HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Reso 2025-04 - Adopting 2025 Advocacy PlatformRESOLUTION NO. 2025-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH APPROVING AND
ADOPTING A 2026 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 "2025 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 5t' day of February 2025.
AYES: Councilmembers Sher, Rodin, Orozco, Criss and Mayor Crane.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ATTEST
A�W
Araceli Sand al, Dep Clerk
Douglas F Crane, Mayor
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EXHIBIT A
City of Ukiah `_J
2026 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.
Improving Government Debt Management Oppose measures that restrict local control over
debt issuance and support legislation that provides more flexible tools for managing and
refinancing municipal debt.
Cybersecurity for Financial Systems Support initiatives that provide funding and training to
enhance the cybersecurity of financial systems, protecting sensitive public financial data.
Support for Transparency and Accountability Standards Advocate for policies and funding to
assist local governments in implementing new state and federal reporting standards, particularly
those aimed at improving transparency.
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 service area. 0
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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
(GARB) Cap and Trade program allowances and energy resources that are clean, renewable
and cost effective.
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 the many benefits of sustainability to the Ukiah Valley'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.
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
Alternative Transportation The City supports policy and legislation that encourages, and funding
that supports, the use of alternative modes of transportation such as bicycling, walking, and public
transportation.
E. Economic Development
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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 job creation and retention programs, such
as those funded through the Community Development Block Grant program, Economic
Development Administration, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Small Business program. The
City also supports legislation that eliminates barriers to economic development in rural areas and
opposes legislation that may unduly create new barriers to economic development.
F. Environmental and Health and Safety
Clean Environment The City supports policy that advocates for a clean environment and policy
to improve environmental standards, promote renewable and carbon -free energy policies, and
increase the City's climate resiliency and adaptation capabilities
Public Health & Safety The City supports efforts that reduce exposure to public health risks for
all segments of our population, preserve the quality of the environment, and ensure the general
well-being of the community.
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, the integration of
emergency medical services (EMS) and fire response systems to improve resource efficiency and
service delivery, 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. 0
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Advanced Technologies Support funding and legislation for advanced technologies to enhance
disaster response, resource allocation, wildfire risk assessment, training, and operations
efficiency.
Transparency Support funding for public safety technologies like body cameras, data analytics,
and surveillance tools to improve transparency and efficiency.
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 rallbanking, which preserves the opportunity for future transportation,
utility, and other public infrastructure -related uses.
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.
Fire Prevention Support legislation and funding for wildfire risk reduction efforts, including
hazardous fuels reduction, vegetation management, controlled burns, and public education on fire
prevention in high -risk areas.
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
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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 focal 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.
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 City Council's Strategic Plan, and the
Climate Initiatives associated with Resolution 2022-44.
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