TO:City Council
FROM:Kevin McNamee, Mayor
Bob Engler, Councilmember
David Newman, Councilmember
DATE:April 25, 2023
SUBJECT: Annual Federal Meetings 2023 National League of Cities Conference
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive report.
2. Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Direct and indirect costs for City Council to attend the conference are included in the Adopted FY 2022-23 General Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND:
The National League of Cities (NLC) is the oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States. Its mission is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. Working in partnership with the 49 state municipal leagues, the NLC serves as a resource and advocate for the more than 2,600 cities, villages, and towns it represents.
While at the NLC Congressional Cities Conference, City delegates conduct meetings on Capitol Hill as part of the City’s continuing efforts to obtain federal support for local needs and priorities. Such meetings with federal officials have been successful in yielding financial support for various projects including (a) the widening of the S.R. 23 Freeway; (b) building the City’s LEED Certified Transit Center; and (c) “seed money” toward the widening of the U.S. 101/S.R. 23 Interchange.
Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Meetings on Capitol Hill - March 23-24, 2023
Meetings with Congressional members and agency staff were attended by Mayor McNamee; Councilmember Engler and Councilmember Newman; and Legislative Affairs Manager Layba, as well as federal lobbyist James Crum, Van Scoyoc Associates. In accordance with the Brown Act and rules governing quorum, only two Council members attended each meeting as noted below.
City delegates attended several meetings with Congressional officials prior to the NLC Conference to discuss City 2023 project interests and local issues.
A. Meetings with Congressional Members
a. Sen. Alex Padilla’s Office – Josh Esquivel, Legislative Director: (Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Engler)
b. Sen. Diane Feinstein’s Office – Deanna Segall, Appropriations; Will Klink, Legislative Correspondent, John Watts, Senior Counselor (Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Newman)
c. Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Sharon Wagener, Legislative Director (Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Newman)
City delegates discussed FY 2023-24 Congressionally Directed Spending project interests (Attachment #1):
· Installation of Microgrids and Critical Water Pumps.
· Installation of Microgrids at the Resilience Hub- Family Assistance Center. · Stormwater Capture and Diversion Project.
Since meetings with Congressional Offices were on the first day of lobbying, delegates also informed them they will be meeting with several federal agencies seeking grants or resources regarding:
· Community electric vehicle charging stations.
· Accessibility access on open space trails.
· Assistance to low-income mobile home park residents and the homeless. · Wildfire resiliency and repair to open space roads and fences. · Theater performances for disadvantaged youth.
City delegates also thanked Congresswoman Brownley and the Offices of Senator Feinstein and Senator Padilla for their support in obtaining $1.8 million for FY 2022-23 Community Funding Requested for the Microgrid Installation at the Municipal Service Center.
Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 B. Meetings with Federal Agencies
a. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Bruno Pigott, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Water and Christopher Kloss, Coordinator, Green Infrastructure (Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Engler) Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Engler presented the stormwater water capture diversion project. They discussed the City’s reliance on the State water project for its water supply. The stormwater capture and diversion project would create a local recycled water source in the region.
Representatives from EPA encouraged the City to seek funding from the State Revolving Fund (SRF). Most of the federal funds for clean water are passed through states through their SRF programs. Another option provided would be through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) which provides federal low-interest loans for water projects. b. Department of the Interior: Jeffrey Rupert, Director - Office of Wildland Fire (Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Newman)
Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Newman provided a history of wildfire disasters in Thousand Oaks. They discussed the residual impact of the Woolsey Fire on open space roads and fences that need repair. They also shared the City’s interest in installing microgrids at water pump stations to enhance resiliency to water access and response. Since the Office of Wildland Fire is tied to the National Park Service, they also expressed the City’s interest in developing greater accessibility on its local trails by conducting a study and pilot project. Director Rupert was pleased to hear of the City’s proactive approach to fire resilience. In response to the City’s interests, the Office of Wildland Fire has a grant- Burned Area Rehabilitation Funding but they are awaiting the grant’s renewal. They also suggest the City work collaboratively with the regional National Park Service Superintendent. The regional office has access to resources and funding to assist with these interests.
c. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): David Gonzales Rice, Policy Advisor (Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Newman) City delegates discussed interest in supporting low-income mobile home residents and addressing homelessness in Thousand Oaks. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allows for limited emergency rental assistance for only three-consecutive months per family or individual. HUD Policy Advisor suggested that the City work with the regional HUD Coordinator to determine other possible resources for mobile home rental assistance.
Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 Funding for homeless projects is provided directly to counties that work cooperatively with cities on projects and programs. There may be a secondary notice funding opportunity to expand funding for Ventura County’s Continuum of Care (COC). Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Newman also shared a suggestion on issuance and use of housing vouchers.
d. National Endowment for the Arts: Eleanor Billington, Civics Project Manager (Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Engler)
TOArts has been a leader in supporting arts enrichment and opportunities for youth, especially in disadvantaged schools in the region. Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Engler discussed TOArts’ interest in hosting a production of North, which depicts the journey of a mother and son during the underground railroad. Project Manager Billington discussed some grant options that could be pursued including “Challenge America” and “Grants for Arts Projects.” These grants are offered annually and fit the proposed project interests.
Mayor McNamee and Councilmember Engler inquired about a recently unfunded grant submitted by TOArts. Project Manager Billington explained that the grant received twice the number of applications expected. This made the grant program more competitive than usual. Although she could not share scores or reviewers’ comments, she encouraged TOArts to reapply.
NLC Annual Conference – March 25-29, 2023
The NLC annual conference was held on March 25-29, 2023 at the Marriott Marquis and Convention Center in Washington, DC. City officials gather for leadership meetings, policy discussions, and legislative briefings to learn about current federal issues and priorities for America’s cities and towns. Mayor McNamee, Councilmember Engler and Councilmember Newman; and Legislative Affairs Manager Layba represented the City.
A. Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy Committee (PSPS) Meeting (Councilmember Engler appointed to the PSPS Committee)
1. Robert Chapman, Deputy Director, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The COPS Office is the component of the U.S.
Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources. In 2022, COPS Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 provided over $400 million in grant awards. Among the awards is a new program to assist local law enforcement called Collaborative Reform Initiative – Training Assistance Center (CRI-TAC). CRI-TAC helps law enforcement with resources and technical assistance on a variety of policing issues and needs including incidents of hate crimes. COPS also offers the Office of Mental Health Wellness, which provides critical mental health services and support to law enforcement agencies.
2. Suzanne Brick, Government Program Manager, Public and Governmental Affairs (PGA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). ATF Program Manager Brick provided a general overview of how the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program and e-trace system operate. Both assist law enforcement agencies across the country with finding potential matches to guns associated with crimes. The system helps to identify, investigate, and prosecute shooters involved. The ATF can also use the same system to identify guns from outside the country and with the support of international partners, help to investigate criminal investigations and more importantly foreign gun traffickers. She also discussed the importance of securing personal weapons. When stolen have resulted in a large number of crimes.
3. Ian Grice, Program Specialist, Justice Initiatives Data, NLC Municipal Practice and Tony McCright, Program Manager, Justice Initiatives, NLC Municipal Practice-Justice Initiatives – Reentry, Reimagining Public Safety & Alternative Response. Speakers presented the recommendations developed by the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force:
a. Direct municipal government leadership toward providing safety and well‐being for all.
b. Balance the respective roles of government agencies, residents, and partners.
c. Significantly expand the use of civilian‐led and community‐based well‐being and prevention‐focused strategies.
d. Embrace full and transparent oversight and accountability for law enforcement.
e. Seek guidance and support from peers and experts with the assistance of the NLC.
4. Jacob Gottlieb, Program Specialist, Research, NLC Research and Data Analysis - Public Safety Workforce Research: Since 2020-2021, at the height of the pandemic, police hirings have declined by five (5) percent while resignations (18 percent) and retirements (45 percent) have increased.
Besides an aging workforce, pandemic-related work fatigue and negative perceptions about police related to inequitable criminal legal system Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 outcomes have been driving these trends. Many cities used American Rescue Plan Act funding to help bolster their losses. By reimagining public safety, cities are now integrating mental health clinicians, social workers, credible messengers, violence interrupters, and other non-police roles to alleviate the stress and demands of public safety workforces and make recruitment and retention more appealing.
5. Yucel Ors, NLC Public Safety Policy Director provided a 2023 federal policy update: Congress has new leadership and a new majority in the House of Representatives. Currently, Congress is working on FY 2023-24 appropriations and cutting discretionary spending to FY 2021-22 levels. One issue for debate is the Debt Ceiling limit. Key bills impacting local government include:
a. Simplifying Grants Act [H.R. 914]
b. Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act of 2023 c. Railway Safety Act of 2023 [S. 576]
d. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Reauthorization [H.R. 1520]
e. Protecting Community Television Act [S. 3361/H.R. 907] f. Farm Bill Reauthorization
g. Federal Aviation Reauthorization
h. Long-Term National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Reauthorization
6. Announcements: The next PSPS meeting will be scheduled at the NLC Summer Leadership Meeting, July 19-21, 2023 in Tacoma, WA. The next meeting will be on November 15, 2023 in Atlanta, GA - City Summit Conference.
