HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Reso 2024-03 - Adopting 2024 Advocacy Platform RESOLUTION NO. 2024-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH APPROVING AND
ADOPTING A 2024 ADVOCACY PLATFORM
WHEREAS; an advocacy platform is a tool that the City Council and staff can utilize to support the
goals and objectives of the City; and
WHEREAS, the California State Legislature alone considers thousands of bills during each two-year
legislative session, state and federal administrative agencies establish policies and engage in rule-
making and many precedent setting decision are heard by the California and federal courts of appeal
and the California and United States Supreme Court; and any number of these bills, administrative
actions and regulations and court cases can affect cities—through changes in funding,
employment law, or water regulation as examples; and
WHEREAS, development of an Advocacy Platform provides the opportunity to identify issues and
priorities that may be addressed through legislative and administrative advocacy and amicus briefs to
California and federal appellate courts; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to be proactive and involved in the governmental, administrative and
judicial decision-making process directly affecting the City of Ukiah and the League of California
Cities; and
WHEREAS, the platform will also be used when applicable on other local, regional, state, and
federal matters not evaluated by the League; and
WHEREAS, adoption of a 2024 Advocacy Platform enables the City Council and staff to react quickly
to most legislative or administrative issues or the filing of amicus briefs as they arise; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 Advocacy Platform can be provided to State and Federal representatives so
they are made aware of the issues that are important to Ukiah; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to adopt the 2024 Advocacy Platform which provides overall
guidance that allows the City Manager and the Mayor, or their designee, to send letters of support
or opposition to the League, the local, state and federal legislatures and administrative agencies
and to participate in amicus briefs to the state and federal appellate courts in certain instances.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Ukiah hereby
adopts a "2024 Advocacy Platform," attached as "Exhibit A" to this Resolution. Further, any activity
taken under the legislative platform will be reported to the City Council, and all letters of
support/opposition will be documented and forwarded to the City Council and included within the
"Petitions and Communications" section of the subsequent council meeting following issuance for
public review.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 171"day of January 2024.
AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Sher, Orozco, and Mayor Duenas,
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Crane
Josefin4 Dueni�s, Mayor
ATTEST: "
Kristine Lawler, City Clerk/CMC
Page 1 of 6
Exhibit A
City of Ukiah
2024 Advocacy Platform
PRIORITIES
The City of Ukiah takes the following positions and the Mayor and the City Manager may send corresponding
letters of opposition or support without further City Council action and, whenever filing deadlines preclude
prior City Council action, may authorize naming the City as a party to an amicus brief to be filed in state or
federal court, provided the City incurs no cost to join the amicus brief.
A. Finance
Protect Local Revenue Sources The City opposes attempts to decrease, restrict or eliminate city
revenue sources and opposes any efforts at the local, state or federal level to retain additional
revenues currently dedicated to local government for state purposes.
Municipal Bond Tax Oppose any effort to eliminate, or cap, the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds, one
of the few tools left for local governments to finance large capital projects.
Replace Lost Redevelopment Funding Seek, promote, and implement any new or alternative approaches
that may replace redevelopment funding mechanisms that deliver positive benefits to Ukiah.
Unfunded Mandates Oppose measures that would impose State and Federal mandated costs for which
there is no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits (i.e., unfunded mandates).
Control Workers'Compensation and Public Retirement Costs Support legislation and policy that control
escalating workers' compensation and public retirement system costs to public agencies and taxpayers.
B. Utilities
Local Utility Services The City opposes any regulations or legislative actions or court decision that would
eliminate or limit the City's ability to provide utility services within the incorporated jurisdiction.
Low Carbon Energy The City supports initiatives that remove policy barriers or create financial incentives
to advance emerging low and zero-carbon technologies.
Energy Value The City supports any legislative or regulatory action that increases the energy value for the
electric customer and encourages policymaking that recognizes energy affordability.
Cap and Trade Program The City supports the use of California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Cap and
Trade program allowances and energy resources that are clean, renewable and cost effective.
1
2024 City of Ukiah Advocacy Platform
Wireless and Telecommunication Facilities Oppose any federal or state legislation or regulatory policy that
would further erode the ability of local governments to regulate wireless and other telecommunication
facilities.
Local Water Use Control Support efforts to maintain and strengthen local control of water use and
encourage water recycling and conservation, and the many benefits of sustainability to Ukiah's water
supply, conserving the vital resource of potable water, and protecting our diverse water portfolio.
C. Local Control
Sustainable, Reliable Funding The City supports local, state and federal budget plans that provide
sustainable, reliable funding for priority local government programs.
Local Control and Streamlining Regulations The City values its ability and authority to exercise local
control, enable excellent public services and protect and enhance the quality of life for Ukiah residents
and businesses.The City supports efforts to streamline regulations that simplify the job of running the City
and opposes efforts that erode the City's authority to control its own affairs.
Housing and Homelessness The City supports legislation that provides Cities additional funding and tools
and preserves local authority to address housing production,affordability,and homelessness challenges.
D. Transportation and Streets
Transportation Infrastructure The City supports increases in transportation funding for local street
and road improvements to promote investing in the maintenance and rehabilitation of aging
infrastructure and implementation of complete streets.
