2022 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin J. Lincoln II Mayor
Sol Jobrack District 1
Dan Wright District 2
Paul Canepa District 3
Susan Lenz District 4
Christina Fugazi Vice Mayor / District 5
Kimberly Warmsley District 6
Harry Black
City Manager
City of Stockton
425 N. El Dorado Street
Stockton, CA 95202
TABLE of CONTENTS
Legislative Program Summary and Descriptions 4
State of California Delegation 5
Washington, D.C. Delegation 6
City Council Strategic Work Plan 7
Legislative Program 8
Legislative Principles 9
2022 State Legislative Priorities 10
Provide opportunities for youth training and work experience and connect youth with skills/experience required for the future workforce landscape.
Advocate for and pursue funding to close the City’s fiber gap and prioritize digital equity.
Advocate for funding to address management of homelessness environmental impacts.
Incentivize missing middle housing stock and pursue funding for workforce housing.
Pursue additional funding for aquatics infrastructure repairs and additional amenities to City aquatics facilities. 2022 State Legislative Positions 14
2022 Federal Legislative Priorities 21
Provide opportunities for youth training and work experience and connect youth with skills/experience required for the future workforce landscape.
Advocate for and pursue funding to close the City’s fiber gap and prioritize digital equity.
Advocate for transportation infrastructure funding to improve roadway efficiency and safety at Arch-Airport Road area.
Advocate for transportation infrastructure funding to improve roadway efficiency and safety at Lower Sacramento Road Corridor.
Request funding to train and develop staff, improve security protocols and upgrade technology to build out the City’s cybersecurity program.
Secure funding for a new ladder truck and personnel to restore Fire emergency services suspended during bankruptcy. 2022 Federal Legislative Positions 25
Legislative Program Summary
The Stockton City Council will adopt a Legislative Program in the beginning of each calendar year. The Legislative Program sets forth the City of Stockton’s legislative priorities and interests, and it provides general authority and direction regarding advocacy efforts on behalf of the City to the City Manager’s Office; City departments; and the City’s state and federal legislative advocates.
Legislative Program Descriptions
Legislative Principle
Legislative Principles are foundational statements of broad legislative objectives or philosophies that form the basis for establishing Legislative Priorities and Positions.
Legislative Priority
Items receive designation as Legislative Priorities within the Legislative Program when it is anticipated that they will (1) have a significant impact on the City of Stockton; (2) require significant effort by City staff and/or the City’s state/federal advocates; and (3) have a strategic action identified to address a high-level priority for the City.
Legislative Position
The City of Stockton has numerous legislative interest areas beyond those that rise to the surface as Legislative Priorities. The City prepares position statements for both the themes of legislation and funding that regularly recur on the state level as well as new issues that arise each year in the legislative process. Legislative Positions provide background as to the importance of the issue to the City of Stockton and state the position of the City and any action that will be pursued to address it.
State of California Delegation
Governor Gavin Newsom
State of California
1303 10th Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
State Senate
The Honorable Susan Talamantes Eggman
Senate District 5
1021 O Street, Suite 8530
Sacramento, CA 95814
State Assembly
The Honorable Carlos Villapudua
Assembly District 13
PO Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0013
State Advocates:
Emanuels Jones and Associates
David A. Jones, President
1400 K Street, Suite 306
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 444-6789
Washington, D.C. Federal Delegation
The Honorable Alex Padilla
United States Senator
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Jerry McNerney
9th Congressional District
U.S. House of Representatives
2265 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Federal Advocates:
Summit Strategies Government Affairs LLC
440 1st Street NW, Suite 440
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 638-3307
City Council Strategic Work Plan
Strategic Targets
Safer Streets
Growing Economy
Housing Opportunities for All
Thriving and Healthy Neighborhoods
Fiscal Sustainability
Tier 1 Council Priorities
Develop solutions to address homelessness and increase the affordable housing supply Focus on COVID-19 response and recovery
Focus on crime reduction in identified areas
Prioritize resource allocation to focus areas within Council districts Economic development, including development of core downtown Tier 2 Council Priorities
Develop business incentives and tools for underserved neighborhoods Work with education partners to improve quality of life, increase literacy, and develop the workforce and youth programming Engage private employers and the business community in workforce development and job placement (including individuals with criminal records); develop an employment pipeline for Stockton residents to Stockton employers Legislative Program
Purpose
Throughout each year, the State Legislature proposes and enacts legislation, some of which affects local municipal government. The League of California Cities and contracted legislative advocacy firms keep the City of Stockton informed on proposed legislation from these bodies. At times, it is in the interests of the City to take a position on proposed legislation. The State Legislative Program establishes Legislative Principles, Priorities and Positions that provide direction for advocating for the City of Stockton with the state government.
