ATTACHMENT A
2023 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
PROGRAM
ATTACHMENT A
Kevin J. Lincoln II ........................................................................................ Mayor
Michele Padilla ........................................................................................ District 1
Dan Wright ............................................................................................... District 2
Michael Blower ........................................................................................ District 3
Susan Lenz .............................................................................................. District 4
Brando Villapudua ................................................................................... District 5
Kimberly Warmsley ................................................................................. District 6
Harry Black
City Manager
City of Stockton
425 N. El Dorado Street
Stockton, CA 95202
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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
2023 State Legislative Priorities ...................................................................... 10
1. Pursue funding for blight abatement activities to incentivize revitalization and economic development opportunities.
2. Address cleanup of water and debris removal in and around waterways of McLeod Lake, Dean DeCarli Plaza and Mormon Slough.
3. Seek funding for construction of backbone fiber and ethernet infrastructure to support City traffic operations.
4. Seek funding for improvements to Van Buskirk Park in conjunction with Park Reuse Plan.
5. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements along the Dr. MLK Jr., Blvd. Underpass.
6. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements along Pershing Avenue.
7. Expand youth workforce development opportunities by increasing access to training programs, technical education, and job placement and retention services.
2023 State Legislative Positions ...................................................................... 14
2023 Federal Legislative Priorities .................................................................. 21
1. Seek funding for improvements to Van Buskirk Park in conjunction with Park Reuse Plan.
2. Pursue funding for blight abatement activities to incentivize revitalization and economic development opportunities.
3. Seek funding for construction of backbone fiber and ethernet infrastructure to support City traffic operations.
4. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements at multiple sites throughout Stockton.
5. Seek funding for emergency preparedness and community resiliency efforts at municipal critical facilities.
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6. Invest in infrastructure enhancements at Pixie Woods Park.
7. Expand youth workforce development opportunities by increasing access to training programs, technical education, and job placement and retention services.
2023 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.
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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
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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 Josh Harder
9th Congressional District
U.S. House of Representatives
209 Cannon 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
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City Council Strategic Work Plan
Strategic Targets
• Housing / Homelessness
• Crime Reduction
• Economic Development
• Quality of Life / Youth program
• Community Wellness
Council Goals
• Develop solutions to address homelessness, including increasing the affordable housing supply
• Focus on crime reduction in identified areas
• Prioritize inclusive economic development to grow the local economy and create employment opportunities for residents
• Work with partners to improve quality of life, increase literacy, develop the workforce, and expand youth programming
• Leverage City and partner resources in impacting overall public health, community wellbeing, and community resiliency
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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 P rogram 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 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 s ubmitted position letters. The City’s advoca cy 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.
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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, a nd support legislative and budget efforts that protect and/or enhance local governments 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.
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2023 State Legislative Priorities
1. Pursue funding for blight abatement activities to incentivize revitalization and economic development opportunities.
2. Address cleanup of water and debris removal in and around waterways of McLeod Lake, Dean DeCarli Plaza and Mormon Slough.
3. Seek funding for construction of backbone fiber and ethernet infrastructure to support City traffic operations.
4. Seek funding for improvements to Van Buskirk Park, in conjunction with Park Reuse Plan.
5. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements at the Dr. MLK, Jr.
Blvd. Underpass.
6. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements along Pershing Avenue.
7. Expand youth workforce development opportunities by increasing access to training programs, technical education, and job placement and retention services.
1. Pursue funding for blight abatement activities to incentivize revitalization and economic development opportunities.
Background: Blight is generally defined as visual blight, which is detrimental to the surrounding area and the property of others, or is detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of indivuals residing within the community. Funding is needed to initiate blight abatement activities, for the purpose of incentivizing revitalization and economic development opportunities.
Action: Funding would provide seed money to establish a multi -year revolving fund for blight abatement activities. Activities would include immediate removal of dangerous and/or unsafe buildings or structures, removal of trash, debris and environmental hazards on private property, address properties persistently and historically of concern by the community and deemed as anchor properties for neighborhoods preventing redevelopment, and funding would enable an illegal dumping rewards program.
2. Address cleanup of water and debris removal in and around waterways of McLeod Lake, Dean DeCarli Plaza and Mormon Slough.
