HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2008 0416 CC REG ITEM 10JITS I o . T.
MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: John A. Brand, Senior Management Analyst
DATE: April 10, 2007 (CC Meeting of 4/16/2008)
SUBJECT: Consider 2008 Legislative Program
BACKGROUND
The City Council adopts an annual Legislative Program outlining the City's position on key
municipal issues. If a measure is consistent with the Legislative Program, the Mayor is
authorized to send a letter indicating the City's position. If a measure is not addressed by
the Legislative Program, or if a staff recommendation differs from the Legislative Program,
then the Finance, Administration and Public Safety Committee will review the measure and
recommend a position to the City Council. The Finance, Administration and Public Safety
Committee annually reviews the Legislative Program prior to City Council consideration
and including the recommendations discussed in the report.
DISCUSSION
On April 2, the Finance, Administration and Public Safety Committee (Mayor Hunter and
Mayor Pro Tern Parvin) met and discussed the City Legislative Program. The Committee
recommended that Council consider the following additions to the Legislative program:
Category 4. Environment
L Support funding for local projects and planning strategies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Category 5. Public Safety
H. Support legislation to expand Vehicle Code enforcement on privately
owned and maintained parking lots.
) OOOOS2
Legislative Program
HCC April 16, 2008
Page 2
Additionally, the Committee discussed whether the Council might consider directing staff to
explore sponsoring specific legislation to expand Vehicle Code enforcement on private
property. Current law (VC 21107.8) allows law enforcement to apply specific sections of the
code after a resolution or ordinance by the City Council, and after required signage is
posted. However, contrary to public perception, the law limits enforcement on private
parking facilities to three sections: VC 22350 — Basic Speed Law; VC 23103 - Reckless
Driving; and VC 23109 — Speed Contest/Exhibition of Speed. Proposed legislation may
ask the legislature to consider expanding additional specific sections or entire divisions of
law as they deem appropriate. Among the laws that the Committee discussed that should
be enforceable were:
VC 21200.5 — DUI on a Bicycle
VC 21461 — Obey Traffic Regulatory Signs (e.g. One way, Do Not Enter, etc.)
VC 21650 — Drive on Right Half of Roadway
VC 22450 — Stop Signs
VC 23110 — Throwing Substances at Vehicles
VC 23220 — Drinking While Driving
VC 23221 — Drinking in a Motor Vehicle
VC 23222 — Possession of Marijuana or Open Container While Driving
VC 27360 — Child Restraints
VC 24250 — During Darkness required Lighting On
VC 27007 — Sound Amplification Devices (radios, etc, greater than 50 feet)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1) Adopt a 2008 Legislative Program.
2) Direct staff to seek legislation expanding Vehicle Code enforcement on private
property.
Attachment 1: Draft 2008 Legislative Program
Attachment 2: VCOG Legislative Program
Attachment 3: League of CA Cities - Federal Priorities for 110th Congress
Attachment 4: League of CA Cities - Strategic Priorities for 2008
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Attachment 1
CITY OF MOORPARK
2008 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
April 2008
The following Legislative Program was developed to allow the City to respond to state and
federal legislation in a proactive manner. The Mayor (or Mayor Pro Tern in the Mayor's
absence) is authorized to sign correspondence expressing the City's position on pending
legislation consistent with the Legislative Program and /or other positions approved by the
City Council. The Finance, Administration and Public Safety Committee will also
periodically review legislation for recommendation to the City Council.
Staff will monitor the League of California Cities' Priority Focus and other sources to
identify pending legislation that may impact the City. Letters expressing the City's position
will be drafted for the Mayor's signature, and copies will be distributed to each
Councilmember. Pending legislation not addressed by the Legislative Program, or staff
recommendations that deviate from the Legislative Program, will be agendized for Finance,
Administration and Public Safety Committee review and City Council consideration.
PLATFORM STATEMENTS
1. Local Government Finance
A. Support legislation that limits cities' contributions to the Educational Revenue
Augmentation Fund (ERAF) and directs the repayment of past contributions.