Process
For proposed legislation, either consistent with the City’s Legislative Program or consistent with legislative positions the City has taken in the past, City staff, under direction of the City Manager, shall be authorized to prepare position letters for the Mayor’s signature. Should availability be an issue, at times in which the city has a Vice Mayor, the Vice Mayor or City Manager shall be authorized to sign position letters in lieu of the Mayor. All members of City Council shall receive copies of submitted position letters. The City’s advocacy firm may also be authorized to express the City’s position in person to legislative representatives.
Items not addressed in the City’s Legislative Priorities may require they be brought to the City Council for consideration. These legislative priorities may only address issues directly relevant to or impacting the provision of municipal services. Generally, the City will not address matters that are not pertinent to the City’s local government services such as partisan, socially divisive, or international issues.
Legislative Principles
In its relationship with the State and Federal governments, the City will always:
Seek the broadest authority for our citizens and the City Council to make decisions locally Seek out, develop, and support legislative and budget efforts that protect and/or enhance local government revenues, maximize the City’s access to funding, and/or increase local funding flexibility Support legislative and budget action that will provide robust funding for domestic infrastructure, public safety, community development and environmental programs which support City efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of life Encourage and seek legislation to facilitate orderly and sustainable economic expansion and growth, and increase the opportunity for discretionary revenues and programmatic and financial flexibility for the City Seek opportunities to help our partners achieve success in order to further improve the community Support legislation that furthers the adopted City Council Goals Oppose legislative or administrative actions that have negative fiscal impacts to the City Oppose legislative or administrative actions which would create unfunded mandates and/or preempt local decision-making authority It is within this philosophy that the attached State and Federal Legislative Priorities and Positions are adopted. 2022 State Legislative Priorities
Provide opportunities for youth training and work experience and connect youth with skills/experience required for the future workforce landscape.
Advocate for and pursue funding to close the City’s fiber gap and prioritize digital equity.
Advocate for funding to address management of homelessness environmental impacts.
Incentivize missing middle housing stock and pursue funding for workforce housing.
Pursue additional funding for aquatics infrastructure repairs and additional amenities to City aquatics facilities.
1. Provide opportunities for youth training and work experience and connect youth with skills/experience required for the future workforce landscape.
Background: Significant gaps have been identified in the local workforce landscape that have had detrimental long-term impacts on Stockton’s economy. A middle-skilled jobs report completed by University of the Pacific’s Center for Business and Policy Research explored these gaps, and noted a decrease in median wages from 75% to 69% between 2010 to 2019. Stockton continues to lag behind national and state unemployment and wage growth rates, further demonstrating the need for action. Youth workforce development programs create pathways that result in living wage jobs, reversing brain drain and improving the local economy Action: Advocate for funding to expand existing youth workforce development programs to increase access to opportunity and meet labor demand in key industries. Additionally, seek funding for innovative youth workfoce development programs to prepare youth for new and emerging industries. Funding will go toward wages for trainees, wrap-around services, administrative costs, materials & supplies, and other costs associated with accredited programs.
Action: The City received a $4.3M CaliforniansForAll Youth Workforce Development grant from the State of California in 2022 to create training and workforce pathways; however, additional investment is needed to sustain and grow these programs in the long-term.
Action: Continue to advocate for equal access to State funding for a California State University (CSU) Stockton campus
2. Advocate for and pursue funding to close the City’s fiber gap and prioritize digital equity.
Background: The City has an incomplete fiber network. A master plan is needed to determine where fiber gaps exist in the network and to identify key areas for expansion. The current status is that the City owns fiber to connect the traffic intersections for traffic management and cameras. The current state of the equipment at intersections varies in age and capability. Overall this equipment was purchased for primarily traffic management, but not for a future with multiple sensors, and multiple separated data streams. Since bankruptcy, the City has not had sufficient funding to prioritize the creation of a fiber network. As a result, Stockton has fallen behind on this vital infrastructure, which will impact its ability to attract both businesses and residents.
Action: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding will help to close the gap, however additional funding is needed. Based on the results of the Fiber Optic Master Plan, construction and equipment funding would be used to build out key segments of the City’s existing but incomplete fiber network. The City will need additional funding to put in more fiber to allow for the deployment of additional sensors at intersections, such as air quality and more detailed traffic flow data capture. Also additional fiber is needed to allow bandwidth to be provided to institutions that benefit from commercial grade speeds, such as housing projects, business parks, entertainment venues, and restaurants. The funding is for core infrastructure investments, such as Fiber, but also for updating the existing legacy infrastructure with smart/next generation equipment as well as an overall expansion of the number of fiber runs that are available in the City. Selected projects will prioritize the deployment of Smart City technologies, focus on downtown core and other business areas, and be used to provide incentives for economic development and other City Council priorities..