Background: McLeod Lake is a unique waterfront feature that has been present since the City’s beginnings and is the center of the City’s waterfront development. The invasion of water hyacinth, harmful algal blooms, and the deposition of trash, debris, and other materials in local waterways, particularly McLeod Lake, is a principal concern for the City.
The State Division of Boating and Waterways is responsible for maintaining local waterways. However, l imited funding and lack of program effectiveness has provide d limited local benefit.
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Action: The Municipal Utilities Department has i nitiated a long -term waterway maintenance program on McLeod Lake and purchased a trash skimmer/maintenance workboat to remove trash and debris. Additional funding would be used to repair the bubbler system and to purchase, install and maintain a trash boom that would be installed across the Slough near Morelli Park. The boom’s purpose is to stop floating trash from entering the Stockton Deepwater Channel and McLeod Lake.
3. Seek funding for construction of backbone fiber and ethernet infrastructure to support City traffic operations.
Background: Currently 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 th e 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 a fiber network. As a result, S tockton has fallen behind on this vital infrastructure which will impact its ability to attract both businesses and residents . Funding would bring additional capacity and provide needed fiber dependence without reliance on utility providers. Additional funding would supplement an existing ARPA construction appropriation of $3 million.
Action: The City will need additional funding for fiber expansion to allow for the deployment of more sensors in the intersections, such as air quality and more detailed traffic flow data capture. Additional fiber is also needed to allow bandwidth to be provided to institutions that benefit from commercial grade speeds, such as housing projects, business parks, entertainment venues, 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. Additionally, the investment in Wi -Fi and sensor infrastructure needs funding. This funding will impact economic development and growth through business attraction and retention, educational benefits, and increased capacity of power and bandwidth for residents and businesses.
4. Seek funding for improvements to Van Buskirk Park.
Background: The Van Buskirk property was acquired through several deeds between 1959 and 1967 as gifts to the City of Stockton from Charles and Bertha Van Buskirk for public recreation and public park purposes. The original nine-hole golf course opened in 1961, with a n additional nine holes developed and opened in 1969. The Van Buskirk Community Center opened in 1974 and was renovated and expanded in 2008 . The Van Buskirk Micro Library opened in 2019.
In early 2023, Council accepted the Van Buskirk Master Plan Design for reuse of the Van Buskirk Golf Course. The City has a rendering of the proposed plan for the entire 220 - acre Van Buskirk conversion project that includes passive and recreational opportunities.
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Amenities include a bike pump track, basketball courts, skate park, golf training space, exercise course, and multi-use trail as well as a community garden.
Action: Identify funding opportunities and advocate for funding to begin phased redevelopment through Van Buskirk Reuse Plan.
5. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements along the Dr.
MLK, Jr. Blvd. Underpass.
Background: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard roadway, formely known as Charter Way, dates to the original Charles Weber Tract Land Grant in the 1800s. The corridor gradually became more commercialized in the late 1930s, when it was adopted as State Route 4, and the State of California department of Transportation constructed the railroad underpass just west of Airport Way. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. continued to be under state jurisdiction until it was relinquished to the City of Stockton in 2000, and the Crosstown Freeway became the new State Route 4.
In the last two decades, there have been limited major transportation improvements to the roadway, including the underpass. In particular, the underpass is unsightly, lacks ADA compliance and is inadequate in supporting multimodal transportation for the surrounding community, including nearby schools.
Action: With the upcoming Stockton Diamond Grade Separation project, there will be partial reconstructon of the underpass structure to facilitate railroad track alignment and installations. Our partners at the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission recognize the importance in addressing a future full reconstruction of the underpass and are working with the City to collaborate on funding opportunities for design and construction funds through various federal programs.
Action: Continue collaborative efforts made through San Joaquin Counil of Government’s One Voice legislative program advocating for regional project funding.
Action: Continue to track various Notice of Funding Availability opportunities that would be appropriate for grade separation projects.
6. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements along Pershing Avenue.
Background: The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) has identified portions of Pershing Avenue that pose safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists. Previous roadway design provided for a varied vehicle -centric mobility whereas current Complete Streets Design provides for multimodal access by not only vehicles but pedestrians and cyclists.
