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TO:City Council
FROM:David Newman, Mayor
Mikey Taylor, Mayor Pro Tem
Bob Engler, Councilmember
Tie Gutierrez, Councilmember
DATE:April 8, 2025
SUBJECT: Annual Federal Meetings and 2025 National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference, Washington D.C. – March 6-12, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive report.
2. Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act.
LEVINE ACT: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Direct and indirect costs for City Council to attend the conference are included in the Adopted FY 2024-25 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 2,750 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 widening of the S.R. 23 Freeway; building the City’s LEED Certified Transit Center; and “seed money” toward the widening of the
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U.S. 101/S.R. 23 Interchange.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
MEETINGS ON CAPITOL HILL - MARCH 6-7, 2025
Meetings with Congressional members and agency staff were attended by Mayor Newman, Mayor Pro Tem Taylor, Legislative Affairs Manager Layba, as well as federal lobbyist James Crum, Van Scoyoc Associates. According to Brown Act rules governing quorum, only Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem attended each meeting.
City delegates attended several meetings with Congressional officials before the start of the conference to discuss the City’s 2025 project interests and local issues.
A. Meetings with Congressional Members
1. Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Sharon Wagener, Legislative Director
2. Senator Alex Padilla’s Office – Josh Esquivel, Legislative Director and Jacob Huls Policy Advisor
3. Senator Adam Schiff’s Office – Danielle Fults, Policy Director At each meeting, City delegates discussed FY 2025-26 Congressionally Directed Spending project interests (Attachment #1):
•Community Resiliency Center Network
•Emergency Backup Power Program
•Advanced Water Metering Program
•Lease to Own Paratransit Vehicles
•Wildfire Hazard Removal and Education Program
Delegates also updated congressional offices of local projects:
•Downtown Campus Master Plan
•Thrive Grove Navigation Center
•East County Family Justice Center
City delegates thanked Congresswoman Brownley and the Offices of Senators Schiff, and Padilla for their support of the FY 2024-25 Congressionally Directed Spending requests. They also shared the importance of Community Development Block Grants and dwindling housing vouchers. The Mayor also emphasized the City’s continued support of the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act as authored by Senator Schiff.
B. Meetings with Federal Agencies
1. U.S. Department of Transportation Meeting with Abigail Orlaski (Senior Adviser, 1 2
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Office of Intergovernmental Affairs), Sabrina McNeal (Governmental Affairs Specialist, Office of the Secretary), Zan Guendert (Congressional Liaison Specialist, Federal Highway Administration), & Heather Haney (Detailee): The City shared its interest in acquiring new paratransit vehicles and learning about the Low or No Emission Grant Program. They discussed the new administration’s transit priorities and potential funding opportunities, particularly for active transportation programs and wildlife corridors.
2. U.S. Forest Service Meeting with Jeff Marsolais (Associate Deputy Chief of State, Private, & Tribal Forestry) and Sarah Fisher (Director, Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management Program): The City discussed an initiative to remove non- native palm trees and Arundo, which are hazardous wildfire fuels in the open space. The initiative would be coupled with an educational component to inform residents of the risk of dangerous fire accelerants and promote home hardening.
U.S. Forest Service representatives shared the importance of having a Community Wildfire Protection Plan as a prerequisite for many of the Forest Service grant programs.
3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Meeting with Andrew Sawyers [Director Office of Wastewater Management (OWM)], Michael Dean (Chief, Clean Water State Revolving Fund), Chris Kloss (Director, Water Permits Division), Elizabeth Borowiec (Manager, State & Municipal Infrastructure Section, EPA Region 9), & Leah Tighe (Project Officer, EPA Region 9): The City expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the EPA Region 9 team in collaborating to advance the City’s technical correction. The technical correction would allow the City to combine the FY 2021-22 Congressional Directed Spending award with FY 2023-24 to implement a stormwater capture project with full funding. The EPA team shared additional options for future stormwater and drinking water projects such as the low interest loan through the State Revolving Fund and funding through the State’s Proposition 4 Bond.
NLC ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL CITIES CONFERENCE – MARCH 8-12, 2025 The NLC annual Congressional Cities Conference was held on March 8-12, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis and Convention Center, Washington, D.C. City officials gathered for leadership meetings, policy discussions, and legislative briefings to learn about current federal issues and priorities for America’s cities and towns. Mayor Newman, Councilmembers Engler and Gutierrez, and Legislative Affairs Manager Layba represented the City.