3. Advocate for funding to address management of homelessness environmental impacts.
Background: During the summer months, harmful algal blooms (HABs) can occur in Stockton’s sloughs and waterways due to high temperatures, stagnant water and the uncontrolled deposition of sewage and other organic and non-organic waste. HABs have been identified as sources of respiratory pollution because water droplets containing toxic bacteria can travel up to seven miles in wind. In addition, these algal blooms can contribute to the release of various cyanotoxins in the waterway, which can be a dangerous health exposure risk to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
Action: Preventative measures are the preferred approach to managing the occurrence of HABs. The most effective preventative measures are those that seek to control manmade influences that promote blooms such as the leaching and runoff of excess nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as organic and non-organic waste.
Support actions to reduce loadings in waterways from both point and nonpoint sources, including deposition of sewage, agricultural runoff, stormwater runoff and other discharges.
Support the use of devices that result in mixing of the water column (for example, by air bubbling) and enhance vertical mixing of the phytoplankton, which minimizes the formation of surface blooms of buoyant cyanobacteria/HABs.
Support the improved management of water flow in area waterways to reduce water residence time and inhibit HABs.
Advocate to develop a relationship with and seek possible funding from the State Division of Boating and Waterways, which, along with the Department of Water Resources, State Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Board, maintains responsibility for oversight, clean-up and prevention of uncontrolled or non-point pollution and invasive weeds in local waterways. State funding could help support general waterway cleanups.
4. Incentivize missing middle housing stock and pursue funding for workforce housing.
Background: During the pandemic, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has focused much of this funding on homeless permanent housing and homelessness prevention. The City of Stockton has been accessing and utilizing each round of Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding, participated in each round of Homekey applications and has expended all allocations of Emergency Rental Assistance provided. However, with the rapid increase in housing costs in the Central Valley, there is an emerging and critical need. The City of Stockton recently ranked as the number one City in the nation for inbound migration from metropolitan areas.The cost of housing in the City of Stockton has increased by 16% in the past year from $355,000 to $412,500. Although Stockton has seen a record number of housing permits the last two years, that activity does not make a dent into the critical need.
The City’s goal is to support policy reforms that will reduce barriers to and prioritize resources for workforce housing production. Challenges include the insufficient production of affordable housing for all income groups and specifically, teachers, first responders and other workforce sectors that are being priced out of the markets of rental and home ownership. The inability of hard-working residents to afford housing creates barriers to educational attainment, employment opportunities, generational wealth, and access to healthcare, creating long-term community impacts. There is a need to provide cost-effective solutions for the development community to increase production as well as need for increased flexibility in how State and Federal funds are utilized for affordable housing.
Action: Advocate for funding through the provisions of:
Capital dollars for construction
Tax breaks/credits for industry
Exceptions for Surplus Land Act when warranted by community need Infrastructure funding of off-site improvements
5. Pursue additional funding for aquatics infrastructure repairs and additional amenities to City aquatics facilities.
Background: In 2016, the City of Stockton engaged Aquatic Design Group to perform an assessment of the City’s seven aquatic facilities to determine the current state of each facility and provide recommendations for the future of aquatics in Stockton. Of the seven pools, one is operated by a homeowner’s association, two were closed due to damage and disrepair, and four were operating, but each with health and safety issues and without modern facilities such as locker rooms or heated water.
Cities all around Stockton have been investing in modern aquatic facilities. Some include indoor pools, spraygrounds and waterslides. Most are heated for year-round use. To provide the residents of Stockton the quality aquatics experience similar to neighboring cities and private facilities in Stockton, the City must prioritize repairing and upgrading current aquatic facilities.
Action: The assessment provided by Aquatic Design Group is still a usable blueprint for the improvement of aquatic facilities in Stockton. The assessment highlights conditions of each City-owned pool and notes required repairs, ranging from meeting current code compliance to enhancements that will provide better levels of service to the community. The assessment also makes recommendations for modernized facilities and how these facilities can increase revenues.
The City is currently in the process of rebuilding Victory Park Pool and renovating McKinley Park Pool. These two pools will be compliant with current health and safety rules and regulations. However, at this time, neither of these two pools, nor any of the four pools currently in operation are heated. Without heated water, the pool can be comfortably used mainly from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. With heated pools, many more aquatic activities can be programmed and offered throughout the year.
Two of the currently operational pools are solely for recreational use. Their shape and size limit the opportunity for the best source of revenue – competitive swim team. While two of four pools have swim lanes, neither is deep enough to allow competitive starts from diving blocks. Competitive swim teams could generate $3000 to $5000 or more in monthly revenue. In order for City pools to be rented to swim teams, they must be heated, and the depth, at least on one end, must be at least 7.5 feet.