B. Oppose legislation that eliminates or restricts the taxing authority of cities
over development; weakens existing Government Code Section 66000 fee
authority; and redefines any development tax, condition, or other monetary
charge as development fees.
C. Support legislation requiring the state and federal governments to provide full
cost reimbursement to cities for all mandated programs and for all programs
resulting in revenue losses.
D. Support legislation that safeguards existing City revenue sources from
preemption or seizure by the state or county.
E. Oppose any change in revenue allocations that would negatively affect the
City of Moorpark, including but not limited to the redistribution of sales tax,
property tax, transient occupancy tax, and vehicle in -lieu fee.
Page 1 of 9 �`��
Legislative Program
Platform Statements
F. Oppose legislation that restricts or limits a city's ability to use tax - exempt
debt for the purchase or construction of public purpose improvements.
G. Support measures that provide greater fiscal independence to cities and
result in greater stability and predictability in local government budgeting.
H. Support efforts that provide greater accountability on the part of counties for
the distribution of funds back to municipalities, including, but not limited to,
fines and forfeitures.
Oppose any measure that makes local agencies more dependent on the
state for financial stability and policy direction.
J. Support legislation that protects the ability of local government to recover the
costs of mandated programs through fees that are not subject to Proposition
218.
K. Support the establishment of a constitutionally - protected funding structure for
local government.
L. Support legislation that closes the loophole that allows companies currently
doing business in California to create dot -com subsidiaries to avoid collection
of sales taxes on Internet commerce.
M. Support legislation that authorizes a statewide ballot measure to restore the
requirement for a simple majority of voters in a city or county to approve an
increase in taxes or issue general obligation bonds.
N. Join with other Ventura County cities to encourage the Ventura County
Treasurer -Tax Collector to shorten the time to collect property tax
readjustments.
2. Labor Relations
A. Oppose legislation that would restrict a city's ability to use its own employees
on public works projects when such projects have previously been advertised
for bid.
B. Oppose legislation that requires the use of city employees rather than
contracting out.
C. Oppose any legislation that would grant employee benefits that should be
decided at the local bargaining table.
Page 2 of 9'J€5
Legislative Program
Platform Statements
D. Oppose legislation that removes or reduces management rights, such as
deciding staffing or service levels, either by direct action or increased liability.
E. Support legislation that would reform the Workers' Compensation system to
reduce employer cost through the reduction of system abuse.
F. Support legislation that limits the ability of employees to receive Workers'
Compensation benefits for occupational injuries /illnesses that result from
stress, disciplinary action, or performance evaluation consultations.
G. Oppose legislation that expands or extends any presumptions of
occupational injury or illness.
H. Oppose any measure that imposes compulsory and binding interest
arbitration.
Oppose efforts that reduce local control over public employee disputes or
impose regulations of an outside agency on such disputes.
J. Oppose a mandatory Social Security tax for public employers and public
employees.
3. Transportation
A. Oppose legislation that redirects local transportation funds away from cities.
B. Support legislation that would provide additional resources to cities to finance
local transportation systems, facilities, and improvements.
C. Support legislation that provides greater flexibility for the use of local
transportation funds for both public transit and street maintenance and
construction purposes.
D. Support legislation that will help reduce non -local commercial vehicle traffic
on SR -118 through the City.
E. Oppose legislation that limits and /or decreases the existing amount of
retention proceeds withheld from any payment by a public entity to the
contractor on a public project.
Page 3 of 9 1 � 9061 CS f
Legislative Program
Platform Statements
4. Environment
A. Support legislation that streamlines the state's environmental review process
and maintains public participation.
B. Support legislation that would eliminate unfunded mandates such as the
water course pollution prevention programs.
C. Support legislation that reduces or eliminates local government's
owner /operator Superfund liability.
D. Support legislation to either consolidate or streamline the federal and state
Clean Air Acts without reducing air quality standards.
E. Support air quality efforts that emphasize use of advanced technologies and
market incentives, including use of alternative fuels and development of an
infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles.