Pre- Conference Meetings:
A. Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy Committee (PSCP) Meeting (Councilmember Engler is appointed to the PSCP Committee)
1. PSCP Chair Brian Kazy, Councilmember, Cleveland, OH, welcomed committee 1 2
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members and reviewed the agenda.
2. NLC Second Vice President Van Johnson, Mayor, Savannah, GA, welcomed members and thanked them on behalf of the Board of Directors for their service.
3. Fire Truck Manufacturing Delays: Fire Chief Chris Nigg from La Verne Fire Department, CA, highlighted the ongoing challenges related to fire truck manufacturing delays, their increased costs, and impact on emergency services.
4. First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet): Christopher Coughlin from FirstNet provided an update on the progress and future plans for the national network dedicated to first responders.
5. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Assistant Director Thomas Giles from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) discussed the role of ICE in local government operations.
6. Impact of Justice Department Consent Decrees on Local Government: Committee Chair Kazy led a robust discussion on the significant effects of Department of Justice (DOJ) consent decrees on cities and policing strategies.
7. NLC’s Justice Initiative Update: Tony McCright, NLC Interim Program Director for Justice Initiatives, provided an update on NLC’s initiatives aimed at addressing justice and equity issues within municipalities.
8. Committee Priorities: PSCP Policy Director Yucel Ors reviewed the 2025 Workplan which includes adopting resolutions concerning (a) fire truck manufacturing delays, (b) the impact of DOJ consent decrees on local governments, (c) the reauthorization of FirstNet, and (d) advocating against reductions in federal assistance for public safety programs.
9. Announcements: The next PSCP meeting will be scheduled at the NLC Summer Leadership Meeting, July 16-18, 2025, in Columbus, OH.
B. Energy, Environment and Natural Resources (EENR) Policy Committee Meeting (Mayor Newman and Legislative Affairs Manager Layba are appointed to the EENR Committee)
1. Welcome: EENR Chair Katrina Thompson reviewed the meeting agenda and introduced committee leadership.
2. Greeting from NLC Board: NLC President Steve Patterson welcomed committee members, thanked them for their service, and urged members to discuss climate change issues during NLC Lobby Day.
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3. Legislative Update: EENR Policy Director Carolyn Berndt reviewed NLC’s 2025 federal advocacy agenda. She provided an update on the Continuing Resolution (CR) and the stalemate between Republican and Democratic caucuses. She announced that the Transportation Reauthorization is moving forward with testimony from NLC.
4. Sustainable Programs Overview: Catherine Werner, Sustainability and Innovation Director reviewed NLC sustainability programs and initiatives including Biodiversity Net Gain Policy/Program; Biophilic Cities Network; Thriving Communities Tech Assistance; SolSmart; and Distributed Wind Smart.
5. Fresh Water Communities Partnership: Representatives shared information about their organization and mission. Climate change is responsible for the rapid disappearance of lakes and rivers which is impacting water supply. They encourage cities to join to help find solutions.
6. Joint Discussion on Data Centers, the Cloud, and Artificial Intelligence (AI): EENR and Information Technology and Communications (ITC) Federal Advocacy Committees held a joint session to examine the impact of advanced technology via Cloud storage and AI. These technologies provide greater computing power but require the creation of large data centers. Data centers are emerging in communities that have numerous climate and environmental impacts. Committee members agreed that NLC should create policy to address these issues and perhaps establish a subcommittee to study solutions.
7. Announcements: The next EENR meeting will be scheduled at the NLC Summer Leadership Meeting, July 16-18, 2025, in Columbus, OH
Conference Program:
A. Keynote Speakers
1. NLC Board President, Steve Patterson, Councilmember from Athens, OH, shared his background that prompted his run for public office. He reviewed his NLC presidential priorities: (a) to engage small cities, (b) bolster participation in Infrastructure Hub-grant training boot camp, and (c) find ways cities can engage with youth. He would like to launch a national engagement strategy to increase housing.
2. District of Columbia (D.C.) Mayor Muriel Bowser officially welcomed delegates to the Congressional Cities Conference. She expressed concerns about the pending CR which would severely impact the district’s operations. 1 2
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3. Mayor Andrew Ginther, Columbus, OH, and Chair of US Conference of Mayors (USCM) expressed his appreciation for the ongoing partnership with USCM and NLC. He shared examples of how local mayors band together during a crisis.