Using the Aquatic Design Group assessment, the City can prioritize health and safety compliance, and upgrade facilities with heated water and renovations to allow for competitive aquatic sports. Doing so will greatly increase the City’s ability to showcase and increase revenue from the aquatic facilities. 2022 State Legislative Positions
Protect Local Control
Protect Local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services Public Safety
Infrastructure Investment
Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City Delta Protection and Enhancement
1. Protect Local Control
Support efforts that are consistent with the doctrine of "home rule" and the local exercise of police powers, through planning and zoning processes, over local land use.
Oppose legislation that negatively impacts the City Council's authority to manage and control the public right-of-way and for the City to receive compensation for its use.
Oppose any legislation that attempts to limit the ability of the City to avail ourselves of the protections offered under chapter 9 or any other action that undermines the City’s ability to restructure our finances. Oppose any legislation that limits the ability of the City to move beyond chapter 9 protection or places burdens or mandates on municipalities exiting chapter 9 protection.
2. Protect Local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services Support full reimbursement to cities for all State mandates.
Support legislation that protects the ability of cities to recover the costs of mandated programs through fees that are exempt from Proposition 218 as well as potential exemptions for stormwater infrastructure projects.
Support efforts to restore local authority and control over revenues, governance, and service delivery as well as to protect local governments against unfunded mandates.
Support efforts to allocate State Cap-and-Trade revenues to local government projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Advocate for grants or loans to upgrade municipal irrigation systems and install smart controls. This will reduce water use due to leakage loss and over-irrigation. Advocate for further grants to upgrade and maintain the urban forest.
Advocate for state taxation policies and procedures that ensure that taxing authorities and services provided by the City are fairly and adequately funded.
Support legislative efforts that maximize reimbursement to local governments for medical transport and fire responder paramedic services to individuals that are beneficiaries of state and federal medical coverage.
Support legislation and regulations that protect Proposition 64 funding for local agencies and maintain local control of cannabis regulations, both medicinal and recreational.
Oppose efforts that capture or divert local revenue or efforts which shift responsibility for State services or programs to local government without commensurate revenue.
Oppose legislation that eliminates or restricts the taxing authority of cities; weakens existing Government Code section 66000 fee authority; or redefines any development tax, condition, or other monetary change as development fees.
Oppose any legislation that attempts to allocate additional general liability exposure to cities or that seeks to prohibit the ability of cities to seek maximum indemnification from other parties in the contractual process.
3. Public Safety
Support funding for local law enforcement equipment, services, and personnel.
Support legislation that allows use of state public safety grants for intervention and prevention efforts to curb group gun violence and youth violence.
Support legislation that would provide cities with a greater share of fines and forfeitures.
Support legislation that allows law enforcement to better combat gun violence through investigation, interdiction, and prevention of firearm-related crimes.
Support legislation that allows use of state public safety grants for maintenance efforts in addition to service increases.
Support legislation and administrative actions that protect the City’s interests related to the AB109 public safety realignment initiative including but not limited to equitable distribution of funding and policies that do not unfairly impact Stockton and San Joaquin County.
Support legislation and administrative actions that protect the City’s interests related to Proposition 47, the Safe Neighborhood and Schools Act of 2014, which reduced penalties for certain lower-level drug possession and thefts under $950 from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Support funding for local emergency operations including equipment, services, and personnel.
Ensure local discretion in the adoption and implementation of health and safety standards contained in the building and fire codes.
Oppose legislation that mandates local building and fire code standards which negatively impact the health and safety of the community and add undue burden and investment in the City.
4. Infrastructure Investment
Advocate for state funding and transportation re-authorizations that support City infrastructure projects and City programs, including projects adopted in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Support increased funding to enhance existing public transportation programs.
Advocate for state funding for street, road, and alleyway repair within the City.
Advocate that fundamental responsibility for transportation decision making should be at the local level.
Support equitable long-range, statewide infrastructure investment.
Advocate for fair implementation and distribution of state infrastructure bond funds to assure the City receives an adequate share for local improvements and programs.
Support efforts to provide high-speed capacity broadband provisions for all libraries to ensure full, equitable electronic services.
Support legislation and regulations that provide additional funding for public parks, and advocate that Stockton receive equitable funding from statewide revenues.
Advocate for state funding opportunities that support energy-efficient technology initiatives (i.e. Green data center) or those that support Digital Cities initiatives (i.e. Mobile City Hall, Public Wi-Fi).
Oppose any state reductions to existing transportation grants and programs.
Oppose legislation that limits and/or decreases the existing amount of retention proceeds withheld from any payment by a public entity to a contractor on a public project.
5. Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City Support efforts that impact the City’s ability to enhance the well-being, quality of life, health, and safety of residents; stabilize and enhance jobs and economic growth; and improve the environment.
Support legislation that provides economic development and redevelopment tools and programs for municipalities, particularly tools to assist urban revitalization.
Support legislation and State funding that is consistent with the City’s Economic Development Strategic Action Plan.
