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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: August 5, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Tarik Rahmani, Director of Finance & Management Services Department: Finance & Management Services
Subject: Pre-Approval of Mayor and City Council Travel for FY 2026/27 (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, pre-approve travel for elected officials for FY 2026/27 as outlined. Individual travel shall remain subject to available appropriations and compliance with the City’s Travel Authority and Expense Policy.
City Manager's Comments
This item provides pre-approval from the City Council on Mayor and City Council eligible conferences. These are consistent with past Conferences attended.
Executive Summary
The Travel Authority and Expense Policy requires Mayor and City Council approval for travel by elected officials. Annual pre-approval of commonly attended conferences and meetings simplifies administration while maintaining compliance with the adopted policy. Pre-approved travel for FY 2026/27 includes events sponsored by key organizations like Cal Cities, NLC, and SCAG, allowing City officials to advocate for policies and participate in important committee meetings. This approach supports the City’s operational and intergovernmental objectives.
Background
The Travel Authority and Expense Policy, Authorized Expenses Section, subsection (b) “Prior to Trip – Advance Approval,” adopted by Resolution No. 2024-105, requires pre-approval by the Mayor and City Council for any travel by an elected official. Annual pre-approval of commonly attended events, committee meetings, conferences, seminars, and other travel eases the administrative burden while ensuring compliance with the adopted Policy so that the Mayor and City Council can complete travel that is beneficial to the City.
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Discussion
Pre-approved travel for FY 2026/27 includes all events sponsored by the following organizations:
League of California Cities (“Cal Cities”)
National League of Cities (“NLC”)
Southern California Association of Governments (“SCAG”) San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (“SBCTA”) US Conference of Mayors
International Council of Shopping Centers (“ICSC”)
International City/County Management Association (“ICMA”) The City is currently an active member of Cal Cities, NLC, and SCAG, and City officials routinely attend events sponsored by these organizations. Several City officials also serve on policy committees that are conducted by these organizations, including the Community Services Policy Committee and the Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Policy Committee for Cal Cities. By attending events sponsored by these organizations and participating in committee meetings where they serve as members, City officials can advocate for policies and help shape legislative platforms aligned with the City’s interests. This is especially important as the City is re-establishing itself as a regional leader. Pre-approving travel to events sponsored by Cal Cities, NLC, and SCAG for FY 2026/27 will afford City officials greater flexibility in attending events where they can conduct business and advocate for policies that benefit the City.
All travel remains subject to the City’s adopted Travel Authority and Expense Policy, available budget appropriations, and standard reimbursement requirements.
Strategic Targets and Goals
This item aligns with Key Target No. 1d: Improved Operational and Financial Capacity – Create a framework for spending decisions, and Key Target No. 2c: Focused, Aligned Leadership and Unified Community – Re-establish City as the Regional Leader/County Seat.
Fiscal Impact
There is no additional fiscal impact associated with this item. Funding for elected official travel and conferences is included in the FY 2026/27 Adopted Budget.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, pre-approve travel for elected officials for FY 2026/27 as outlined. Individual travel shall remain subject to available appropriations and compliance with the City’s Travel Authority and Expense Policy.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Travel Authority and Expense Policy
Attachment 2 - Resolution 2024-105
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Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
November 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council approved the FY 2025/26 travel for elected officials
August 7, 2024 Mayor and City Council approved the FY 2024/25 travel for elected officials
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager