REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve an Update and Affirmation of Sunnyvale’s Statement on Our City Values and Public Service
Report
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
On February 7, 2017, City Council unanimously adopted the Statement on Our City Values and Public Service (Statement), affirming Sunnyvale’s commitment to serving its diverse community with respect, equity, and inclusivity. The Statement was designed to underscore and affirm the City’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all residents. Subsequently, on September 28, 2021, the Council revised the Statement to explicitly include support for refugees, further reflecting the City’s evolving priorities and values.
The Statement has since served as a guiding framework for addressing equity, access, and inclusion withing City policies and practices. In alignment with Council direction, staff have made additional updates to the Statement (Attachment 1). These revisions include updated demographic information to the reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming community.
Given changes beyond Sunnyvale’s borders that have created uncertainty and anxiety for many in our community, reaffirming this commitment reinforces the City’s role as a leader in promoting safety, inclusion, and belonging for all residents.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 6, Safety & Noise, Goal SN-3 Safe and Secure City: Ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community by providing effective public safety response and prevention.
General Plan, Chapter 6, Safety & Noise, Goal SN-4: Public Confidence in Police Services: Increase and maintain public confidence in the ability of the Public Safety Department to provide quality police services.
Council Policy 7.0(B)(3): To ensure that local governments are consulted and their issues considered, support collaborative efforts and continued relations with, and funding from, other agencies, the State or the Federal Government, for matters where mutual concerns exist (i.e. immigration enforcement, terrorism prevention, safety of public utility systems, local/state/national disasters or emergencies, and homeland security directives), which could have an impact on the delivery of City services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from review under the California Environmental Act (CEQA) in that it is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes to the environment. (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b)(5).)
FISCAL IMPACT
No Fiscal Impact.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the NOVA Workforce Services reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the updated Statement on Our City Values and Public Service, affirming the City of Sunnyvale’s commitment to serving our diverse community.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $250 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Connie Verceles, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Revised Statement on Our City Values and Public Service (redlined)