CITY OF SAN MATEO
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 1 Section Name: {{section.name}} Account Number: 10-1511 File ID: {{item.tracking_number}} TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: City Clerk's Office
MEETING DATE: May 19, 2025
SUBJECT:
Legislative and Grant Opportunities Briefing – Study Session RECOMMENDATION:
Receive legislative updates from California State Senator Josh Becker, California State Assemblymember Diane Papan, and San Mateo County Supervisor Noelia Corzo (District 5), as well as briefings from the City’s state legislative consultant, California Public Policy Group, and federal legislative consultant, Smith Garson. Provide feedback and direction to staff as appropriate, including potentially taking action to adopt a position on pending legislation.
BACKGROUND:
At the February 18, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting, during the Reports and Announcements section, Council Member Fernandez requested that the Council receive an update on state and federal legislative matters from the City’s elected representatives and advocacy partners.
In February 2025, the City Council approved an agreement with California Public Policy Group (CPPG). The City has engaged CPPG to support the Council and staff in advancing San Mateo’s regional and state legislative priorities as well as identifying potential grant opportunities, as outlined in the presentation contained within Attachment 1. CPPG provided an initial update to the City Council’s Legislative Committee during its meeting on April 28, 2025. For federal advocacy, the City has worked with Smith Garson (formerly Smith Dawson & Andrews) since 2017 to monitor and advance San Mateo’s interests at the federal level.
According to the City Council’s Rules and Procedures, it is the policy of the Council to be actively involved in developing the City’s position on significant pending state and federal legislation that may directly impact San Mateo. The Legislative Committee—comprised of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor—convenes annually or as needed to review and recommend positions on legislative matters.
Legislation may be submitted for consideration by the Legislative Committee by a Council Member, the City Manager, or a Commission Staff Liaison if a majority of the commission has voted to bring the matter forward. The Committee’s recommendations are presented to the full City Council for consideration. In time-sensitive cases where Council action cannot be obtained before a legislative deadline, the Legislative Committee may take immediate action to communicate with legislators. When this occurs, the Committee must copy the full Council and provide a summary of its actions during the Reports and Announcements section of the next Council meeting.
During this study session, the City Council will receive presentations California State Senator Josh Becker, California State Assemblymember Diane Papan, and San Mateo County Supervisor Noelia Corzo (District 5), as well as briefings from the City’s state legislative consultant, California Public Policy Group, and federal legislative consultant, Smith Garson. Following the presentations, Council may direct a position be taken on any legislation or direct staff to provide further information
CITY OF SAN MATEO
for consideration at a later date.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no budget impact associated with this legislative briefing. There are no additional costs associated with this legislative briefing. Participation by California Public Policy Group and Smith Garson is covered under their existing monthly fees as outlined in the City’s approved agreements.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This study session is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – California Public Policy Group Presentation
STAFF CONTACT
Martin McTaggart, City Clerk
[email protected]
(650) 522-7044