REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Adopt Legislative Advocacy Positions and Long-Term Advocacy Positions Related to Housing Element Certification, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Preventing Homelessness, Fair Energy Distribution and Pricing, Civil and Human Rights, and the School District (Re)Districting Process
Report
BACKGROUND
At the January 28, 2025, meeting, Council approved their proposed 2025 Priority Advocacy Issues and Long-Term Advocacy Positions and directed staff to return with proposed language for six (6) policy positions related to housing element certification, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), preventing homelessness, fair energy distribution and pricing, civil and human rights, and the school district (re)districting process
This report presents six (6) policy positions for Council's approval, which enables City advocacy on pending legislation and issues based on these policy statements.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.4.14, Legislative Advocacy Positions
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
DISCUSSION
Housing Element Certification
The City has policy language in Council Policy 7.4.14 Legislative Advocacy Positions regarding 5. Affordable Housing, Homelessness, and Land Use:
Housing Element/Land Use
(D) Strongly encourage the State government to create policies that balance increased housing production for all income levels while preserving land use policy making for cities that accommodate their share of new housing. Support legislation that would enable preservation of sites for an appropriate balance of conveniently located range of uses including retail/commercial ...
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