2018-3-28 LEGISLATIVE - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dan Maldonado reported on policy issues, immigration and border wall, which will be discussed in the future at the Federal level. Leslie reported on Census 2020 — Controversial question about citizenship. California and other states have filed suit and funding for census. Vice Chair Martinez inquired about LGBTQ community as it pertains to housing and the homeless. Dan responded that funds are being allocated for LGBTQ. Leslie will check to ensure they are not missing anything. Vice Chair Martinez inquired about workforce/housing dollars. H&K responded that the County and workforce investment board will distribute. Needs to be a coalition of all 34 cities to move forward and make sure all cities get their money. Santa Ana will be impacted. State Legislative Update from Townsend Public Affairs - Casey Elliott spoke about opportunity zones program: California has 880 tracts to participate in program that are eligible for tax. Tax breaks available for private financing in those zones; Santa Ana secured 11 censured tracts under opportunity zone. Vice Chair Martinez asked how the City can partner with school districts to provide open space, skate parks, community gardens and how funds can be utilized to purchase property. Casey will provide follow up on the details. Chair Sarmiento stated that there's a need to incorporate and track County items is doing as it is becoming adversarial with regard to funding and how it impacts Santa Ana. Jorge Garcia indicated that City Manager's Office would present an option for County tracking. This committee recommended the legislative platform to the entire City Council. This body cannot act on behalf of the Council, but can make recommendations if something is specifically outlined in the platform, Council has authorized committee to take position. If not outlined, take back to Council. Can refine the process further. 3. Review and Take a Position on Legislative Bills Jorge Garcia reported that the legislative matrix covers 35 pages of items. He outlined a few items obtain feedback as to what the Committee is looking for. He stated that all support or opposition letters are now sent to entire City Council and EMT. Vice Chair Martinez stated the matrix is fantastic and recommended setting a policy so the Committee can say this is what we support so Council can affirm. Chair Sarmiento agreed, stated this is really good information. He recommended we augment with positions with groups like the League of California Cities to help us take positions. Committees shouldn't have ability to circumvent Council, but should be able to take a position. Legislative Affairs, Ethics, Transparency and Communications Council Committee Meeting Minutes March 28, 2018 Page 2