F. Support legislation that reimburses cities for revenue losses stemming from
environmental decisions made without city participation.
G. Support legislation that provides money to local governments for energy
conservation programs.
H. Support legislation that gives cities authority to meet their National Pollution
Elimination Discharge System requirements on a more collective and
regional basis.
L Support funding for local projects and planning strategies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Waste Management
A. Support legislation that provides cities with financial assistance for programs
designed to provide for the safe disposal of solid, hazardous, and special
waste.
B. Support legislation that strengthens cities' ability to direct municipal solid
waste flow to designated solid waste facilities.
C. Support legislation that streamlines AB 939 tracking and reporting
requirements.
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Legislative Program
Platform Statements
D. Support legislation that would make grants available to local agencies for
programs that encourage the recycling /reclaiming of resources.
E. Support legislation that promotes source reduction measures without
creating an unfunded mandate.
F. Oppose legislation that would restrict or limit local government's ability to
franchise refuse and recycling collection services, to direct municipal solid
waste flow (flow control), or to contractually require haulers to guarantee
achievement of AB 939 goals.
G. Support legislation that promotes recycling and expands the market for
recycled materials.
H. Support new resource recovery and conversion technologies, such as
bio- diesel from organic waste.
Support legislation that implements the concept of extended manufacturer
responsibility for electronic waste and other material types requiring
incentives for recycling.
6. General Government
A. Support legislation that ensures cities receive a proportionate share of
property taxes upon withdrawal from a county library services district, or any
other county service or district for which property taxes are received.
B. Support legislation that provides financial assistance for local public libraries
without the imposition of new taxes.
C. Support legislation that limits libraries' contributions to the Educational
Revenue Augmentation Fund.
D. Oppose legislation that reduces funding for libraries including Public Library
Funds.
E. Support legislation that reinstates effective local regulation of the cable
television industry and other deregulated utilities, including financial
reimbursement for use of public right -of -ways.
F. Oppose legislation that restricts or weakens a city's ability to regulate
smoking areas, alcoholic beverage licenses, or adult- oriented business
establishments.
G. Support legislation limiting a city's liability associated with hazardous
recreational activities, such as skateboarding and in -line skating.
Page 5 of 9 1 9
Legislative Program
Platform Statements
H. Oppose legislation that increases local government's exposure to litigation.
I. Support legislation that provides maximum local flexibility in contracting for
services.
J. Oppose efforts to cut funding for Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) programs and other community services and workforce assistance
programs to serve low- income and /or other disadvantaged residents.
K. Support legislation to give non - entitlement cities the same rights as
entitlement cities in CDBG program administration.
L. Support legislation that makes funds available to refurbish and improve
parks.
M. Support legislation that promotes low -cost or no -cost spay and neuter
programs.
N. Support legislation that holds animal owners accountable for injuries or
property damage caused by animals under their care or control.
O. Evaluate the benefits of expanding the current boundaries of the Oxnard
Harbor District through collaborative legislation with other Ventura County
cities and the County of Ventura.
P. Oppose any legislation that reduces or restricts local authority to regulate
public right -of -way.
7. Public Safety
A. Support legislation that would provide cities with a greater share of fines and
forfeitures.
B. Support legislation that would provide additional resources for commercial
truck safety inspections and the enforcement of commercial truck vehicle
codes.
C. Oppose legislation that weakens enforcement of, and penalties for,
commercial truck violations.
D. Support legislation that would provide cities with contract law enforcement a
proportionate share of Proposition 172 sales tax revenues for public safety.
E. Support legislation that increases local law enforcement resources without
increasing taxes.
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Legislative Program
Platform Statements
F. Support legislation that would provide a greater share of seized assets to
cities.
G. Support legislation that allows use of state and federal public safety grants
for maintenance efforts in addition to service increases.
H. Support legislation to expand Vehicle Code enforcement on privately
owned and maintained parking lots.
