1 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM –
DISASTER LANGUAGE ONLY
Purpose
The City of Santa Rosa’s State Legislative Platform confirms the City Council’s position on current issues with the potential to impact the City directly or indirectly. The legislative platform is a guiding document that the City will continue to work on with constituents, legislative consultants, and elected representatives to promote and preserve the City’s interests at the state level.
City staff will monitor state legislation, along with administrative and regulatory proposals, and take appropriate action as needed to address such measures in order to advance and protect the City’s interests. City staff will collaborate with our local and regional partners when appropriate, such as the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, Sonoma Water, Sonoma County Agricultural and Open Space District, Sonoma County Transportation Authority, Sonoma Clean Power, Zero Waste Sonoma, County of Sonoma’s Continuum of Care, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, and Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
Council Priorities
The City Council adopted priority areas that guide its legislative priorities and initiatives:
• Achieve and Maintain Fiscal Stability
• Invest in the Development and Maintenance of the City’s Infrastructure • Promote Citywide Economic Development
• Foster a Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Community
• Plan for and Encourage Housing for All and Reduce Homelessness Legislative Overview and Fiscal Outlook
In 2025, the City worked closely with California Public Policy Group on state legislation and funding priorities. In Sacramento, the City took positions on 16 policy proposals ranging from governmental operations and public safety to water and the environment.
Legislative Strategy and Actions
The Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Office proactively coordinates with City Exhibit A to Resolution 1
2 executives, management, staff, and the Mayor and City Council to develop the list of items and subsequent actions below to ensure the City’s interests are protected.
Disaster Prevention and Recovery, Hazard Mitigation, & Resiliency Support Legislation and Regulatory Efforts:
• To support policy and funding needs, outlined in the City’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan, General Plan, and other regulatory documents. • To minimize the frequency and impact of electric utility power shutoffs intended to reduce wildfire risk.
• To fund hazard mitigation projects, including wildfire hardening, seismic upgrade, drought, and flood protection measures, including those identified in a FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• To fund state efforts to update and prepare earthquake hazard mapping. • To establish resiliency hubs throughout cities or population centers. • To advocate that additional funding be appropriated for emergency areas such as parks to have proper bathrooms, and to be properly equipped for emergency use. • To address the State Insurance Commissioner’s cancellation of fire insurance and rates for those living near or in the Wildland Urban Interface. • To address flood insurance rates for property owners and renters within a designated flood zone.
• To support efforts for flood mitigation, preparedness, evacuation planning, coordination during disasters, and post-flood recovery.
• To support efforts to ensure a fair market cost to fire insurance for the City’s residents. • To enhance accessibility at our designated Temporary Evacuation Point, ensuring safe and convenient access for seniors and those with limited mobility through improvements to pathways, sidewalks, and restrooms.
Oppose Legislation:
• That attempts to shift wildfire costs associated with investor-owned utility-caused events to the City and its residents.