B. National League of Cities University (NLCU)
NLCU offers executive coursework on a variety of local governance issues toward a certification. Mayor McNamee participated in the following NLCU courses:
1. What Elected Officials Need to Know about Grants and How to Keep Them
2. A Leaders Toolkit for Dynamic Times
3. Smart Cities
4. Leadership 101 Culture Change: Transform the Workplace for Innovation and Results
Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 C. Keynote Speakers
a) NLC Board President, Victoria Woodards, Mayor Tacoma Washington: President Woodards welcomed the over 3,000 attendees to the 58th annual Congressional Cities Conference. She shared her leadership platform, “Investing in People. Building Partnerships. Creating Endless Possibilities.” Partnerships are a way to innovate and create better communities. Her two focal areas are job creation and housing. Through a program she calls “Housing Supply Accelerator”, she will convene a number of meetings with housing partners such as American Planners Association, National Realtors Association, HUD, Renters Associations, and housing organizations to discuss the problems and solutions related to the housing crisis. In the area of job creation, she will pursue partnerships with labor and trade organizations to advance technical training and educational opportunities to help put people to work.
b) Gene Sperling, White House Advisor on the American Rescue Plan: The speaker, who is also the author of Economic Dignity talked about the impact of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Celebrating the two-year anniversary of this historic act, for the first time funding went directly to 30,000 cities and counties to use during the pandemic economic downturn. Cities used the funding for items such as critical infrastructure, broadband, and economic development. Since 2021, the White House believes the money was well spent as the country has experienced the lowest unemployment rate and child poverty rate.
c) Clarence Anthony, NLC Executive Director: Executive Director Anthony shared his experience as a former Mayor of South Bay, Florida. He spoke of the importance of storytelling to share local interests on Capitol Hill and urged delegates to share the investments made locally with ARPA funds. With the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law, NLC is continuing efforts to support cities in getting their share of funding by hosting a second round of infrastructure bootcamps to assist with grant-writing efforts. NLC is also preparing to advocate for the passage of the Rail Safety Act, Farm Act, and fight off federal pre-emption.
d) Fireside Chat on Broadband with Mayor Emily Larson, Duluth MN:
Executive Director Anthony had a one-on-one discussion with Mayor Larson. The City of Duluth experienced issues with digital equity, which became more apparent during the pandemic. The City conducted a survey to determine local needs for broadband access. They are working with the State of Minnesota which received federal infrastructure funding to help build out their broadband system within the next five years.
Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 e) Panel Discussion on Local Advocacy: President Woodards conducted a panel discussion with councilmembers representing the Cities of Newark, NJ; Clearwater, FL; Tukwila, WA; and Tacoma Park, MD about key messages that delegates should deliver during their meetings on Capitol Hill. Each panelist shared a key point:
1. Federal grants are complicated, especially for small rural communities. Federal agencies should simplify grants to make funding local interests easier.
2. Pass Rail Act and Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization.
Rail and airports provide jobs. Transit safety is also important.
3. Reauthorize Farm Bill. The bill is responsible for more than support for agriculture. It includes broadband, clean water, and conservation for farmers.
4. Public safety should be redefined as a public health issue. More funding should be dedicated for mental health support, public safety recruitment and retention, and youth programs.
f) John Podesta, White House Advisor on Clean Energy Innovation: The speaker reviewed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed into law last August. The law contains $500 billion in new spending and tax breaks that aim to boost clean energy, reduce healthcare costs, and increase tax revenues. Based on the number of investments, the law will create green jobs and grow the clean economy, while addressing climate change. g) Shalanda Young, Director of the Office Management and Budget: Director Young discussed the impact of the IRA to reduce the federal deficit over three years. She shared the White House’s Economic Blueprint, which would grow the economy. She also supports the lifting of the debt ceiling and the President’s plan for the wealthy and corporations to pay their share in taxes.
h) D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser: Mayor Bowser officially welcomed delegates to the District of Columbia. She provided a brief State of the District. Finances remain strong despite decreasing revenue and increasing operational costs. ARPA and the bipartisan infrastructure bill helped her community create 35,000 new jobs. One specific use of their federal funding was to close the digital divide with broadband access. With a population of 700,000, she is disappointed that they are still excluded from representation and having a vote in the Capitol.
i) Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Director of Office of Community Oriented Policing Services: Newly appointed Colonel Clements shared that he believes that drugs, the opioid crisis, mental health, and gun violence are Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 public health issues. Community policing is important, but the community needs to support public safety. There is an issue with recruitment/retention in the public safety field. There should be an increase in Community Violence Interruption programs to increase crime control. He urges cities to seek grants technical assistance and grants from his office. j) Panel Discussion on Policing Facilitated by Juan Perez, Reporter for Politico: Facilitator asked panelists representing the Cities of Mesa, AZ; Charleston, WV; Baltimore, MD; and Jackson, MS about their individual public safety initiatives. Panelists shared the task forces developed to assist with public safety. These task forces provide additional support to their police officers and the community. They consist of a violent crime task force, mental health diversion, mental health team, as well as healing and recovery services.
k) Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of National Drug Control Policy: Dr. Gupta discussed fentanyl as a public health crisis. These drugs are being manufactured in laboratories at alarming rates and being brought across the border. There is a reduction in overdose deaths but more needs to be done to solve the problems. He is focused on harm reduction by providing more rehabilitation to users and making it more difficult to obtain the substances to manufacture these drugs.
l) Tom Vilsack, Director Department of Agriculture: Director Vilsack addressed the issue of food and nutrition security. The Department of Agriculture (Department) is responsible for assuring universal free meals are provided to nine million children at schools. He is working on a permanent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electric Benefit (EBT) program for summer months when children are not at school.
The Department is also looking into increasing supplements of fruits and vegetables for pregnant women and children under six. He is working on a regional food system, as well as putting additional resources online, to help those in need.
m) Congressman Jim McGovern, MA: Congressman McGovern is the Chair of the Committee on Hunger. He announced that 40 million Americans are hungry every day. The federal government is looking at including school meals as part of their federally sponsored program curricula. He encourages cities to allow for public kitchens to make scratch-made food, community gardens for fruit and vegetable programs for low-income families, and shared kitchens to help with preparing and delivering more nutritious food to the community. He asked delegates to tell their Congressional member not to cut SNAP. The program provides an affordable $2 per meal.
Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 n) Fireside Chat with NLC Second Vice President Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor Baton Rouge, LA, and American Planning Association President Angela Brooks on Housing: Speakers discussed the housing crisis. Zoning reform is needed. There is a need to modernize legacy codes from 50 years ago. The assumptions of single-family communities and multi-family housing need to shift. Many communities are inaccessible, which impacts low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Working-class and college grads are priced-out. Cities need to change the way they feel about single-family zoning and cannot protect it any longer to allow more opportunities for housing.
o) Marcia Fudge, Director of Housing and Urban Development: Secretary Fudge discussed the crisis in housing and homelessness. She believes every child deserves a home. Their future helps us grow as a nation and economy. Cities and states are flush with money. The country has a housing shortage of one-million. She states that gentrification has made it difficult to build housing. Cities need to change zoning laws. The White House has an emphasis to build more senior housing. Many seniors are becoming homeless. The proposed White House budget has a down payment assistance program and low-percentage loans. They are considering CDBG grants to assist with housing opportunities.
p) Fireside Chat with President Woodards and Siemens Corporation CEO Barbara Humpton on workforce development: The speakers both agreed that good jobs lead to great cities. In support of the President Woodards’ Leadership Agenda on jobs creation, Siemens is sponsoring an 18-month program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor. The program will consist of a 12-city cohort and focus on next-generation infrastructure. The program will work with young people from each community to develop equitable pathways to good jobs through education, apprenticeships, and training. Applications are open. Future cohorts are expected. q) Discussion with Executive Director Anthony and retired Mayor Steve Benjamin Columbia, SC: Former Mayor Benjamin provided reflections on his service as mayor. He reminded delegates to practice self-care and maintain relationships with friends and family. He emphasized that in working with your council colleagues, everyone has a different opinion. Try to find consensus to accomplish goals together. More importantly respect “majority rules.” The former mayor will soon be joining the White House as a Special Advisor on local government.
r) Former New Orleans Mayor, Mitch Landrieu, White House Advisor on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL): The speaker discussed the largest Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 infrastructure investment in history. The BIL has delivered 20,000 projects in clean infrastructure, manufacturing, roads, bridges, clean buses, internet access, and more. It has created 12.4 million jobs, 800,000 of which are in manufacturing. Over 10 million in applications for small businesses have been received and $400 billion in private-sector investments have been made. The White House is now embarking on a new challenge, which is to train people and create more jobs.
s) Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States: The First Lady thanked local leaders for supporting education. She has been traveling the country on a Workforce Training Tour. She urges delegates to ask their states to create College Promise programs to make higher education accessible. She recommends local high schools work with colleges to create dual education programs, which will allow students to get college courses completed during high school. She is proud of the Biden Education Pathway program that allows for more apprenticeship opportunities.