Support legislation and State funding that would support educational efforts in the City of Stockton and improve educational outcomes.
Support legislation and State funding that would increase access to higher education for Stockton residents.
Actively pursue, support and work in coalition to bring a CSU Stockton Campus to our community.
Support legislation that provides financial assistance for local public libraries without the imposition of new taxes.
Support legislation that makes funds available to upgrade, remodel existing libraries, and build new libraries.
Ensure that funding and support for technology are present for workforce development efforts, individual learning, entrepreneurial/business centers, and lifelong learning.
Support legislation that provides financial support and incentives for programs which provide affordable housing for disabled and low-income residents, families, and senior adults.
Support legislation that protects and maintains existing affordable housing opportunities for disabled and low-income residents, families, and senior adults.
Support legislation and funding for energy-efficiency projects and programs for public buildings and facilities.
Support legislation providing funding for the acquisition and restoration of wildlife habitat.
Support statewide funding for rehabilitation, development and capital improvements for local and state park and recreation agencies.
Support the enactment of policies and encourage state funding opportunities to assist agencies in meeting sustainability objectives including energy and water efficiencies, non-motorized trail development and connectivity, carbon sequestration through natural environment management, protection, and enhancement.
Advocate for legislation that requires manufacturers and retailers to address hazardous, expensive, or difficult to manage waste streams that are a burden to local governments.
Support access for all Californians to physical activity and nutrition through parks and open space, active transportation (bicycles and pedestrians, trails, complete streets, use of easements), healthy foods, youth programs, and joint use of schools.
Oppose legislation that reduces funding for libraries, including public library funds.
Oppose legislation that has a negative impact on park and recreation agencies including the sale of parks and open space.
6. Delta Protection and Enhancement
Advocate for balanced processes and equitable sharing of resources related to new State funding sources or State Bond issuances. Advocate for equity in allocating new funding for water resources, groundwater management, floodplain management, and critical utilities.
Support programs and funding opportunities for Integrated Regional Water Management, Delta Water Quality, Drought Protection and Sustainable Groundwater Management within the Eastern San Joaquin Sub-Basin.
Support coalition-building and funding opportunities at the State and Federal level with those that share common interests in prudently and equitably allocating funding for water projects, programs, mitigations and/or those that share common interests in protecting water rights and quality within the Delta.
Support programs and funding opportunities for 200-year level of flood protection in needed areas of the City of Stockton and the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA) regional floodplain management and protection activities.
Protect the City’s interests in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta Background: Stockton is the largest municipality wholly within the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Stockton derives a substantial percentage of its municipal water supply from Delta surface waters. The current and future well-being of the City, its residents, and economy is inextricably linked to the Delta, the quantity and quality of Delta water supplies, and the Delta ecosystem. Stockton and its water supply could be uniquely impacted by the State’s Delta Conveyance Project and a changing climate. It is critical that the State’s Water Resilience Portfolio Initiatives prioritize and protect the health and safety of Stockton, its Delta economy and environment.
Position: No actions should be taken related to the Delta that negatively impact the City’s water rights, water supply, water quality, air quality, economic vitality, and local land use control in the Delta.
Advocate for the City’s interests throughout the review and development of the Delta Conveyance Project. Work proactively to protect the City’s rights and interests related to water resources, flood protection and the achievement of tangible near-term progress on economic benefits and workforce development needs for the community.
Advocate for close interaction and active engagement with those agencies responsible for development for the Delta Conveyance Project to ensure that the City of Stockton’s goals and objectives are achieved as a measure of any successful negotiation or discussion.
Support legislation that maintains local control of water rights, water supplies and land use.
Support legislation and other processes that address the needs and concerns of Delta communities in a balanced and objective manner to improve the economics, work-force opportunities, and quality of life for the region.
Oppose any legislation or administrative action that negatively impacts the City of Stockton’s interests in the Delta.
Oppose changes that would alter operation of the Delta Cross Channel in a way that would negatively affect water quality at the Delta Water Supply Project (DWSP) intake or at the discharge location for the RWCF.
Delta Water Supply and Quality Protection
Advocate for the State to take full responsibility and establish concrete assurances in the form of Delta Conveyance Project design and operation commitments that avoid or fully mitigate adverse effects on Stockton’s water supply, including water quality and availability.
Advocate for the State to construct permanent improvements that build the capacity of the City and its surrounding Delta community to withstand floods, droughts, and a changing climate.
Advocate for the State to take full responsibility and carry out the necessary actions for the remediation of HABs and the removal of invasive species that negatively impact the Delta, in particular the annual infestation of water hyacinth in local waterways.
Support administrative actions and funding to promote channel dredging, aquatic weed removal and other maintenance of waterways within the Delta.
