City of San Leandro
2022 Federal Legislative Platform and Policy Guidelines Scheduled for City Council Consideration: January 10, 2022 The City of San Leandro’s federal legislative agenda for 2022 is designed to reflect the adopted priorities and policy direction of the Mayor and City Council with direct input from the City Administration. This strategic agenda also includes advocating for legislation, regulations, and funding that is consistent with the City’s adopted priorities. Adoption of this document is designed to provide standing authority for the Mayor and members of the City Council, City staff, or the City’s legislative advocates to take action on pending legislative matters on behalf of the City of San Leandro when time or other constraints preclude bringing such matters before the City Council in advance. Such actions could include issuing letters, attending or scheduling meetings, or otherwise advocating for actions that are consistent with the policy language contained herein.
This document is also designed to provide the public and the City’s advocates a better understanding of the Mayor and City Council’s policy preferences regarding a variety of legislative and intergovernmental issues that might arise during the course of the year at the federal level.
Summary of Federal Policy Issues for Advocacy or Monitoring:
Affordable Care Act: Support efforts to expand health insurance coverage to the public and retain or build upon key provisions within the Affordable Care Act Act that provide insurance coverage for at-risk populations. Support funding for Community Health Centers.
Broadband Infrastructure. Support federal programs that help facilitate the expansion of public and private access to broadband and the protection of public wi-fi system integrity, and the inclusion of broadband in the definition of infrastructure. Support efforts to protect local land use authority over related infrastructure. Support efforts to restore network neutrality protections and provide a level playing field among market competitors. Oppose federal actions that would limit consumer protections or otherwise limit local control.
Cannabis Regulation. Support modifying the Schedule I status of cannabis at the federal level, including efforts that would facilitate additional scientific research and study. Support efforts to protect public safety and facilitate effective regulation, including access to the banking system.
Oppose federal actions that interfere with states’ rights to oversee a regulated market or restrict local control.
Carbon Fee and Dividend. Support the exploration of innovative ways of addressing carbon emissions at the federal level, including proposals for a national carbon fee & dividend. Such a program would assess a fee at the sources of fossil fuel extraction or other activities that generate carbon emissions. Program revenues could then be returned to American households in the form of a dividend, or otherwise used to bolster environmental protection efforts.
Climate Emergency, Climate Change Mitigation, and Adaptation. Support federal action to address the climate emergency and adapt to immediate impacts such as wildfire smoke & heat waves, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Oppose efforts to weaken federal environmental regulations. Support sustainability programs and infrastructure that reduce energy usage, climate vulnerability and risk, and emissions. Support climate programs that prioritize public health, equity, frontline communities, and workforce development as part of a just transition.
CDBG and HOME Programs. Advocate to protect or enhance funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) programs to more effectively address community development and affordable housing needs. Support increased federal funding for critical HUD programs and housing opportunities, including $150 billion worth of federal investments included in the Build Back Better Act.
Cyber Security. Support and pursue federal grant programs designed to help states and localities with cybersecurity, including those programs established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to be administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) COPS Programs. Support efforts to identify federal funding for various local or regional law enforcement initiatives through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or other relevant federal agencies or programs.
COVID-19 Response, Relief, and Economic Recovery. Administer the direct, flexible federal funding provided to cities of all sizes, including San Leandro, through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Effectively utilize those federal dollars to support the ongoing emergency public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to address local revenue losses, to provide assistance to individuals and businesses in need, and to facilitate continued long-term economic recovery within the community. Support the extension of unemployment insurance benefits, the federal eviction moratorium, student loan relief, and childcare benefits for the duration of the pandemic.
Advocate for funding for rental and mortgage assistance to prevent evictions, and to address past-due rent.
Department of Energy. Support efforts to develop innovative renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage projects to achieve energy security.
Environmental Protection Agency. Support efforts to maintain programs such as Energy Star, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Power Plan and other federal programs that protect the environment, public health, or plants and wildlife. Support efforts to restore regulations designed to protect the environment or endangered species, or mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Federal Aviation Administration. Work with federal officials or relevant staff to address ongoing noise and other impacts to the San Leandro community associated with flight patterns and/or the operations of surrounding Bay Area airports.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Support funding for resilient infrastructure improvements such as green infrastructure, recycled water pipelines, levees & other innovative solutions to protect vital community assets threatened by sea level rise, rising temperatures, wildfire, drought or other hazards associated with climate change.
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): Support Congressional efforts to reform the National Flood Insurance Program and to expedite the claims process and ensure that premium rate increases do not unfairly impact residences and businesses. Work with FEMA to support property owners potentially impacted by changes to flood maps. Support infrastructure projects that could reduce flooding or mitigate flood insurance rate increases.
Gun Safety. Support efforts to promote gun safety or initiatives to prevent mass shootings or active shooter incidents. Support funding for law enforcement training or programs to address gun violence or reduce access to firearms by at-risk individuals, such as the mentally ill.
Homelessness. Support additional federal funding to address issues related to homelessness, including support for navigation centers as well as emergency and transitional housing. Monitor or oppose potential federal interventions that do not align with local policies.