D. Breakout Sessions Attended:
1. First Time Attendee Lunch and NLC 101
2. Mayors’ Education Task Force
3. American Rescue Plan Act: (ARPA) Implementation in Your Community:
Sharing Successes and Lessons Learned
4. Advancing Affordable Housing: Exploring Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Programs for Cities and Towns
5. Charging Forward: Preparing for Electric Vehicle Charging in Your City
6. Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Public Safety Workforce
7. Water Equity and Affordability: How Federal and Local Solutions Can Drive Innovation
8. Ready to Rebuild: Meeting Your City’s Transportation Goals with Federal Grants
9. Hill Day Training Workshop
E. National League of Cities 2023 Federal Advocacy Agenda President Woodards presented the NLC’s 2023 legislative priorities: (Attachment #2)
1. Make Government Work for Small Communities: Advocate for equal access for small cities and towns so they may be eligible for federal grant assistance at scale so the benefits of federal programs and policies reach all of America’s communities.
Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 2. Support A Local Workforce Pipeline: Advocate for investments in workforce development, training, and apprenticeship programs to ensure America’s communities have the skilled labor to complete these priority projects.
3. Build Safe and Healthy Communities: Advocate for policies and programs that support local climate action and a federal partner to address this critical issue.
4. Prevent Federal Overreach of Local Governments: Advocate for restoration of local authority over local telecommunication franchises, land use, and full municipal access to federal infrastructure programs. Contest unfunded mandates.
5. Increase Housing Supply and Stability: Urge Congress to provide more funding to help local communities address the housing crisis and maintain efforts even after current one-time programs wind down.
6. Support Local Economic Growth and Opportunity: Advocate for federal investments that catalyze local economic growth.
F. Special Presentations
a) NLC Capstone Award, City of Northglenn, CO and Huntington, WV The Cities of Northglenn and Huntington participated in the NLC Capstone program to address the local issue of homelessness. Both cities completed the program and implemented a pallet housing program.
b) Announcement of New Caucus Group
NLC has caucus groups to bring local leaders together to express themselves and the needs of their communities. These groups network, share best practices, and explore leadership. Caucus groups include the National Black Caucus, Hispanic Elected Leaders Organization, Asian Pacific American Municipal Officers, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Queer+ Local Officials, and Women in Municipal Government. A new group was formed and introduced- Local Indigenous Leaders Organization (LILO). The constituency group will integrate the needs and interests of indigenous and tribal leaders.
c) City Summit 2023, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and NLC Immediate Past President, Union City Mayor Vince William, officially invited delegates to the 2023 City Summit in Atlanta, GA. The summit will be held on November 15-18, 2023 at the Atlanta Convention Center. Registration is now open.
Annual Federal Meetings and 2023 NLC Conference
April 25, 2023
5 9
8 G. NLC Congressional Hill Day
Councilmember Engler and Legislative Affairs Manager Layba participated in Hill Day on March 28, 2023 to support NLC priorities and present the 2023 Federal Advocacy Agenda. Over 15 California cites joined and met with legislative staff from the offices of Senators Feinstein and Padilla to discuss NLC’s priorities for cities.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goal:
B. Provide municipal government leadership which is open and responsive to residents, and is characterized by ethical behavior, stability, promoting public trust, transparency, confidence in the future, and cooperative interaction among civic leaders, residents, business representatives, and staff, while recognizing and respecting legitimate differences of opinion on critical issues facing the City.
PREPARED BY: Mina Layba, Legislative Affairs Manager
Attachments:
Attachment #1 – Federal Funding Interests, 2023
Attachment #2 – NLC 2023 Federal Advocacy Agenda Handout CMO:150-20\wl\ H:\COMMON\City Council\Council Items\2023 Staff Reports\042523\2023 National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional Cities Conference and Meeting with Congressional Memebers.docx