Sustainable Groundwater Management of the Eastern San Joaquin Sub-Basin Support programs and funding opportunities for the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Sustainability Plan project investigation, development, and implementation.
Support legislation or other administrative actions that protects the interests of the City regarding groundwater management in the basin, the consolidation of water districts or other agencies and reinforces the powers and improves collaboration between groundwater sustainability agencies.
Federal Legislative Priorities
Provide opportunities for youth training and work experience and connect youth with skills/experience required for the future workforce landscape.
Advocate for and pursue funding to close the City’s fiber gap and prioritize digital equity.
Advocate for transportation infrastructure funding to improve roadway efficiency and safety at Arch-Airport Road.
Advocate for transportation infrastructure funding to improve roadway efficiency and safety at Lower Sacramento Road Corridor.
Request funding to train and develop staff, improve security protocols and upgrade technology to build out the City’s cybersecurity program.
Secure funding for a new ladder truck and personnel to restore Fire emergency services suspended during bankruptcy.
1. Provide opportunities for youth training and work experience and connect youth with skills/experience required for the future workforce landscape.
Background: Significant gaps have been identified in the local workforce landscape that have had detrimental long-term impacts on Stockton’s economy. A middle-skilled jobs report completed by University of the Pacific’s Center for Business and Policy Research explored these gaps, and noted a decrease in median wages from 75% to 69% between 2010 to 2019. Stockton continues to lag behind national and state unemployment and wage growth rates, further demonstrating the need for action. Youth workforce development programs create pathways that result in living wage jobs, reversing brain drain and improving the local economy Action: Advocate for funding to expand existing youth workforce development programs to increase access to opportunity and meet labor demand in key industries. Additionally, seek funding for innovative youth workfoce development programs to prepare youth for new and emerging industries. Funding will go toward wages for trainees, wrap-around services, administrative costs, materials & supplies, and other costs associated with accredited programs.
Action: The City received a $4.3M CaliforniansForAll Youth Workforce Development grant from the State of California in 2022 to create training and workforce pathways; however, additional investment is needed to sustain and grow these programs in the long-term.
2. Advocate for and pursue funding to close the City’s fiber gap and prioritize digital equity.
Background: The City has an incomplete fiber network. A master plan is needed to determine where fiber gaps exist in the network and to identify key areas for expansion. The current status is that the City owns fiber to connect the traffic intersections for traffic management and cameras. The current state of the equipment at intersections varies in age and capability. Overall this equipment was purchased for primarily traffic management, but not for a future with multiple sensors, and multiple separated data streams. Since bankruptcy, the City has not had sufficient funding to prioritize the creation of a fiber network. As a result, Stockton has fallen behind on this vital infrastructure, which will impact its ability to attract both businesses and residents.
Action: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding will help to close the gap, however additional funding is needed. Based on the results of the Fiber Optic Master Plan, construction and equipment funding would be used to build out key segments of the City’s existing but incomplete fiber network. The City will need additional funding to put in more fiber to allow for the deployment of additional sensors at intersections, such as air quality and more detailed traffic flow data capture. Also additional fiber is needed to allow bandwidth to be provided to institutions that benefitfrom commercial grade speeds, such as housing projects, business parks, entertainment venues, and restaurants. The funding is for core infrastructure investments, such as Fiber, but also for updating the existing legacy infrastructure with smart/next generation equipment as well as an overall expansion of the number of fiber runs that are available in the City. Selected projects will prioritize the deployment of Smart City technologies, focus on downtown core and other business areas, and be used to provide incentives for economic development and other City Council priorities..
3. Advocate for transportation infrastructure funding to improve roadway efficiency and safety at Arch/Airport Road.
Background: There are multiple federal transportation funding programs available to local agencies with the purpose of improving transportation infrastructure or providing transportation services. Funding to assist the transportation needs of local agencies is provided through the following: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program, Highway Safety Improvement Program, Highway Bridge Program and Active Transportation Program (ATP), as well as the Safe Streets and Roads for All/ Vision Zero Program.
Action: The Arch Road Widening project is an important east-west trade corridor serving Stockton’s south industrial developments, BNSF Intermodal Facility, and the Port of Stockton via Interstate 5. The Arch Road project includes widening Arch-Airport Road between Austin Road and Performance Drive to a four-lane roadway. Improvements include installation of concrete curb, gutter, sidewalks, and driveways on both sides, widening narrow sections to a four-lane roadway with a middle turn pocket lane, installing ADA wheelchair ramps, new streetlights, new storm drain facilities, striping and signing, and traffic signal modifications. The City seeks funding for project development including design, environmental clearance, and right-of-way acquisition.
4. Advocate for transportation infrastructure funding to improve roadway efficiency and safety at Lower Sacramento Road Corridor.