Alternative Funding Solutions Support legislation that reduces local reliance on local gas tax revenues for
roads and streets improvements and proposes new alternative funding solutions with longer-term
sustainability
E. Economic Development
Economic Development Opportunities The City embraces efforts to obtain funding for economic
development and environmental initiatives, including planning and implementation of regional
transportation and traffic congestion relief projects, and the creation of affordable housing. The City also
supports legislation that provides incentives for job creation and retention, including legislation that
increases funding and allowable uses for the Community Development Block Grant program.
F. Environmental
Clean Environment The City supports policy that advocates for a clean environment and policy to
improve environmental standards and promote sustainable energy policies.
2024 City of Ukiah Advocacy Platform
G. Public Safety
Public Safety Resources The City supports legislation and policies that enable local officials to access
resources to provide quality police, fire, emergency management, emergency medical services,
community paramedicine, youth violence prevention initiatives, and to engage the community in its own
safety.
Street Outreach Teams Support new funding from the county, state, and federal government for
expanded Street Outreach Teams in collaboration with law enforcement, emergency medical services,
community paramedics, and the County's health and mental health departments for those affected by
homelessness and mental health issues.
Funding to Remove and Clean Homeless Encampments Support new funding from county, state, and
federal sources for the legal removal and storage of homeless belongings and cleanup of areas impacted
by illegal camping, including the abatement of abandoned vehicles.
Supportive Programs and Solutions Support legislation that assists in preventing and reducing crime, such
as intervention and prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and
solutions for at-risk individuals.
Support De-escalation Training Support police reform legislation that provides de-escalation training and
the funding for such training, and that reduces unnecessary and excessive use of force.
Graffiti Abatement Support legislation that would strengthen state graffiti law and provide local
government revenue and resources for graffiti abatement.
Speed Limits Support legislation that would allow local jurisdictions to set speed limits based upon safety
findings and/or provide provisions for cost recovery of traffic enforcement.
H. Parks, Open Space, and Community
Sustainable Quality of Life The City values a sustainable quality of life and supports parks and open space,
recreation facilities, environmental and climate protection, resource conservation, libraries, arts and
culture and legislation and policies that emphasize sustainable development.
Park Infrastructure Support legislation that provides funding for rehabilitation, development, and capital
improvements of local parks, open space, and community facilities.
Public Art Support legislation that provides funding to support public art, both performing and visual.
Funding for Youth and Seniors Support legislation that provides local funding for youth and senior
recreational and enrichment programming.
Great Redwood Trail Support funding and legislation for the Great Redwood Trail, assuring funding for
maintenance staff and including streamlining the build-out of future segments and amenities and
supporting railbanking, which preserves the opportunity for future transportation, utility, and other public
infrastructure-related uses.
2024 City of Ukiah Advocacy Platform
I. Emergency Management
Disaster Management The City supports policy that helps improve disaster preparedness, response,
recovery, and climate resiliency.
Funding for Emergency Management Support legislation, strategies, and initiatives that provide increased
local, state, and federal funding for emergency and disaster preparedness, planning, response, and
recovery.
J. Public Workforce
Sustainable Pension and Retirement Health Benefits The City supports policy that promotes the
sustainability of public pension and retirement health benefits.
Competitive and Valuable Employment Advocate for legislation that supports the City's ability to provide
competitive and valuable employment opportunities.
K. Planning and Land Use
Projects in the Sphere of Influence Oppose project entitlements in areas outside the City limits, but within
the City's adopted Sphere of Influence that do not conform to the development standards of the City and
its 2040 General Plan or the Ukiah Valley Area Plan.
Changes of Organization Oppose requests for changes of organization (primarily, annexation)from other
entities and agencies if those requests are done without prior collaboration with the City and are proposed
within the City's Sphere of Influence.
Regional Planning Support regional planning initiatives, especially those that preserve and enhance
agricultural resources and increase the supply of housing and employment opportunities for residents.
Long-Term Planning Support legislation and funding initiatives for long-term planning efforts related to
affordable housing, agricultural and open-space preservation, economic development, and climate change
adaptation and resiliency.
Housing Pursue housing legislation to encourage expanding the housing supply in our area, including more
flexibility for local jurisdictions to work together to provide housing that counts toward Regional Housing
Needs Assessment(RHNA) requirements and the needs of the community.
L. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Equitable Access Support legislation and funding that helps the City of Ukiah provide residents with
equitable access to City employment, programs and services.
Eliminating Barriers Support legislation and funding that will allow the City and its community partners to
provide all residents with the tools necessary to grow and thrive.
2024 City of Ukiah Advocacy Platform
Community Engagement Support legislation and funding for the City and its community partners to
proactively engage with residents on issues of prejudice, discrimination, and social justice to promote
education, understanding, expanded opportunity,value, and acceptance of the diverse groups within our
community, creating an environment where all feel welcome and safe in Ukiah.
M. General Governance
Consistency with Adopted Plans Support funding and legislation that supports implementation of goals
and initiatives within the 2040 General Plan,the Diversity and Equity Action Plan, and the Climate
Initiatives associated with Resolution 2022-44.
2024 City of Ukiah Advocacy Platform