DATE: FEBRUARY 24, 2026
DEPARTMENT: CITY ADMINISTRATION
FROM: LISA MURPHY, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
TITLE: 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Motion to adopt the 2026 Legislative Platform.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Legislative Platform (Platform) establishes the principles that will guide the City’s policy and legislative advocacy efforts at the regional, state, and federal level. The Platform focuses on the key areas that will enable the City of Salinas to deliver projects and programs to meet the needs of our community. Adopted annually, the City’s Platform serves as a reference to guide the development of positions on legislative proposals and provides guidance for the City Council and staff throughout the year.
BACKGROUND:
Each year the Platform will be updated to highlight legislative and funding priorities for consideration and adoption by the City Council. The following key areas have been identified as the City’s priorities, each with detailed policy positions:
Agriculture & Ag Tech
Healthcare
Housing & Homelessness
Transportation & Infrastructure
Economic & Community Development
Public Safety
Environmental Quality & Water Resources
Future Growth and Innovation
By adopting this Platform, the City Council authorizes the City’s participation in state and federal advocacy efforts that are aligned with municipal interests. Based on the adopted Platform, the City will evaluate and take formal positions on specific bills, budget proposals, and regulatory matters.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No, Government Code §84308/Levine Act does not apply to this item.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Adopting the 2026 Legislative Platform is consistent with the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan’s goals for Economic Development, Infrastructure, and Public Safety by turning the Strategic Plan’s priorities into advocacy. The advocacy includes seeking funding for projects as well as policy changes needed to achieve the goals.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
City administration coordinated with all of the departments to gather input on their priorities.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to adopting the Platform
ATTACHMENTS:
2026 City of Salinas Legislative Platform
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