discreƟonary acƟons;
Ensure transparency in government and the ability of residents to parƟcipate, comment and access informaƟon on local decision‐making and budgetary acƟons; Maintain the ability to provide sustainable reƟrement and medical programs for City employees and their families; and
Protect the City and its residents from State legislaƟve or administraƟve direcƟves without full cost‐recovery or miƟgaƟon.
The City should oppose legislaƟve efforts to eliminate or restrict local control of permiƫng and cost‐recovery efforts. The City should support measures increasing local autonomy, protecƟng privacy, and maintaining local authority over public records. The City should oppose mandates from the State that don’t include funding or other miƟgaƟon. The City should oppose any effort to restrict its ability to contract for goods or services in a way that increases costs to the City or results in the reducƟon of services. The City should support efforts to provide addiƟonal flexibility to the City in the provision and administraƟon of reƟrement and medical benefit programs, while ensuring those programs are sustainable for past, current, and future employees.
Attachment 1.B
12.C-15Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 3
General Infrastructure
City faciliƟes are heavily uƟlized by residents and are oŌen lower in priority compared to transportaƟon, water, and other faciliƟes impacted by usage, accidents, and weather. The following needs are generally high on the list of necessary improvements:
Replacing or rehabilitaƟng outdated public building faciliƟes, including a city hall and administraƟve funcƟons, public safety faciliƟes for law enforcement and fire departments, as well as specialized departments;
Shore and coastal protecƟon and erosion measures; and
Energy and water efficiency improvements to faciliƟes that provide cost savings to the City, as well as benefits for the environment and health.
RecommendaƟons include supporƟng State legislaƟon and administraƟve acƟons to direct funding into grant programs for energy and water efficiency improvements. The City should support the capitalizaƟon of revolving loan fund programs to assist local agencies with financing of capital costs.
Currently, funding for capital costs of building replacement and rehabilitaƟon are severely constrained, but there are opportuniƟes in a couple of areas:
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO‐Biz) and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) offer the State Infrastructure Revolving Fund Program with low‐interest‐rate loans, that could benefit efforts with the City’s old city hall, public safety facility improvements, and capital projects. Through the proceeds from cap and trade, the State provides periodic Water‐Energy Grant Program funding for facility improvements to effect savings of those resources.
Attachment 1.B
12.C-16Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 4
Transporta Ɵon Infrastructure
Transporta Ɵon faciliƟes that provide safe and efficient movement of people and goods are criƟcal to the City. Priority will be placed on efforts to secure funding for the following areas of need:
Safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, including students, who share the transportaƟon corridors and faciliƟes;
Efficient circulaƟon in the City, parƟcularly in the downtown core, including parking availability;
Bridge and related infrastructure funding to ensure usage of exisƟng faciliƟes; CoordinaƟon with State highways and infrastructure;
Improvements to transportaƟon corridors for aestheƟcs and environmental and water benefits; and
Maintenance and preservaƟon of exisƟng faciliƟes to ensure life cycle usage and reduced costs of rehabilitaƟon and replacement.
RecommendaƟons include supporƟng State legislaƟon to increase the amount of funding available through the Highway Users Tax Account and Road Maintenance and RehabilitaƟon Account, as well as specific grant programs. Similarly, support for efforts to expedite project delivery processes to enable projects to move forward. The City should support legislaƟon and administraƟve acƟons to make grant funding more compeƟƟve for City projects, through revisions of screening and scoring criteria that create an equitable distribuƟon of funding for all communiƟes. The City should oppose any aƩempts by the Legislature or AdministraƟon to withhold transportaƟon funding from jurisdicƟons related to their progress toward or status of their Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) or Housing Element compliance.
