HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-04; City Council Legislative Subcommittee; ; Draft City of Carlsbad 2024 Legislative PlatformLEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE Staff Report
Meeting Date: Dec. 4, 2023
To: Legislative Subcommittee
From:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
District:
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Jason Haber, jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov
Draft City of Carlsbad 2024 Legislative Platform
All
Recommended Action
Discuss and determine proposed amendments to the City of Carlsbad Legislative Platform,
including the proposed 2024 Legislative Priorities, to recommend to the City Council.
Discussion
The attached redline Draft City of Carlsbad 2024 Legislative Platform (Exhibit 1) presents
proposed amendments recommended by city staff and incorporates feedback provided by
the City Council Legislative Subcommittee at its meeting on Nov. 14, 2021.
Revisions proposed in response to Subcommittee feedback are found in the following position
statements in Exhibit 1:
1.Page 5 -Environmental Quality -Climate Change (a)
2.Page 9 -Water -General Principles (g)
3.Page 14 -Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations -Governance and Ethics
(n)
4.Page 17 -Housing, Community and Economic Development -Housing (p)
5.Page 17 -Housing, Community and Economic Development-Housing (v)
6.Page 22 -Public Safety-Homelessness (g)
7.Page 26 -Transportation, Communication and Public Works -Transportation (k)
This item will provide an opportunity to discuss final Subcommittee recommendations and to
provide feedback to staff to prepare the document for City Council consideration.
Next Steps
A resolution approving the City of Carlsbad 2024 Legislative Platform will be presented for City
Council consideration on December 12, 2023.
Exhibits
1.Redline Draft City of Carlsbad 2024 Legislative Platform
Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 1 of 28
Exhibit 1
CITY OF CARLSBAD
202� LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
The Legislative Platform provides a foundation for the City of Carlsbad's
Intergovernmental Affairs Program and enables the city to efficiently and effectively
address intergovernmental and legislative matters affecting the city and its
communities. The purpose of this Legislative Platform is to clearly express the city's
position on, and provide a basis for prioritizing and acting upon, a broad range of
intergovernmental and legislative matters that may impact the city's ability to operate
effectively.
The City Council has identified the Guiding Principles, Legislative Priorities and Position
Statements comprising this Legislative Platform to guide the city's advocacy efforts. The
city's legislative positions are organized under a framework modeled after the League of
California Cities' Summary of Existing Policy and Guiding Principles. The Legislative
Platform will be reviewed annually by the City Council Legislative Subcommittee and
amended as needed by the City Council.
Contents
•Guiding Principles
•2021¼ Legislative Priorities
•202� Legislative Platform: Position Statements
1.Community Services
Arts, Cultural Resources, Historic Preservation
and Education
Child Care
Park Bond Funds
Public Parks/Recreational Facilities
Public Libraries
Seniors
Healthy Cities
2.Environmental Quality
Climate Change
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Hazardous MaterialsSolid Waste, Recycling and DiversionUtilities
Coastal Issues
3.Water
General Principles
Water Conservation
Water Recycling
Water Quality
Water Storage & Conveyance Systems
New Technology
Financial Considerations
Dec.4,2023
4.Governance, Transparency and Labor Relations
Labor RelationsWorkers' Compensation
Governance and Ethics
Elected Officials
S.Housing, Community and Economic Development
Planning and Zoning
Housing
Subdivision Map Act
Economic Development
6.Public Safety
Fire Services
Emergency Services and PreparednessLaw EnforcementDrugs and Alcohol
Homelessness
Miscellaneous
7.Revenue and Taxation
State Mandates
8.Transportation, Communication and Public Works
TransportationPublic Works
Contracts
Telecommunications
Item #1 Page 2 of 28
Guiding Principles
I.Preserve Local Control -The city supports the broadest authority for our citizens and
the City Council to make decisions and provide public services locally. As cities are
voluntarily created by the residents of a community to provide local self-government
and to make decisions at the local level to best meet the diverse needs of the
community, the city opposes preemption of local control.
II.Maintain Fiscal Responsibility -The city supports legislative and budget measures
that protect and enhance its existing funding sources, revenue base and control over
local government budgeting. The city opposes efforts to shift local funds to the county,
state or federal governments, diminish its revenue base or impose new mandates that
are unfunded or inadequately funded.
Ill. Protect Quality of Life -The city supports state legislation and funding that
preserve the safety, security, cultural resources and well-being of our residents,
workers, businesses and visitors. The city opposes efforts that would negatively impact
the infrastructure, public health and safety, community development, equitable
community services, cultural integrity and environmental programs and other city
efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of life in Carlsbad.
202� Legislative Priorities
The city's advocacy efforts will focus primarily on advancing the strategic goals adopted
by the City Council, including:
1.Community Character
2.Quality of Life & Safety
3.Sustainability & the Natural Environment
4.Economic Vitality
5.Organizational Excellence & Fiscal Health
20243 Legislative Platform: Position Statements
1.Community Services
Arts, Cultural Resources, Historic Preservation and Education
(a} Support funding and legislation that support local arts and culture,
acknowledges the community's history and current conditions and
recognizes the need for preservation and education.
