65B - 2014 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: MAY 6, 2014 TITLE: REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE 2014 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Review and adopt the 2014 State and Federal Legislative Platform. DISCUSSION The Legislative Platform is a tool to protect and promote the City's interests on priority issues, legislative proposals, and regulatory matters that may impact the City. The Legislative Platform includes guiding principles and policy statements that allow City staff and legislative advocates to address legislative and regulatory issues by providing a framework that summarizes the City's position on policy issues and priorities, without precluding the consideration of additional legislative and budget issues that arise during the year. The proposed 2014 State and Federal Legislative Platform was reviewed by the Legislative Council Committee and includes guiding principles that focus legislative advocacy efforts around 1) preserving local control; 2) promoting fiscal stability; 3) supporting funding opportunities; and 4) maximizing regional collaboration and cooperation. In addition, the policy statements and priority issues identified within the Legislative Platform are aligned with the goals of the City's Five -Year Strategic Plan. Priority issues identified in the 2014 Legislative Platform include, but are not limited to: maximize funding for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) to sustain long -term homeland security efforts at the local and regional level; pursue funding for the Santa Ana /Garden Grove Fixed Guideway streetcar project to help create a vibrant regional transit system and spur economic development opportunities; and support for legislation that reauthorizes or increases funding for various affordable housing, community development, youth, and public safety related programs. Recognizing the need to actively engage in legislative advocacy, the Legislative Platform helps strengthen the City's ability to articulate, influence, and monitor its position on these and other policy and priority issues. The Legislative Platform also allows the City to respond quickly in support or opposition to issues in a manner that is consistent with the Council's policy positions and direction. 65B -1