2015-02-23 LEGISLATIVE - Laserfiche WebLink

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Holland and Knight continues to work with ICE and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's office to ensure the City of Santa Ana receives its per diem increase for the jail. One complicating factor is the Department of Homeland Security's funding is set to end by February 27, 2015 and there is no clear resolution at the moment. Leslie Pollner mentioned Holland and Knight has been working with the City on the My Brother's Keeper initiative. They have provided the City assistance in formulating the Promise Zone application and would like to connect the City with other applicants they work with. Holland and Knight is also working to connect City staff with resources for an immigration outreach event. Holland and Knight look forward to hosting the City of Santa Ana delegation in Washington D.C. next week. Meetings have been confirmed with ICE and Senator Feinstein's Chief of Staff. A draft itinerary will be sent shortly. Councilwoman Martinez asked for the status of the Highway Trust Fund and wondered if anything would be determined by May 31, 2015. Leslie Pollner thinks it unlikely. She mentioned a bill is being worked on but at least one short -term extension will possibly be needed. Councilwoman Martinez asked about the likelihood of the Streetcar project receiving New Starts Program funding. Dan Maldonado replied that the Streetcar project falls under the Small Starts Program and that there is strong support from a group of Senators and House members that are invested in these programs. Although there is resistance from the Tea Party because there are no political gains for the group, Dan Maldonado expects to see continued funding. Leslie Pollner mentioned that now is the time for the City to do advocacy work around this project. Chair Sarmiento noted that the dynamics in Congress have changed and the balance of power has shifted. He wondered how the change would affect the City's priority issues. Dan Maldonado replied that our priority issues still have strong support in the Senate and that the City is in a position to move its agenda forward. Chair Sarmiento asked Holland and Knight to provide suggestions and recommendations to help the City tailor the legislative platform to this new audience. Dan Maldonado stressed the importance of the City continuing to build relationships to increase the likelihood of receiving funding. Chair Sarmiento asked if the City of Santa Ana delegation will be meeting with Elias Alcantara in Washington D.C. and whether the White House administration could be made aware that the City would like DACA/DAPA related resources to pass along to the community. Dan Maldonado suggested the delegation highlight the forum the City had planned to hold during the meeting with the White House Administration. Councilwoman Martinez shared that the City signed on to the Safe People Safe Streets resolution and Dan Maldonado suggested the City of Santa Ana delegation mention this during the meeting with the Department of Transportation in Washington D.C. Councilwoman Martinez asked that the resolution be sent to Holland and Knight and Secretary Anthony Foxx's office at the Department of Transportation. Legislative City Committee Minutes February 23, 2015, Page 2