Years of overlys have created a high “crown” across Pershing Avenue, creating opportunities to improve drainage. Precise Roading planning efforts aim to protect,
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preserve, and provide equitable transporation planning that conforms to the General Plan and community needs, as well as support the Strong Vision Zero commitment.
Action: Seek funding for Precise Roadway Plan efforts to provide the framework to transform Pershing Avenue into a Complete Streets area, with improved sidewalks, crosswalks, signalization, traffic calming features and possibly lane configuration changes.
7. Expand youth workforce development opportunities by increasing access to training programs, technical education, and job placement and retention services.
Background: Significant gaps have been identified in the local workforce landscape that have had detr imental 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. S tockton 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. The City received a $4.3M CaliforniansForAll Youth Workforce Development grant from the State of California in 2022 and a $1M Congressional Project Funding award in 2023 to create these pathways. Additional investment is needed to sustain and grow these programs in the long-term.
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: Continue to advocate for equal access to State funding for a California State University (CSU) Stockton campus
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2023 State Legislative Positions
1. Protect Local Control
2. Protect Local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services
3. Public Safety
4. Infrastructure Investment
5. Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City
6. 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 exi ting 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 a uthority 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.
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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, or 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.
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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 transporta tion 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 of Stockton.
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 t o provide high -speed capacity broadband provisions for all libraries to ensure full, equitable electronic services.
Support legislation and regulations that provide addition al 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 tha t 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.
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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.
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 , and protects and maintains programs which provide affordable housing 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.
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Reduce barriers to development , including funding for Brownfields cleanup and infrastructure and infill development.
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 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 crit ical 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
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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 engage ment with those agen cies 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 r ights, 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 i mprove 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 sur rounding 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 harmful algal blooms (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.
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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.
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Federal Legislative Priorities
1. Seek funding for improvements to Van Buskirk Park in conjunction with Park Reuse Plan.
2. Pursue funding for blight abatement activities to incentivize revitalization and economic development opportunities.
3. Seek funding for construction of backbone fiber and ethernet infrastructure to support City traffic operations.
4. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements at multiple sites throughout Stockton.
5. Seek funding for emergency preparedness and community resiliency efforts at municipal critical facilities.
6. Invest in infrastructure enhancements at Pixie Woods Park.
7. Expand youth workforce development opportunities by increasing access to training programs, technical education, and job placement and retention services.
1. Seek funding for improvements to Van Buskirk Park in conjunction with Park Reuse Plan.
Background: The Van Buskirk property was acquired through several deeds between 1959 and 1967 as gifts to the City of Stockton from Charles and Bertha Van Buskirk for public recreation and public park purposes. The original nine-hole golf course opened in 1961, with a n additional nine holes developed and opened in 1969. The Van Buskirk Community Center opened in 1974 and was renovated and expanded in 2008 . The Van Buskirk Micro Library opened in 2019.
In early 2023, Council accepted the Van Buskirk Master Plan Design for reuse of the Van Buskirk Golf Course. The City has a rendering of the proposed plan for the entire 220 - acre Van Buskirk conversion project that includes passive and recreational opportunities.
Amenities include a bike pump track, basketball courts, sk ate park, golf training space, exercise course, and multi-use trail as well as a community garden.
Action: Identify funding opportunities and advocate for funding to begin phased development through Van Buskirk Reuse Plan.
2. Pursue funding for blight abatement activities to incentivize revitalization and economic development opportunities.
Background: Blight is generally defined as visual blight, which is detrimental to the surrounding area and the property of others, or is detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of indivuals residing within the community. Funding is needed to initiate blight abatement activities, with the purpose of incentivizing revitalization and economic development opportunities.
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Action: Funding would provide seed money to establish a multi -year revolving fund for blight abatement activities. Activities would include immediate removal of dangerous and/or unsafe buildings or structures, removal of trash, debris and environmental hazards on private property, address properties persistently and historically of concern by the community and deemed as anchor properties for neighborhoods preventing redevelopment, and funding would enable an illegal dumping rewards program.
