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CC - ACTION ITEM: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Legislative and Policy Platform that Guides the City’s Positions on State and Federal Legislation, and Rescinding Resolution No. 2016-R124.
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Meeting Date: November 11, 2024
Contact Person/Dept: Shelly Wolfberg/City Manager’s Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6000
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (11/07/2024);
Department Approval: John M. Nachbar, City Manager’s Office (11/05/2024)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution approving the Legislative and Policy Platform (LPP) that guides the City’s positions on state and federal legislation, and rescinding Resolution No. 2016-R124.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the LPP is to publicly state the City’s positions on issues it faces and to provide the process by which its interests can be protected at the state and federal levels. The LPP conveys to legislators, policy makers, and the community where the City Council stands on important policy positions. The LPP, which is current and comprehensive, also allows the City to respond quickly to issues that could directly impact the City as a municipal organization, and to reach out to legislators to assist the City in communicating its interests at the state and federal level.
Culver City’s LPP outlines the City’s position on legislative matters and serves as the foundation for the City to take positions on state and federal legislation. The City Manager’s Office monitors legislation in coordination with City Departments and takes appropriate action when required in order to safeguard and/or advance the City’s interests.
At the December 12, 2016 City Council Meeting, the City Council approved the City’s current LPP and adopted Resolution No. 2016-R124. On January 8, 2024, the City Council appointed Vice Mayor O’Brien and Council Member Eriksson to the Ad Hoc 2024 Legislative and Policy Platform Subcommittee.
DISCUSSION
Staff has provided an opportunity for City Departments to review the current LPP. The proposed LPP has been developed using the guiding priorities of the City Council as established in the adopted Work Plans and past City Council actions. Additionally, staff has worked with the Ad Hoc Subcommittee Members to incorporate their recommended updates.
At the state level, legislation can swiftly pass through the Legislature and reach the Governor’s desk. Consequently, the City must be prepared to promptly advocate its stance, whether through written correspondence, direct communication with legislators, or testimony before legislative bodies. Following the City Council's adoption of the LPP, the City Manager’s Office will oversee legislative matters on a regular basis, with staff members monitoring and reviewing legislation as necessary and will characterize the City’s position (if desired) with respect to bills as follows:
1. Support: Legislation the City should support as drafted.
2. Oppose: Legislation the City should oppose as drafted.
3. Oppose unless amended: Legislation the City opposes unless amended.
4. Support if amended: Legislation the City supports if amended.
5. Watch: Legislation the City should continue to monitor.
Staff may initiate letters and contact legislative staff. Position letters will be signed by the Mayor. If the Mayor is unavailable, the Vice Mayor will have the authority to sign a position, within a timeframe that is determined by staff. Requests for signatures on position letters and testimony before committees are recommended by staff in accordance with the adopted LPP. Traditionally, all members of the City Council have the opportunity to provide testimony on the City’s position on a piece of legislation or action item that is in front of a legislative body. On occasion, the City Manager and key staff members have also communicated the City’s position regarding select issues. Consistent with the direction of the City Council, updates to the LPP are presented to the City Council as needed. Therefore, the updated LPP is presented for the City Council’s consideration and recommended adoption.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this item. However, successful results from some of the program areas could mean protection of existing City revenues or receipt of additional funding for projects/programs that would benefit the City. Alternatively, outcomes from legislation that become law could have a negative fiscal impact to the City.
ATTACHMENTS
2024-11-11 - ATT Proposed Resolution and Proposed LPP
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving the LPP and rescinding Resolution No. 2016-R124; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to implement the LPP in accordance with its provisions; and
3. Authorize and direct the Mayor and Vice Mayor (as necessary), as representatives of the City Council to submit the appropriate documents and correspondence in keeping with the goals of the LPP; and
4. Authorize the testimony of any Member of the City Council before a legislative body, whereupon the position advocated is consistent with City Council policy and the LPP; and
5. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to provide testimony before a legislative body and/or executive branch department consistent with the LPP.