8. Land Use Planning
A. Support legislation that reforms annexation law by strengthening cities'
authority over spheres of influence and ensures that fair property tax
agreements can be obtained.
B. Support legislation that provides for shared land use determinations between
counties and cities when the General Plan of the city establishes a planning
area consistent with Government Code provisions.
C. Support legislation that enhances local control and diminishes litigation
surrounding adult entertainment facilities.
D. Support legislation that strengthens local control to prepare, adopt, and
implement fiscal plans for orderly growth, development, beautification, and
conservation of local planning areas, including, but not limited to, regulatory
authority over zoning, subdivisions, annexations, and redevelopment areas.
E. Support efforts that are consistent with the doctrine of "home rule" and the
local exercise of police powers, through planning and zoning processes, over
local land use.
F. Oppose county development projects for undeveloped areas in the city's
area of interest that do not conform to city standards.
G. Support legislation that allows local control over the establishment of medical
marijuana establishments.
H. Oppose legislation that limits city use of eminent domain.
9. Housing
A. Support legislation that addresses occupancy levels and strengthens cities'
ability to reduce overcrowding in residential housing.
B. Support efforts to develop federal, state, and county participation, financial
support, and incentives for programs that provide adequate, affordable
Page 7 of 9 � 00090
Legislative Program
Platform Statements
housing for the elderly, handicapped, and low- income persons throughout
the community.
C. Oppose legislation that expands the state Department of Housing and
Community Development's review role for local Housing Elements.
D. Support Housing Element reform legislation that provides greater local
control and flexibility, simplifies the process, and improves its effectiveness.
E. Support legislation that eliminates the current Regional Housing Needs
Allocation process and defines an equitable process to determine a "fair
share" of new housing needed to respond to growth trends in the region.
F. Oppose legislation that expands the state exemption for second dwelling
units in single family zones.
G. Support legislation to ensure that property tax valuations for deed restricted
dwelling units with reinforcing Deeds of Trust are based on the Affordable
Sales Price, actually paid by the buyers, rather than based on market value.
10. Redevelopment/Economic Development
A. Oppose legislation that further weakens a city redevelopment agency's
authority to use eminent domain.
B. Oppose legislation that would prohibit or limit the establishment of new
redevelopment project areas and /or the expansion of existing project areas.
C. Oppose legislation that reduces the amount of gross tax increment allocable
to redevelopment agencies.
D. Support legislation that reforms reporting requirements for redevelopment
agencies by simplifying the process and eliminating reporting confusion.
E. Oppose legislation that adds restrictions and procedural requirements
regarding closed session discussions on land acquisition, use of eminent
domain, and disposal of property.
F. Oppose measures that would diminish the current authority or financing
capabilities of redevelopment agencies.
G. Support legislation that gives cities resources to finance economic
development efforts, such as business attraction, retention, and growth,
as well as marketing and tourism.
Page 8 of 9 "90 031
Legislative Program
Platform Statements
H. Support legislation that simplifies and streamlines the process for foreign
trade.
Oppose legislation that limits redevelopment agency use of eminent domain.
Page 9 of 9 V 0092
Attachment 2
VCOG ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR 2008
Draft — January 4, 2008
Purpose
The goal and intent of VCOG is one of voluntary cooperation among cities and the county of
Ventura for their collective benefit. In this regard, VCOG serves as an advocate in representing
the members of VCOG at the regional, state and federal levels on issues of mutual importance to
the Ventura County area. It also can serve as a forum for the review, consideration, study,
development and recommendation of public policies and plans with regional significance.
Overriding_ Principles
VCOG believes that cities and counties must be able to control matters within their own
jurisdictions. Therefore, VCOG will take positions on proposed legislation, rules and /or
regulations that affect local control. Additionally, VCOG will take positions on issues that
directly affect the county area. And, when local decisions affect neighboring communities,
VCOG supports local governments working collaboratively and regionally to address regional
issues.
Process
Staff will monitor the League of California Cities' Priority Focus, California State Association
of Counties' positions as well as other sources to identify pending legislation that may impact the
member entities.