3. Seek funding for construction of backbone fiber and ethernet infrastructure to support City traffic operations.
Background: Currently 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 th e 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 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. Funding would bring additional capacity and provide needed fiber dependenc e without reliance on utility providers. Additional funding would supplement an existing ARPA construction appropriation of $3 million.
Action: The City will need additional funding for fiber expansion to allow for the deployment of more sensors in the in tersections, such as air quality and more detailed traffic flow data capture. Additional fiber is also needed to allow bandwidth to be provided to institutions that benefit from commercial grade speeds, such as housing projects, business parks, entertainment venues, 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 av ailable in the City. Additionally, the investment in Wi -Fi and sensor infrastructure needs funding. This funding will impact economic development and growth through business attraction and retention, educational benefits, and increased capacity of power and bandwidth for residents and businesses.
4. Pursue funding for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements at multiple sites throughout Stockton.
Background: Funding is needed for various roadway areas throughout Stockton to optimize accessibility for motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Roadway infrastructure improvements include Precise Roadway Planning, as well as intersection, sidewalk, and curb repairs, bicycle lanes, ADA wheelchair ramps, streetlights, and traffic signal modifications. The City seeks funding for project development including design, environmental clearance, and right-of-way acquisition.
Action: Advocate for pedestrian and traffic saf ety, and seek funding for transportation infrastructure improvements at multiple sites throughout the City of Stockton.
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5. Seek funding for emergency preparedness and community resiliency efforts at municipal critical facilities.
Background: Recent events, such as the January 2023 severe storms and flooding, have demonstrated a significant need to upgrade existing emergency infrastructure, particularly within command and control centers. Sporadi c outages cause communications disruptions and st rain on emergency dispatch and response capacity.
Solar and battery storage ensures a seamless source of energy, as opposed to lengthy set-up time required for an external generator to become operational. Solar panel generation with battery energy storage at key crucial service sites, such as fire, safety and emergency operations, provides access to clean energy solutions and enhances resilience.
Action: Pursue funding to install solar systems with battery storage at municipal critical facilities, such as the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and New City Hall.
6. Invest in infrastructure enhancements at Pixie Woods Park.
Background: A group of driven Stocktonians formed the Pixie Woods Board in 1954.
With contributions from Stockton’s citizens, businesses, local organizations, and the City, the dream of Pixie Woods launched.The City donated the land and contributed to the creation of the Park, which opened June 12, 1955, and has remained a low-cost mainstay of young children’s play and creativity for the community.
Maintenance continues to keep the park operable, however, some attractions such as the train and boat rides need major improvement or replacement to meet today’s safety expectations. Along with these improvements, the Park could inclusively reach additional children and families with ADA upgrades and a much-needed sensory education area.
Action: Pursue funding to improve and replace Pixie Woods attractions such as the train and boat rides, improve ADA accessibility, and create a children’s sensory area.
7. Expand youth workforce development opportunities by increasing access to training programs, technical education, and job placement and retention services.
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
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drain and improving the local economy. The City received a $4.3M CaliforniansForAll Youth Workforce Development grant from the State of California in 2022 and a $1M Congressional Project Fund ing award in 2023 to create these pathways. Additional investment is needed to sustain and grow these programs in the long-term.
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, materia ls & supplies, and other costs associated with accredited programs.
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2023 Federal Legislative Positions
1. Protect Local Control
2. Protect Local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services
3. Public Safety
4. Infrastructure Investment
5. Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City
6. 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 P ublic Education Government (P EG) 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, or personnel.
Support legislation that allows use of federal public safety grants for intervention and prevention efforts to curb gang crime and youth violence.
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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 of Stockton.
Advocate that fundamental responsibility for transportation decision-making should be at the local level.
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 California Environmental Quality Act (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
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Support legislation or executive programs that provide local communitie s 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 wi th the City’s Economic Development Strategic Action Plan.
Support legislation that provides financial support and incentives , and protects and maintains programs t hat provide affordable housing 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.
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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 sequestr ation through natural environment management, protection, and enhancement.
Reduce barriers to development including funding for Brownfields cleanup and infrastructure and infill development.
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 es tablish 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).
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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 wou ld 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 Delta Water Supply Project (DWSP) intake or at the discharge location for the RWCF.