Item No. 2
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: July 28, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer Crawford, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Take Action on Legislative Matters When Full Council Consideration is Infeasible
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-46, authorizing the Mayor to take action on legislative matters under time constraints that preclude full Council consideration.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The California State Legislature frequently introduces and amends legislation that directly impacts municipalities, including funding allocations, land use regulations, public safety measures, and operational restrictions on cities. The City of Yucaipa, like many California cities, actively engages in state and federal lobbying efforts to protect its interests, often in coordination with organizations such as the League of California Cities (League).
Historically, the City Council has taken formal positions on legislative proposals during the regular legislative calendar, allowing for thorough review and action. However, amendments to bills or legislation introduced during special sessions can emerge with very short notice —sometimes within a few days —making it impossible for the full Council to convene and deliberate in time to respond effectively.
In such instances, the City risks missing opportunities to align with other cities in advocating for shared interests, such as preserving local land use control authority or enhancing public safety protections. Currently, the City has no established process to address these urgent matters, potentially resulting in missed advocacy opportunities.
Staff has prepared the attached resolution, which establishes a streamlined process authorizing the Mayor to act on behalf of the City when time -sensitive legislative issues arise. This approach is common among other California cities that participate in lobbying efforts and ensures the City can respond swiftly while maintaining alignment with Council priorities.
Key elements of the proposed resolution include:
• Authorization: The Mayor is empowered to submit letters of support or opposition, join collective advocacy efforts (e.g., with the League), or engage directly with legislative bodies when full Council action is infeasible due to timing.
• Guidelines: Actions must be consistent with prior Council positions, the City's interests, and, where applicable, the League's stances.
• Limitations: Authority is restricted to true time -constrained situations. • Reporting: Actions taken under this resolution will be reported at the following Council meeting.
This process will enable the City to remain proactive in legislative advocacy without compromising the Council's oversight role.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of this resolution.
Attachment:
1. Resolution No. 2025-46
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-46
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YUCAIPA,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO TAKE ACTION ON
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS WHEN FULL COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
IS INFEASIBLE
WHEREAS, the California State Legislature often considers laws that impact California cities, including funding allocations and restrictions on their activities; and WHEREAS, although the California State Legislature follows a calendar that makes it possible for city councils to take a position on initial bill proposals, amendments and bills proposed in special sessions may arise that do not allow for normal consideration by the City Council; and WHEREAS, California cities have organized through the League of California Cities and other similar regional organizations to advocate according to their collective interest; and WHEREAS, the City of Yucaipa City Council has taken positions on legislative proposals on its own and as a member of the League of California Cities; and WHEREAS, timely action on legislative matters is critical to protect the City of Yucaipa's land use control authority, public safety, and other municipal interests; and WHEREAS, the short timeframes for responding to amendments or bills introduced outside the normal legislative calendar, such as during special sessions and amendments, may preclude formal action by the full City Council; and
WHEREAS, establishing a process to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City Council in such circumstances will ensure the City of Yucaipa can effectively advocate for its interests and align with other California cities when necessary; and WHEREAS, any actions taken by the Mayor under such authorization should align with the City Council's previously established positions, the interests of the City of Yucaipa, and the collective advocacy of the League of California Cities, where applicable.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YUCAIPA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.
Authorization of Mayoral Action. The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to take action on behalf of the City of Yucaipa on legislative matters, including but not limited to submitting letters of support or opposition, joining advocacy efforts with the League of California Cities or other regional organizations, or engaging with state or federal legislative bodies, when time constraints, such as those arising from special sessions or rapid amendments, make it infeasible for the full City Council to convene and take formal action.
Section 2.
Guidelines for Action. Any action taken by the Mayor under this authorization shall:
a. Be consistent with prior City Council positions on similar legislative matters, where applicable;
b. Reflect the best interests of the City of Yucaipa, particularly in protecting land use control authority, public safety, and municipal funding; c. Align, where feasible, with the advocacy positions of the League of California Cities or other relevant regional organizations; and
d. Be reported to the City Council at its next regular meeting, including a summary of the action taken and the rationale for the decision.
Section 3. Limitations. The Mayor's authority under this resolution shall be limited to situations where the timeframe for response is insufficient for the City Council to convene and act formally, as determined by the Mayor in consultation with the City Manager.
Section 4. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 28th day of July, 2025.
Jon Thorp, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ana V. Sauseda, MMC
Director of General Services/City Clerk