Immigration Policies. Monitor efforts at the federal level that would impact undocumented populations, including immigration enforcement practices. Oppose efforts that restrict access to federal funds by cities or other public agencies based on local policy positions related to sanctuary city status or immigration. Support positive relations between law enforcement and immigrant communities. Support efforts to protect DACA recipients.
Infrastructure. Work with the Administration to secure new formula and discretionary federal investments for local infrastructure provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including funding for transportation (especially safety measures for at-grade railroad crossings), green infrastructure, climate resilience, and reclaimed water projects. Advocate for additional funding for projects of local and regional significance, particularly those that are tied to job training and placement.
LGBTQ Protection. Support efforts that would expand protections for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning community, including the Equality Act. Support legislation that regulates or restricts conversion therapy. Oppose legislation or actions that would prevent transgender people from using bathrooms or accessing other facilities or places of public accommodation based solely on the basis of sex or gender assigned at birth.
Money in Politics. Support legislation or initiatives that would expand transparency in the sources of funds used to influence election outcomes. Monitor legislation or other federal actions that would affect campaign financing and related regulations.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): Support Congressional efforts to reform the National Flood Insurance Program and to expedite the claims process and ensure that premium rate increases do not unfairly impact residences and businesses. Work with FEMA to support property owners potentially impacted by changes to flood maps. Support infrastructure projects that could reduce flooding or mitigate flood insurance rate increases.
National League of Cities and U.S. Conference of Mayors. Support efforts by the National League of Cities and U.S. Conference of Mayors to protect the interests of cities and local communities at the national level, including related advocacy efforts by these organizations’ policy committees and task forces.
National Safe Medication and Needle Disposal Program. Support federal legislation for a nationwide comprehensive, producer-funded, safe medication and needle disposal program similar to California's SB 212. Federal legislation will help remove old or expired medication from the public’s homes, thereby preventing accidental poisonings, abuse, and environmental damage (e.g. flushing medication down the toilet). The legislation will help protect solid waste facilities, parks, hotel, and wastewater workers, and the public from needle stick injuries.
Policing Reform. Support comprehensive policing reform legislation that establishes uniform national standards to increase officer accountability, improve transparency, and eliminate discriminatory practices when identified. Support programs and efforts designed to build community trust. Support federal programs that fund or provide training on de-escalation tactics, use-of-force alternatives, mental health or other crisis intervention, and other innovative strategies that better protect all members of the community.
Railroad Safety. Urge Congress and the Administration to work towards implementation of Positive Train Control technology in locomotives. Support U.S. Department of Transportation initiatives for new safety measures, such as reduced train speeds in urban areas, and strong oversight of rail safety. Support federal funding for rail safety and improvements to rail crossings.
Racial Equity. Support federal efforts or legislation addressing racial injustice and equity, including racial biases that may be identified in the legal system.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Resiliency. Support federal funding for resilient infrastructure improvements such as green infrastructure, recycled water pipelines, levees & other innovative solutions to protect vital community assets threatened by sea level rise, rising temperatures, wildfire, drought, or other natural hazards associated with climate change.
Renewable Energy Micro-grid. Seek funding opportunities that could assist in San Leandro’s efforts to develop a renewable energy micro-grid.
Shoreline Project. Support legislative efforts or funding opportunities that would assist in the successful redevelopment of San Leandro’s shoreline. Support federal funding for the dredging of recreational marinas.
Small Cell and Telecommunications Facilities. Support efforts to overturn current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations that preempt local land use regulations related to the location, placement, size, appearance, screening, or siting of “small cell” or other telecommunications transmission and receiving facilities, or other facilities such as satellite dishes, radio towers, broadcast and microwave equipment, or similar facilities. Oppose further preemption of local control over local rights-of-way and land use authority by federal agencies, including the FCC. Support local control related to the installation of 5G infrastructure.
Smart Cities Initiatives. Seek opportunities to leverage public-private partnerships and emerging technology resources that would assist communities in transforming traditional industrial sites into modern manufacturing workplaces. Support programs or opportunities to humanize industrial districts, including funding for place-making.
Social Justice. Support federal efforts to uplift historically marginalized communities and remedy long standing social, legal, economic, educational, and health disparities among those populations. Support legislation that protects civil rights and prevents discrimination. Work with federal partners to increase representation within institutions and direct federal resources to minority or women-owned businesses. Support the rights of the public to protest peacefully and to petition the government. Oppose attempts to restrict access to federal funds by municipalities that protect First Amendment rights.
Social Security and Medicare. Support federal actions to protect public benefits created by Social Security and Medicare, while balancing reasonable reforms that would bolster the financial solvency of both programs.
Tobacco and Vaping. Support federal efforts to discourage youth access to tobacco and vaping products. Support enforcement of the federally mandated minimum age of 21 years to purchase such products. Support federal efforts to regulate or restrict access to flavored products.
Urban Greenway. Support efforts that could lead to additional funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, including the East Bay Greenway project.
Waters Infrastructure Grants. Support efforts to maintain or increase funding to vital state and local government grants provided by the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies.
Voting Rights. Support the rights of all United States citizens to access the polls and vote.
Support increased federal funding or legislation that augments election security and ensures public access to polling stations. Oppose efforts that would restrict voting rights or access.