Funding and collaboraƟve work with State agencies will help the City advance priority projects and efforts, including:
Attachment 1.B
12.C-17Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 5
CirculaƟon and parking improvements with potenƟal funding from programs such as the Caltrans Sustainable Transporta Ɵon Planning Grants and congesƟon management funds. AestheƟc and other improvements to corridors such as Shell Beach, that provide a visual and quality‐of‐life incenƟve to increased pedestrian and bicyclist use. The AcƟve Tr ansporta Ɵon Program provides funding to encourage this type of usage. Similarly, cap and trade aucƟon proceeds fund programs for greening improvements to public faciliƟes (Urban and Community Forestry Program and Urban Greening Grant Program). Regional congesƟon management proposals that benefit the City, including improvements to U.S. Highway 101, county and city roadways, and other modes of transportaƟon (SoluƟons for Congested Corridors Program).
Water Infrastructure and Resources
The State’s ongoing drought cycles have highlighted the need for conƟnued conservaƟon pracƟces, as well as a focus on ways to maximize the use of water resources, including recharging the area’s groundwater for future use and examining the potenƟal of innovaƟve reuse. These short‐term and long‐term strategies are high prioriƟes for the Governor and AdministraƟon.
Policies related to these prioriƟes include:
ConƟnuaƟon of the City’s history of water conservaƟon at public faciliƟes and by residents;
Improvements to storm water and drainage infrastructure; Treatment and recycling of wastewater for recharging groundwater resources; Reuse of treated wastewater for potable and other innovaƟve purposes; and Pursuit of regional partnerships to effecƟvely and efficiently leverage the infrastructure and collaboraƟon benefits of recycled water.
RecommendaƟons include supporƟng policies at the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) that allow local agencies to set and achieve realisƟc and meaningful water Attachment 1.B
12.C-18Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 6
conservaƟon targets and encourage the Water Board to consider the impacts to staff resources of the many reporƟng requirements. The City should support further efforts by the Governor and Legislature to appropriate addiƟonal funding to key water grant and loan programs. Similarly, the City should support and encourage State funding for planning, outreach, design, construcƟon, and ongoing operaƟon efforts to local and regional projects for water recycling and basin recharge.
The City already has a strong history of working collaboraƟvely with the Water Board on water projects. Listed below are funding opportuniƟes available and being pursued for specific projects:
The Water Board administers the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) which provides low‐interest‐rate loans and grants for water projects, parƟcularly those involving recycled water. SupporƟng addiƟonal funds for the SRF program may help the City’s various water and wastewater projects advance faster toward funding.
As part of Central Coast Blue (regional recycled water project) , the City has also pursued funding from the Water Board’s Groundwater Grant Program, funded from ProposiƟon 1. Also as part of Central Coast Blue, the City is pursuing a grant from the SRF’s Recycled Water Funding program.
Park, RecreaƟon and Open Space
Providing residents with a high quality of life, and visitors with an incredible experience to encourage addiƟonal visits, conƟnues to be a significant priority for the City. Tourism is one of the economic drivers for the City that provides the opportunity for increased services and infrastructure improvements that keep residents saƟsfied.
As part of this quality of life and visitor experience, recreaƟonal and open space opportuniƟes are key. Important needs and policies include:
Attachment 1.B
12.C-19Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 7
IdenƟfying and taking acƟon to acquire and retain open space areas; Maintaining park space in the City to ensure opportuniƟes for acƟvity, cleanliness, and visual benefit;
Developing improvements to park and open space faciliƟes to ensure access; and Leveraging partnerships to ensure all park, open space, and recreaƟonal faciliƟes are acquired, developed, and uƟlized.
RecommendaƟons include supporƟng State legislaƟve efforts to increase funding for programs that support these spaces, including legislaƟve bond measures for consideraƟon by voters. The City should support the repurposing of previous grant funds that have not been uƟlized so addiƟonal cycles can be solicited. LegislaƟve efforts to revise exisƟng grant programs to allow for addiƟonal uses that more closely align with City needs should be supported.
The City’s priority on parks and open space is evident in its work to idenƟfy opportuniƟes and collaborate with regional partners. Several of the specific projects and funding opportuniƟes for the City include:
The City has a long history of working collaboraƟvely with the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County (LCSLO) at the Pismo Preserve and remains commiƩed to the ongoing operaƟon and potenƟal future addiƟonal development of the project. The faciliƟes and open space in Price Canyon provide an opportunity to access addiƟonal funds toward the purpose of tourism and resident quality of life. The City will also seek to apply for funding from the programs funded by ProposiƟon 68 or other statewide bonds to provide recreaƟonal and open space opportuniƟes for residents and visitors as appropriate. These opportuniƟes will contribute significantly to the City’s quality of life and economic vitality.
Attachment 1.B
12.C-20Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 8
Public Safety and Health
As noted above in General Infrastructure, faciliƟes for the City’s public safety services remains a very high priority, and needs and opportuniƟes are outlined in that secƟon. Similarly, ensuring the City has the financial resources to provide services remains key. Several areas of policy should also be considered, including:
Ensure appropriate funding levels for idenƟfied needs of law enforcement and fire departments;
Support policies related to data management that provide ciƟes maximum flexibility in meeƟng State standards with regards to collecƟon, accessibility, and preservaƟon; Ensure the ability of local law enforcement to comply and address changes to issues such criminal sentencing policies;
Ensure the City and its officials are prepared and able to respond appropriately to disasters and emergencies, including fire prevenƟon and suppression; and Ensure the City is prepared to prevent, respond, and recover from public health emergencies, including but not limited to the coronavirus (COVID‐19).
RecommendaƟons include supporƟng State legislaƟve efforts or Governor’s acƟons to provide addiƟonal budgetary and grant funding for programs that address a need idenƟfied by the City’s police and fire departments. Similarly, the City should support efforts to prevent disasters, as well as to plan for appropriate emergency response, including training for officials and funding for equipment and other response and recovery efforts.
In parƟcular, the City should conƟnue to support State efforts providing funding and other coordinaƟon resources for the prevenƟon and suppression of wildfires. These efforts should include funding and support for updated mapping resources to serve in mutual aid and other Attachment 1.B
12.C-21Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 9
suppression acƟviƟes. The City should oppose any State efforts to complicate via permiƫng or increasing the cost of rouƟne fuel modificaƟon work for wildfire prevenƟon. In addiƟon, the City should support funding for technology resources for mobile emergency operaƟon center needs and evacuaƟon preparedness efforts, including cellular and internet connecƟvity infrastructure.
The City should also support legislaƟve efforts to improve fire safety, emergency noƟficaƟon, and more effecƟve policing without compromising officer or resident safety. Finally, the City should support legislaƟve, administraƟve, and ballot efforts to maintain appropriate sentencing and parole standards and ensure the safety of our residents and community.
RecommendaƟons also include preparing the City and its residents for future health emergencies similar to the COVID‐19 pandemic. The City should conƟnue to support efforts by the Governor and State Legislature to provide funding to local jurisdicƟons with flexibility for the use of that funding to support a variety of needs unique to each jurisdicƟon, including the conƟnuaƟon of public services and personnel, backfill for lost tax revenue, and to support State and county public health outreach and efforts. The City should also support efforts to assist communiƟes such as Pismo Beach with a significant reliance on tourism to ensure public services are not severely impacted by the loss of transient occupancy and sales tax revenues. The City should support direct funding and resource allocaƟons to municipal governments, instead of at county or statewide levels, allowing for the rapid deployment of such items as personal protecƟve equipment and other criƟcal materials and funding.
Attachment 1.B
12.C-22Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 10
Housing and Homelessness
The State Legislature and Governor conƟnue to work on soluƟons to the State’s crisis regarding the availability and affordability of housing. In many areas of the State, local communiƟes are either struggling with a lack of available housing, or with prices so high as to make homeownership prohibiƟve, or both. Reports by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and other housing stakeholders have noted concerns with “local barriers” to effecƟvely addressing this housing situaƟon and concerns about methodologies for the establishment of impact fees among other local policy authoriƟes.