A Legislative Subcommittee of the VCOG Administrative Committee shall be created composed
of the following three members: Chair, Chair Elect and Immediate Past Chair. The Chair (or
Chair Elect in the Chair's absence) is authorized to sign correspondence expressing VCOG's
position on pending legislation consistent with the Legislative Program and/or other positions
approved by the Governing Board provided that such correspondence has been sent to the
Legislative Subcommittee for their review with a deadline for their comments but not less than
24 hours before it is finalized.
Copies of all correspondence will be distributed to each Governing Board member and their
jurisdiction and a Legislative Report will be provided at Board meetings.
Pending legislation not addressed by the Legislative Agenda, member requests or staff
recommendations that deviate from the Legislative Agenda, will be agendized for VCOG
Governing Board consideration.
This policy will be reviewed each year with the adoption of the Legislative Agenda.
1
F `,30093
Issues Of Common Concern and Areas of VCOG Commitment
I. Fiscal Impact - VCOG is committed to:
A. Maintain the protections that are provided in Proposition IA to protect local revenues
from seizure by the state.
B. Oppose preemption of local authority.
C. Support measures that result in greater stability and predictability in local government
budgeting.
D. Support legislation requiring the state and federal governments to provide full cost
reimbursement to cities and counties for all unfunded or underfunded mandated
programs and for all programs resulting in revenue losses.
E. Encourage the use of state incentives for local government action rather than
mandates and penalties.
F. Support legislation eliminate unfunded Federal mandates.
II. Transportation & Transit - VCOG is committed to:
A. Support legislation that would provide additional resources to cities and counties to
finance local transportation systems, facilities, and improvements.
B. Protect and enhance current funding levels and local authority for existing State and
Federal transportation revenues and programs
C. Support the immediate halt to transfers to the State General Fund of dedicated State
Transportation funds and the timely return of all previous loans
D. Support the authority of cities and county to manage the public right -of -way and
receive compensation for its use.
E. Support legislation authorizing design -build as an option for public works projects.
F. Support legislation that expands SCAG's "2% blueprint" process.
III. Economic Development - VCOG is committed to:
A. Support legislation that gives cities and counties resources to finance economic
development efforts, such as business attraction, retention, and growth, as well as
marketing and tourism.
B. Support the retention of the Naval Base Ventura County.
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C. Support legislation to ensure sufficient funding to operate one -stop employment and
training centers.
D. Oppose efforts to cut funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
programs and other publicly funded community services and workforce assistance
programs to serve low- income and /or other disadvantaged residents.
E. Support legislation that reforms reporting requirements for redevelopment agencies
by simplifying the process and eliminating reporting confusion.
IV. Land Use - VCOG is committed to:
A. Support efforts that are consistent with the doctrine of "home rule" and the local
exercise of police powers, through planning and zoning processes, over local
land use.
B. Support legislation that strengthens local control to prepare, adopt, and implement
plans for orderly growth, development, beautification, and conservation of local
planning areas, including, but not limited to, regulatory authority over zoning,
subdivisions, annexations, and redevelopment areas.
V. Housing - VCOG is committed to:
A. Support efforts to develop multi jurisdictional (federal, state, county, city)
participation, financial support, and incentives for programs that provide adequate,
affordable housing for the elderly, handicapped, and low- income persons throughout
the community as well as required infrastructure construction.
B. Support Housing Element reform legislation that provides greater local control and
flexibility, simplifies the process, and improves its effectiveness.
C. Support legislation that eliminates the current Regional Housing Needs Allocation
process and defines a more equitable process to respond to growth trends in the
region.
D. Support legislation that streamlines the environmental review process for mixed -use
infill development without compromising environmental quality standards.
E. Support legislation that promotes and provides incentives for environmentally
responsible design and construction.
F. Support legislation that streamlines the Regional Housing Needs Assesment process
to make less onerous on cities and counties.
