REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Proposed 2021 Priority Advocacy Issues and Review Long-term Legislative Advocacy Positions (LAPs)
Report
BACKGROUND
The City's Intergovernmental Relations Program enables timely and effective advocacy of City interests on pending legislation and issues that significantly impact City business. The City can initiate advocacy based on any existing City policy. Every year, the Council adopts the City’s advocacy platform which includes the priority advocacy issues for the year as well as long-term legislative advocacy positions (LAPs) found in each chapter of the Council Policy Manual. Other sources for City policies are found in the City Charter, Municipal Code, General Plan Elements, and the Council Policy Manual. This report provides Council with the opportunity to review the Proposed 2021 Priority Issues and long-term LAPs.
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
Proposed 2021 Priority Advocacy Issues (Attachment 1) is presented for Council consideration. Priority advocacy issues focus on regional, state, and federal activity already underway or expected within the calendar year and where the pending legislation or issue is expected to have a significant impact on City business. Staff is proposing to remove one for a total of 12 Priority Advocacy Issues:
1. Investment Funding and Local Control for Workforce Development
2. Interoperability/Public Safety Communications System
3. Environmental Regulatory & Conservation Issues
4. Regional and State-wide Water Supply Issues
5. Local Authority Over Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
6. School Mitigation Fees
7. Massage Therapy
8. Anticipated Legislation regarding the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems by Law Enforcement and First Responder Immunity when interfering with Unmanned Aircraft Systems
9. Medical Marijuana/Recreational Marijuana
10. Affordable Housing and Homelessness
11. Engagement with the Federal Aviation Administration Regarding Airplane Noise
12. Local Government Financing to Support Public Infrastructure, Including Affordable Housing
Staff proposes to remove Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Restructuring as a priority advocacy issue. PG&E emerged from bankruptcy on July 1, 2020 after the United States Bankruptcy Court confirmed PG&E’s Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization. Prior to confirmation, PG&E’s plan received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission, Governor Gavin Newsom, and wildfire victims. In May, 85% of wildfire victims cast votes in support of the restructuring plan. The restructuring plan makes changes to PG&E’s governance, operations, and financial structure, all designed to further prioritize safety. It also requires monetary compensation for fire victims and participation in the state’s Go-Forward Wildfire Fund.
The City captures long-term LAPs by issue categories in each chapter of the Council Policy Manual. Long-term LAPs do not require annual Council adoption; however, any edits to those positions must be approved by Council. Staff is proposing clarifying edits as shown in Attachment 2 - Long-term LAPs: Council Policy 2.0 - Community Development and Council Policy 3.0 - Environmental Management.
During the 2020 calendar year, the City engaged in regional, state and federal legislative activities pursuant to Council-approved advocacy positions and existing City policy. The items noted on the City’s Legislative Priorities web page and in Attachment 3 are only those bills and issues with formal written City action.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, Sunnyvale Public Library and Department of Public Safety. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the Proposed 2021 Priority Advocacy Issues (Attachment 1 to the report) and Council Policy Long-term Advocacy Positions as proposed to be amended (Attachment 2 in the report).
2. Approve the Proposed 2021 Priority Advocacy Issues (Attachment 1 to the report) and Council Policy Long-term Advocacy Positions as proposed to be amended (Attachment 2 in the report) with additional modifications.
3. Other direction as provided by Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Approve the Proposed 2021 Priority Advocacy Issues (Attachment 1 to the report) and Council Policy Long-term Advocacy Positions as proposed to be amended (Attachment 2 in the report).
Staff
Prepared by: Michelle Zahraie, Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed 2021 Priority Advocacy Issues
2. Council Policy Long-term Advocacy Positions
3. List of 2020 Formal Written City Advocacy