Report regarding requests for policy advocacy
including for letters of support or opposition
for State and Federal legislation
March 25, 2026 City Council Meeting
Staff Recommendation
2 Staff recommends that City Council, by motion, direct staff to develop a legislative platform which would include
granting the Mayor authority to sign documents
implementing the platform.
Background
3 • Staff is receiving requests to provide letters of support or opposition to specific legislative bills.
• Currently, staff has no formal authority or process for responding to requests.
• Difficult to determine whether policy advocacy reflects the collective City Council position.
• Tonight, seeking direction if and when to engage in policy advocacy on behalf of Council.
Considerations
4 • Discretion of City Council to determine if and how the City engages in advocacy work
• Differing city approaches
Options for Consideration
5 1. Create a Council-adopted Legislative Platform (recommended option)
2. Prepare letters for every Councilmember request
3. Delegate decision authority to the Mayor
4. Delegate decision authority to an established Council subcommittee
5. Request City Council consideration of any advocacy work as requests arise
Fiscal Impact
6 • Primary cost: Staff time
• Townsend Public Affairs could assist with preparation of the draft legislative platform
Staff Recommendation
7 Staff recommends that City Council, by motion, direct staff to develop a legislative platform which would include
granting the Mayor authority to sign documents
implementing the platform.
Report regarding requests for policy advocacy
including for letters of support or opposition
for State and Federal legislation
Thank You