VI. Environment - VCOG is committed to:
A. Support legislation that streamlines the state's environmental review process and
3
00 095
maintains public participation without compromising environmental quality
standards.
B. Air Quality Protection
1. Support mobile source emission reduction activities to improve the environment
without adverse impact on local economy.
2. Support air quality efforts that emphasize use of advanced technologies and market
incentives, including use of alternative fuels and development of an infrastructure
for alternative fuel vehicles.
3. Support port air emission reductions.
4. Support federal action for reducing air pollution from those sources solely under
federal control such as ships, planes and trains which are increasingly affecting the
ability to reach local air quality attainment.
C. Solid Waste
1. Support legislation that provides cities and counties with financial assistance for
programs designed to provide for the safe disposal of solid, hazardous, and special
waste.
2. Support legislation that promotes source reduction measures without creating an
unfunded mandate.
3. Support legislation that promotes recycling and expands the market for recycled
materials as well as making grants available to local agencies for programs that
encourage the recycling /reclaiming of resources.
4. Support new resource recovery and conversion technologies, such as bio- diesel
from organic waste, including removing impediments to the adoption of
transformation or conversion technologies to help municipalities and the county
meet and exceed their requirement to divert 50% of their solid waste away from
landfills.
5. Oppose legislation that would restrict or limit local government's ability to
franchise refuse and recycling collection services, to direct municipal or county
solid waste flow (flow control), or to contractually require haulers to guarantee
achievement of AB 939 goals
6. Initiate legislation that streamlines AB 939 tracking and reporting requirements.
D. Water Protection
1. Support legislation and cooperative efforts to ensure adequate water supplies for
4
'JO096
Southern California and to protect and enhance regional groundwater resources
and watersheds.
2. Support state and federal funding legislation for local storm water and NPDES
programs as well as incentives for the re -use of reclaimed water. Support
regulations and full reimbursement for local agencies to carry out the NPDES
mission that are practical and capable of being implemented including taking into
account economic considerations.
3. Support scientific investigation and implementation, as funding permits, of
reasonable, cost - effective, and proven best management practices (BMP) and best
available technologies (BAT) to mitigate storm water pollution to the maximum
extent practicable
E. Natural Resources
1. Support funding and legislation for the designation and preservation of open space
and preservation, restoration and enhancement of natural resources.
2. Support legislation and /or programs that provide money to local governments for
energy efficiency and conservation programs.
VIII. Public Safety and Homeland Security - VCOG is committed to:
A. Support legislation that increases local law enforcement resources including providing
cities and counties with a greater share of fines and forfeitures.
B. Support funding for improved public safety programs, specifically the State Grants that
have provided police departments with the funds necessary to support technology
improvements increasing efficiency. This includes grants that support homeland
security, grants through the Office of Traffic Safety, as well as other grants that
support the hiring of law enforcement personnel.
C. Support legislation to support public safety facilities funding.
D. Support legislation that would provide additional resources for commercial truck safety
inspections and the enforcement of commercial truck vehicle codes.
E. Support legislation that allows use of state and federal public safety grants for
maintenance efforts in addition to service increases.
F. Support maintenance of existing health care facilities within the county for emergency
response with adequate funding and staffing.
P0009
G. Support funding for all hazards, not just terrorism and encourage comprehensive All
Hazards planning.
H. Oppose a relaxation of TSA safety standards enacted after 9/11.
IX. Labor Relations - VCOG is committed to:
A. Oppose legislation that would restrict a local government's ability to use its own
employees on public works projects when such projects have previously been
advertised for bid.
B. Oppose legislation that requires the use of city or county employees rather than
contracting out.
C. Oppose any legislation that would grant employee benefits that should be decided at
the local bargaining table.
D. Support legislation that would reform the Workers' Compensation system to reduce
employer cost through the reduction of system abuse.
E. Oppose any measure that imposes compulsory and binding interest arbitration.
F. Oppose efforts that reduce local control over public employee disputes or impose
regulations of an outside agency on such disputes.