Every community is different, and for the City, there are several policies to consider:
Ensure local permiƫng and regulatory processes do not serve as barriers to an appropriate amount of available housing; Examine housing affordability so families and individuals can own or rent as they choose;
Ensure there is available workforce housing to ensure a quality of life is available for all residents and individuals contribuƟng to the City’s economy.
RecommendaƟons include supporƟng State legislaƟve efforts to streamline the development of housing, while protecƟng the City’s permiƫng, impact, fee and regulatory processes. The City should support efforts to provide funding mechanisms for developing housing and other related infrastructure, as well as funding for effecƟve housing development and ownership programs.
The City should support efforts to provide funding for grant programs that connect housing with employment, recreaƟon, schools, and public services.
The future of housing funding remains very much uncertain. While the Legislature and Governor have approved a significant amount of housing‐related legislaƟon over the last few years, the voter‐approved housing bond and other mechanisms in these efforts are untested and their Attachment 1.B
12.C-23Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 11
effecƟveness to address the housing crisis remains to be seen. For the City, opƟons to consider may include:
CreaƟon of funding mechanisms such as financing districts and tax increment proposals that have the benefits and potenƟal for guaranteed revenue streams; Cap and trade funding through the Affordable Housing and Sustainable CommuniƟes Program, which emphasizes higher density housing developments with a high degree of connecƟvity to jobs and transit; and
PotenƟal funding from the State through budgetary agreements between the Governor and Legislature.
The City should support efforts to harmonize and seek legislaƟon mandaƟng changes in land use to promote housing with the Coastal Act. The Coastal Act must be followed, but oŌen conflicts with State law without much clarity on navigaƟng between the two sets of regulaƟons. Efforts should be made to ensure that moving forward, this conflict is addressed by future legislaƟon.
Economic Vitality and Quality of Life
Many of the subject areas described in this plaƞorm, if not all, play key roles in the economic vitality of the City: parks and open space provide recreaƟonal opportuniƟes, well‐maintained infrastructure provides clean water and easily‐navigated streets, and public safety provides peace of mind. Residents don’t want to live somewhere that doesn’t meet these standards, nor do visitors want to frequent the place. PrioriƟes areas to consider include:
Ensuring the business climate is posiƟve and able to aƩract and retain businesses that provide quality employment opportuniƟes and good products and services; Ensuring public infrastructure is adequate for business development needs; SupporƟng tourism and visitors while maintaining the quality of life for residents; and All opportuniƟes for economic investment and sustainability acƟviƟes are pursued.
Attachment 1.B
12.C-24Council Agenda 12-5-2023
2024 State Legislative Agenda Page 12
RecommendaƟons include supporƟng State legislaƟve efforts to create and foster community incenƟves for financing of public improvements. The City should support legislaƟve and administraƟve efforts to improve the acƟviƟes at GO‐Biz which could benefit the City. Similarly, the City should support funding programs to support local transportaƟon planning efforts to help circulaƟon, parking, and other specific plan elements. The City should support legislaƟve efforts to provide a framework for short‐term vacaƟon rentals that protects local control and accessibility to data, while ensuring the City captures all transient occupancy taxes.
Given the City’s status as a desƟnaƟon for visitors and tourism, enhancing the visitor experience is key to helping drive the City’s economic vitality. Several efforts and opportuniƟes are below:
The City conƟnues to maximize the potenƟal for places such as Pismo Preserve and Price Canyon by pursuing funding opportuniƟes in collaboraƟon with regional partners. These efforts will result in increased accessibility to recreaƟonal and educaƟonal opportuniƟes. The City conƟnues to pursue and support the reintroducƟon of the Pismo Clam and potenƟal funding from sources such as the Natural Resources Agency and Ocean ProtecƟon Council that may help with those efforts. ReintroducƟon of the clam will provide yet another opportunity for the City to showcase one of its best resources to visitors.
Attachment 1.B
12.C-25Council Agenda 12-5-2023