Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, August 03, 2021
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE LEGISLATIVE AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADOPT AN UPDATED LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR THE CITY OF CARSON (CITY COUNCIL)
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I. SUMMARY
At the July 6, 2021 City Council meeting the City Council considered a recommendation from the Legislative Ad Hoc Committee, consisting of Mayor Davis-Holmes and Councilmember Cedric Hicks, to adopt a Legislative Platform for the City of Carson. After discussing the Platform, the City Council directed staff to bring the Platform back to the City Council with revised language in 30 days. Staff met with Mayor Pro Tempore Dear to discuss his recommended edits to the Platform and this item reintroduces the updated Platform for consideration by the full City Council. Councilmember Hilton did not have changes beyond those identified by Mayor Pro Tempore Dear.
The Platform was revised to require action by the full City Council to adopt legislative positions on behalf of the City and language was added to indicate that the Platform shall be “reviewed and adopted annually or whenever the City Council changes, whichever occurs first.” Previously the Platform lacked specific language for how often it should be updated. Staff also made some additional non-substantive edits to enhance clarity.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
ADOPT the updated Legislative Platform as proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action deemed appropriate by the City Council and consistent with applicable laws.
IV. BACKGROUND
The Ad Hoc Committee requests the City Council to consider adopting the updated proposed Platform, included as Exhibit 1. A redline version showing the changes is included as Exhibit 2 for reference. The Platform incorporates the City of Carson Mission, Vision, and Priorities that were adopted by the City Council on March 2, 2021. The Platform includes the topics of infrastructure, economic development and land use, public safety, local control, municipal finance, housing and homelessness, general government matters, and social justice and equity. The primary objective of the Platform is for the City Council to adopt official positions on clearly stated legislative issues that are consistent with the City’s Mission, Vision, and Priorities. Adoption of the Platform also helps staff more easily identify legislation for which the City Council may want to take a position.
The goals and strategies of the Platform are to help the City advocate its legislative interests at the Federal, State and County levels; seek grant and funding assistance for City projects, services and programs; inform and share information with our Legislators, City Council and staff on the legislative process and key issues and legislation that could have a potential impact on the City; and support the City in serving as an active participant with other local governments, the League of California Cities, regional agencies such as California Contract Cities Association, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, and other professional organizations on legislative/regulatory issues that are important to the City and our region.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There are no particular fiscal impacts associated with this item; however, the City’s legislative advocacy efforts are intended to secure funding to support the programs and initiatives of the City. Direct costs to the City can typically be offset to the extent that funding is received.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Updated Proposed Legislative Platform (pgs. 3 - 10)
2. Redline (pgs. 11 - 18)
Prepared by: Sharon Landers, City Manager and Michael George, Assistant to the City Manager