IX. General Government - VCOG is committed to:
A. Support legislation limiting the county and a city's liability associated with hazardous
recreational activities, such as skateboarding and in -line skating.
B. Support legislation that makes funds available to refurbish and improve parks.
C. Oppose legislation that increases local government's exposure to litigation.
rol
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Attachment 3
F (J 1400 K Street, Suite 400 • Sacramento, California 95814
i e 1QJ` Phone: 916.658.8200 Fax: 916.658.8240
CT www.cacities.org
FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR 110TH CONGRESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The League strongly supports and encourages telecommunication innovation and increased
competition in any Federal telecommunications policy overhaul. To ensure consumer access to
efficient, cost - effective and innovative telecommunication services, the League urges Congress to:
• Maintain local government's ability to negotiate franchise agreements with telecommunications
providers to maximize consumer benefit. Through these negotiations, municipalities are able to
ensure the provision of key services, including public, education and government channels, as
well as make sure that local emergency alerts and institutional networks meet specific local
needs.
• Address a reasonable timeframe for deployment of telecommunications services by providers
that includes a clear plan for sequencing of the build -out of facilities within an entire franchise
area.
• Protect the authority of local governments to collect revenues from telecommunications
providers and ensure that any future changes are revenue neutral for local governments.
• Support local government's ability to regulate use of public rights -of -way. Local governments
are important and proven stewards of the public rights -of -way, and are pivotal in helping to
prevent public safety issues resulting from overcrowding and improper use; ensuring local
emergency (911) services are provided; as well as addressing customer service and local
business concerns.
• Preserve local authority to deploy and operate municipal broadband networks, either through
public - private partnerships or systems wholly owned by the municipality.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT /AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Approximately 80 percent of California's nearly 37 million people live in cities. As the state continues to
grow by almost 500,000 people each year, California cities are deeply concerned about the need for
housing - especially affordable housing in balance with jobs and transportation systems. The League
urges Congress to increase support for existing programs within the U.S. Housing and Urban
Development and establish new affordable housing programs and incentives:
• Community Development Block Grant: Support increased funding, and oppose proposals to
reduce or eliminate funding, for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program,
which is critical in assisting urban and rural cities throughout California with creating jobs,
providing affordable housing, eliminating blight and generating new economic investment. In
addition, seek flexibility in the CDBG state program to enhance the use of the program by
California's 314 non - entitlement communities.
• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: Support full funding of the Section 8 program, which
assists very low- income families, the elderly and the disabled afford decent and safe housing.
• Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Program: Support increased funding for the
HOME program, which provides formula grants to local governments to create affordable
housing for low- income households.
• National Housing Trust Fund: Support the creation of a new National Housing Trust Fund to
help fund the production of new housing, and the preservation or rehabilitation of existing
housing that is affordable for low- income people.
• Workforce Housing: Seek the creation of new programs that provide affordable housing to
working families, including targeted resources for mixed use, affordable housing around transit.
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The housing shortage has particularly affected low- and middle- income families. In many areas,
workers who provide basic services to local governments - like teachers, firefighters, and police
officers - cannot afford to live in the communities where they work, forcing them to drive from far
away and impose additional stress on an already overburdened traffic system.
Housing Tax Incentives: Seek new tax incentives to promote private investment in the
production of rental housing, including expanding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit to create
mixed income developments.
INFRASTRUCTUREINVESTMENT
California cities' water, wastewater and transportation systems, which are vital to fueling and keeping
the fifth largest economy in the world moving, are in need of major overhaul with tremendous deficits in
capacity and deferred maintenance. California's transportation systems, which face rapidly growing
vehicle use by an ever increasing number of new drivers, has seen the costs of building new lane miles
rise much faster than inflation and road maintenance needs increase with the age of the freeway
system. California's water and wastewater systems, with the state's population growth of 30% in 20
years, has seen close to no new investment in the state's water supply infrastructure for over 30 years.
In addition, stringent new standards for safe drinking water and clean water are placing more pressure
on our cities' systems.