Background: There are multiple federal transportation funding programs available to local agencies with the purpose of improving transportation infrastructure or providing transportation services. Funding to assist the transportation needs of local agencies is provided through the following: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program, Highway Safety Improvement Program, Highway Bridge Program and Active Transportation Program (ATP), as well as the Safe Streets and Roads for All/ Vision Zero Program.
Action: The Lower Sacramento Road Corridor project would complete the widening of this important regional arterial, with widening of the Corridor from Royal Oaks Drive to Pixley Slough. Other improvements along this Corridor include the replacement of the bridge over Bear Creek and Pixley Slough, as well as intersection improvements at Eight Mile Road, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes.
5. Request funding to train and develop staff, improve security protocols and upgrade technology to build out the City’s cybersecurity program.
Background: The City is on a very steep investment curve when it comes to cybersecurity. The teams are investing heavily in training and education, as well as in new technologies and cyber tools. The team has deployed a Next Generation Firewall, with Intrusion Detection System and Intrusion Prevention system, as well as appropriate internet filters through the Domain Name Servers. Additionally the team is in the early stages of deploying User Behavioral Analytics Tools as well as updating the policy framework for the City. The Cyber roadmap shows that much more work is needed to mitigate the substantial risks associated with cyber events.
Action: To build a comprehensive layered cyber defense requires a variety of tools that monitor the different components, for example a firewall for internet traffic inspection and filtering, a cloud access security broker to monitor cloud application activity, a tool that monitors endpoints, like computers and tablets, tools to monitor the servers, and tools to monitor traffic inside the network. In today’s elevated cyber risk environment, having a Security Operations Center (SOC) with 24x7 monitoring is a requirement. This SOC should also include orchestration and correlation of multiple detection systems (for example: the firewall, endpoint protection and internet filters) as well as a timely response to isolate possibly affected systems. These SOC skills involve learning in depth these highly technical tools and responding immediately to isolate parts of the network. The investment is needed for the further acquisition of appropriate tools, further integration of the tools into a single integrated response dashboard, and a team that operates this technology on a 24x7 basis.
6. Secure funding for a new ladder truck and personnel to restore Fire emergency services suspended during bankruptcy.
Background: Due to the existing aging apparatus and failing equipment, a new ladder truck is needed. The Stockton Fire Department (SFD) closed Truck Company 7 in 2011 as a result of the financial crisis. Over the following decade, the apparatus was utilized as Truck 7 was moved to the reserve fleet, where it finally reached its end of service and was decommissioned in 2022. Stockton continues to face various financial challenges that drastically impact its ability to meet the community’s needs. The lasting impact of the 2012 bankruptcy filing, the largest municipal bankruptcy, resulted in a reduction of the Fire department workforce by 35%, taking overall sworn staffing from 279 to 181. In that same period, call volume has increased 109%, creating a compounding effect of reduced resources and increased call volume.
Action: The City requests a total of $8 million in Federal funding for a new ladder truck and personnel. An aerial ladder truck costs approximately $2 million, and additional funding of $6 million would provide the necessary personnel to staff the apparatus twenty four hours a day, for a period of two years, thus restoring Fire emergency services at Stockton Fire Station Number 7. 2022 Federal Legislative Positions
Protect Local Control
Protect Local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services Public Safety
Infrastructure Investment
Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City Delta Protection and Enhancement
1. Protect Local Control
Support efforts that are consistent with the doctrine of "home rule" and the local exercise of police powers, through planning and zoning processes, over local land use.
Oppose legislation that negatively impacts the City Council's authority to manage and control the public right-of-way and for the City to receive compensation for its use.
2. Protect Local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services Support full reimbursement to cities for all federal mandates.
Support efforts to restore local authority and control over revenues, governance, and service delivery as well as to protect local governments against unfunded mandates.
Support legislation that would allow local discretion in expending Public Education Government (PEG) Access fee revenues; advocate in particular for legislation that identifies programming and operating costs as allowable expenditures.
Oppose legislation that would negatively impact the City’s ability to issue municipal bonds, including elimination of the tax-exempt status for municipal bonds.
Oppose legislation that would eliminate or limit existing local taxing authority including internet sales tax collection and broadband internet taxes; support legislation that would protect local control of taxing authority and revenue collection.
Oppose reductions to federal agency programs that fund local government services, particularly in instances where communities have come to depend on federal funding to maintain services.
3. Public Safety
Support funding for local law enforcement equipment, services, and personnel.
Support legislation that allows use of federal public safety grants for intervention and prevention efforts to curb gang crime and youth violence.
Support legislation that would provide cities with a greater share of fines and forfeitures.
Support legislation that allows law enforcement to better combat gun violence through investigation, interdiction, and prevention of firearm related crimes.
Support legislation that allows the use of federal public safety grants for maintenance efforts in addition to service increases.
Ensure local discretion in the adoption and implementation of health and safety standards contained in the building and fire codes.