4. Clarence Anthony, NLC Executive Director welcomed the over 3,000 delegates in attendance. For the last 100 years NLC has helped thousands of cities address issues and fight unfunded mandates. He reminded delegates that NLC is non- partisan and will continue to partner with every White House administration to address the needs of municipalities nationwide.
5. Housing Accelerator Panel: A panel of local elected officials from Alexandria, VA, Pittson, PA, and Clearfield, UT, shared ways they increased their local housing supply through partnerships with developers to revitalize their downtowns, and partnerships with universities and churches to build on private property.
6. Lee Zeldin, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator discussed the White House Administration’s Great American Comeback initiative. The initiative focuses on five pillars: clean air, water, land, advancing cooperation, and federalism. EPA is also working on hazard removal after the Los Angeles fires.
7. Vice President J.D. Vance shared the White House Administration's priority to address the rising cost of housing. The Vice President blamed elevated costs on the last administration, zoning, and illegal immigration. The President will issue Executive Orders to reduce home prices for new buyers, eliminating regulations around the cost of construction and energy. He warned that Sanctuary Cities will be excluded from federal funding opportunities.
8. Rosie Rios, Chair of America 250, and former U.S. Treasurer is seeking participation from cities and states in the America 250 celebration, which is the signing of the constitution. Cities can learn more about the celebration through www.america250.org
9. Panel Discussion on the legality of White House Executive Actions: Attorneys from the International Municipal Lawyers Association, Best Best & Krieger and University of North Carolina School of Law explained the legalities of presidential power, the constitutionality of executive orders and spending clause authority.
10.Congressmember Greg Stanton (D-4) Arizona (as part of a live taping of an NLC Podcast) discussed the importance of coalition building. As the former Mayor of Phoenix, he worked with constituents to resolve issues. One method for building coalitions is to share perspectives and stories that can identify commonalities. He urged delegates to share stories about their community’s struggles when they visit their congressional members.
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11.Salt Lake City, UT Mayor Erin Mendelhall officially invited delegates to the November City Summit. The City will feature its new international airport, in preparation for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
12.Reporters Panel on Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Reporters from the political newspaper Politico shared their opinions of DOGE, the role of civilian appointee Elon Musk, and the unprecedented dismantling of federal agencies. They explained the arduous process of court rulings, warrants, and postulated political solutions while taking questions from delegates.
D. Breakout Sessions Attended:
1. NLC University- Nature Everywhere Action Challenge
2. NLC University- The New Era of Risk and Resilience
3. First Time Attendees Luncheon
4. NLC Board of Directors Meeting
5. America’s Housing Comeback: Partnerships and Strategies for Economic Prosperity
6. Unlocking Federal Funding: Find the Keys that Fit Your Community
7. Utilizing Clean Energy Finance Programs in Your Community
8. Streamlining and Strengthening Federal Transportation Partnerships
9. A Closer Look at New Rules for PFAS, Lead and Copper
10.Streamlining Federal Transportation Partnership
11.Western Municipal Association Meeting
12.Hill Day Issues Briefing
E. National League of Cities 2025 Federal Advocacy Agenda President Patterson presented the NLC’s 2025 Federal Priorities “To Strengthen America’s Communities” (Attachment #2):
1. Streamline Federal Programs for All Communities
2. Increase the Nation’s Housing Supply
3. Promote Public Safety
4. Solidify Infrastructure Investment
5. Close the Digital Divide
6. Build Community Resilience
7. Reduce Legal and Financial Burdens on Local Governments F. NLC Congressional Hill Day
Councilmembers Engler and Gutierrez, and Legislative Affairs Manager Layba participated in Hill Day on March 12 to support NLC priorities and present the 2025 Federal Advocacy Agenda. City delegates met with the offices of California Congressmembers Julia Brownley (D-24) and George Whitesides (D-27) in partnership with a representative from the City of Santa Clarita. A special joint briefing was hosted 1 2
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by Cal Cities and California delegates with Senators Schiff and Padilla to discuss the White House transition, CR and Senate priorities.
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 2025
Attachment #2 – NLC 2025 Federal Advocacy Agenda Handout CMO:150-20\\ H:\COMMON\City Council\Council Items\2025 Staff Reports\04/08/25\2025 NLC Congressional Cities Conference and Meeting with Congressional Members.docx