The League urges Congress to advance legislation in the 110th Congress that provides targeted
Federal resources to assist cities facing significant population growth with improving these vital systems
for our nation's communities.
EMINENT DOMAINITAKINGS
Eminent Domain: Ensure that Federal legislation addressing eminent domain does not severely
impact states, like California, which have strong laws that limit the use of the tool and have
strong protections for property owners. The seldom -used but important tool allows communities
in California to convert to safe, affordable housing, to clean up environmentally toxic areas, and
to assist impoverished, economically depressed neighborhoods.
Takings: Oppose the so- called federal Private Property Rights Implementation Act. While this
measure is being promoted as a necessary response to the Supreme Court's verdict in the Kelo
v. City of New London case, it does not address direct condemnations, eminent domain, or
Kelo -style economic development projects in any way. The Act is designed to help developers
sue cities over land use issues in federal court. The legislation would encourage developers to
bypass State courts and local resolution procedures, where most land use disputes are now
resolved. The existing rules, developed over hundreds of years, allow courts to strike a fair
balance between takings claimants, neighboring property owners, and the public.
HOMELAND SECURITY /DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
California's cities are on the front line of the war on terrorism: To strengthen California's homeland
security and emergency preparedness efforts, the League urges Congress to:
• Support a revised formula for distribution of homeland security grant funding and a reduction in
the per -state minimum allocation, which ensure funding is targeted to areas where the threat of
terrorism is greatest. The current system directs more funding to low -risk, low- population states
instead of high -risk states, like California.
• Maximize first responder funding to California cities, including providing continued funding for
the Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Grants, as well as flexibility in
the use of funds to assist areas of need (i.e. personnel, training, and target hardening).
• Ensure adequate broadcast spectrum is available to local governments for public safety
communications.
• Support increased funding for disaster preparedness, prevention, recovery, and response for
all- hazard threats.
Attachment 4
LEAGUE ADOPTS NEW STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2008
The League of California Cities board of directors set the stage for a productive year in 2008,
adopting four strategic priorities for the organization during its meeting on Friday, Nov. 29 and
Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Fairmont San Jose hotel in San Jose. The 2008 strategic priorities,
developed under the theme of "Building Sustainable Communities" are:
• Protect Funding for Vital Community Services
• Green and Sustainable Cities
• Expand Infrastructure Investment
• Enact Honest and Responsible Eminent Domain Reform
The strategic priorities were drafted through a collaboration between the board and leaders of the
League's divisions, departments, policy committees and caucuses. Participants in the goal setting
process broke into eight groups to debate possible priorities for final board consideration. The
official language and explanation of the strategic priorities is located below:
Building Sustainable Communities
The League of California Cities is strongly committed to advocating policies that support
sustainable communities across our state that help build a strong economy, protect our
environment and advance social equity in the following ways:
1. Protect Funding for Vital Community Services. Vigorously oppose efforts to erode
funding for vital community services that keep Californian families safe from crime, support
transportation mobility and economic growth, provide housing and important after - school
recreation opportunities, ensure orderly development and protect the environment. Funding
for local community -based services and programs should not be sacrificed again to meet
state revenue needs.
2. Green and Sustainable Cities. Lead in the development of state and local policies,
strategies and programs to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
through more efficient and sustainable land use and building practices, increased energy
efficiency and use of alternative /renewable energy sources, improved water supply and
wastewater treatment system efficiencies, expanded public transit opportunities and
innovations in other city operations.
3. Expand Infrastructure Investment. Support continued implementation of the 2006
infrastructure bond program and the development of new funding sources and programs to
meet the infrastructure needs of our rapidly growing communities in a sustainable way for
water supply, wastewater treatment, public transit, streets and roads, storm water
management and other critical infrastructure.
4. Enact Honest and Responsible Eminent Domain Reform. Support enactment of eminent
domain reforms that protect homeowners, such as the Homeowners Protection Act, and
oppose proposals that would cripple the ability of state and local agencies to manage
development, develop new water supplies, protect the environment, and develop
affordable housing.
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