Support funding for local emergency operations including equipment, services, and personnel.
4. Infrastructure Investment
Advocate for federal funding for transportation and other infrastructure that support City projects and City programs, including projects adopted in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Support increased funding to enhance existing public transportation programs.
Advocate for federal funding for street, road, and alleyway repair within the City..
Advocate that fundamental responsibility for transportation decision making should be at the local level.
Advocate for trails and landscape grants consistent with the Waterfront Connections Plan that calls for further landscape, street scape, and public access improvements to the Stockton Deep Water Channel.
Advocate for streamlining and greater efficiencies related to environmental restrictions and obstacles on major federally funded projects. Advocate for revisions to the transportation funding process to waive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements in deference to State of California CEQA requirements.
Support executive actions or legislation that streamlines federal transportation and other infrastructure funding processes or the federal stimulus funding process, if applicable.
Advocate to our delegation for legislative adjustments that would streamline the transportation and other infrastructure funding processes.
Support legislation or executive rule-making that balances scarcity of local infrastructure resources, scope of street resurfacing projects and the City’s commitment to enhancing accessibility of City infrastructure. Advocate for revisions to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) rules requiring extensive accessibility modifications on street resurfacing projects without capacity improvements or geometric changes.
Support legislation and executive programs providing funding or tax credits for broadband internet infrastructure to public facilities.
Support legislation or executive programs that provide local communities with low-cost loans to build networks of sidewalks, bikes lanes and paths.
Support federal funding for parks and recreation infrastructure in metropolitan areas, including appropriate revisions to the Land and Water Conservation Fund that would provide for a larger allocation of state and local grants for recreation and conservation.
Support legislation and regulation that respond to recurring drought conditions and earthquake preparedness and provide increased opportunity for water conservation, storage, watershed planning, and water infrastructure improvement.
Oppose any federal reductions to existing transportation grants and programs.
Oppose legislation that limits and/or decreases the existing amount of retention proceeds withheld from any payment by a public entity to a contractor on a public project.
5. Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City Support efforts that impact the City’s ability to enhance the well-being, quality of life, health, and safety of residents; stabilize and enhance jobs and economic growth; and improve the environment.
Support legislation and funding that is consistent with the City’s Economic Development Strategic Action Plan.
Support legislation that provides financial support and incentives for programs that provide affordable housing for disabled and low-income residents, families, and senior adults.
Support legislation that protects and maintains existing affordable housing opportunities for disabled and low-income residents, families, and senior adults.
Support legislation which addresses the health, welfare, and economic needs of older individuals.
Support federal funding of programs providing nutrition for children, older individuals, and other at-risk populations.
Support legislation or executive programs that strengthen and expand environmental education and encourage partnerships between school districts, parks, and other community-based organizations in an effort to help children and families be more physically active outdoors.
Support legislation and funding for energy efficiency and water conservation projects and programs for public buildings and facilities.
Support legislation providing funding for the acquisition and restoration of wildlife habitat.
Support the enactment of policies and funding opportunities to assist agencies in meeting sustainability objectives including energy and water efficiencies, non-motorized trail development and connectivity, and carbon sequestration through natural environment management, protection, and enhancement.
Oppose legislation that has a negative impact on park and recreation agencies including the sale of parks and open space.
6. Delta Protection and Enhancement
Action: Advocate for the Federal Government to support programs and continue funding opportunities for water supply and quality protection, groundwater sustainability & management and flood control/protection, planning, investigations and infrastructure projects in the City of Stockton, its Critical Infrastructure and Eastern San Joaquin Hydrologic Region.
Advocate for federal funding for flood protection improvements to protect critical utility infrastructure.
Advocate for federal funding for flood and stormwater protection improvements to critical utility infrastructure and transportation corridors.
Support funding to develop flood protection and resilience mitigation initiatives.
Action: Advocate for the Federal government to establish concrete assurances and protections regarding their participation in the Delta Conveyance Project design, permitting and operations that avoid or fully mitigate adverse effects on Stockton’s water supply, including water quality and availability.
Support legislation protecting existing water rights, contracts, and supplies.
Support legislation providing funding and other means for improved delta stewardship and environmental protection.
Flood Control & Protection
Support legislation and regulation that encourages public and private investment in flood control and floodplain management projects.
Support continued authorization and funding of SJAFCA projects including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lower San Joaquin River Project - Phase 1 (City of Stockton) and Phase 2 Feasibility Study (Mossdale Tract).
Support administrative actions and funding to promote dredging, aquatic weed removal and other maintenance of waterways within the Delta.
Oppose changes to the Bay Delta Conservation Plan that would alter Central Valley Project, State Water Project or Combined Operations of the Delta Cross Channel in a way that would negatively affect water quality at the DWSP intake or at the discharge location for the RWCF.
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