Child Care
(a} Support measures that reduce regulatory complexities and the burden of
insurance costs for child care providers.
2 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 3 of 28
(b)Support funding for the construction, renovation and maintenance of
child care facilities.
(c)Support the provision of reasonable tax incentives for employers who
offer child care services.
(d)Support legislation that restores local control over child care services in
areas such as licensure, staffing, education and training.
Park Bond Funds
(a)Support statewide park bond measures that include a component that
provides per capita grants to cities and counties.
(b)Oppose statewide park bond measures that tie local eligibility for grant
funds to non-park related issues, such as rent control or housing element
status.
Public Parks/Recreational Facilities
(a)Support increased and sustainable funding for community park facilities,
open space, and recreation programs.
(b)Support legislation that preserves the ability to implement integrated
pest management practices, a science-based, decision-making process
that combines biological, physical and chemical tools in a way that
achieves pest control objectives while minimizing economic, health, and
environmental risk.
Public Libraries
(a)Support increased and sustainable funding for local public libraries and
the State Library.
(b)Oppose Internet filtering laws that apply to publicly funded libraries.
(c)Support legislation that preserves library patron privacy.
(d)Support legislation that preserves net neutrality.
Seniors
(a)Support legislation that fosters independence of older Californians.
(b)Support legislation that advances the objectives of the Age Friendly
Carlsbad Action Plan, including increased and sustainable funding for
senior transportation services, social and civic engagement programs and
senior housing.
3
Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 4 of 28
Healthy Cities
(a)Support legislation that recognizes and prevents adverse impacts
affecting public health and the welfare of all residents, visitors and
workers, and especially the young.
(b)Support initiatives that encourage cities to help parents make healthy
family choices; create healthy schools; provide access to healthy and
affordable foods; and adopt city design and planning principles that
promote physical activity.
(c)Support initiatives that encourage cities to involve youth, especially
middle and high school students, with city health-related programs,
including those promoting mental and psychological well-being.
(d)Support initiatives that encourage cities to address the needs of an aging
population through local and statewide planning, education and
programming.
(e)Support legislation that preserves the authority of local agencies to
establish their own rules and regulations pertaining to community
recreational activities.
(f)Support funding for local communities attempting to address the needs
of migrant workers.
2.Environmental Quality
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Support legislation that complements the city's Environmental and
Sustainability Guiding Principles.
Support funding and legislation to improve and protect recreational
water quality from contamination, support effective habitat management
practices, and create and maintain public open space.
Support funding and legislation that facilitates and protects local control
of habitat management planning, maintenance and administration.
Support legislation that identifies the use of restrictive covenants as an
acceptable instrument for documenting open space dedications,
including for mitigation purposes.
fet(e) Support funding and legislation that supports climate change adaptation
efforts.
4 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 5 of 28
Climate Change
(a)Support funding and legislation that promotes market penetration and
infrastructure expansion for zero emission electric and alternative fuel
vehicles and small off road engines eq1:1ipment, such as those found in
landscaping equipment and generators.
(b)
(c)
Support funding and legislation that facilitates energy efficiency and
decarbonization practices and actions to mitigate the sources of
greenhouse gas emissions in buildings.
Support funding and legislation that promotes greenhouse gas emissions
reductions and/or the capture, removal, and secure storage of carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere.
{€}1.QL.Support legislation that reduces the amount of ozone depleting
compounds discharged into the atmosphere.
fe-}.(tl_Support funding and legislation that promotes the use and purchase of
clean alternative energy through the development of renewable energy
resources and waste-to-energy technologies.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
(a)Support legislation that either requires citizen initiatives to comply with
CEQA before being placed on the ballot or exempting from this
requirement a City Council initiated ballot measure dealing with the same
subject matter on the same ballot.
(b)Support legislation that streamlines federal and state environmental
re¥iewreview,-aoo eliminates procedural redundancies, processes and
limits court reviews of environmental documentation.
Hazardous Materials
(a)Support efforts for the proper and cost-effective disposal of solid,
hazardous and medical waste.
(b)Oppose legislation that makes local municipalities financially responsible
for the removal, abatement or mitigation of hazardous materials.
(c)Support funding and legislation that addresses concerns regarding the
safe handling and storage of nuclear waste generated at the
decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, particularly as it
relates to the vulnerability to damage from seismic activity, landslides,
tsunamis and sea level rise.
Solid Waste, Recycling and Diversion
5 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 6 of 28
(a)Support legislation that preserves the ability of local governments to
regulate solid waste and recyclable materials.
(b)Support measures that promote procurement and market development
of recyclable and recycled materials.
(c)Support legislation that promotes source reduction, sustainability and re
use measures.
(d)Oppose legislation regulating "flow control" of solid waste materials.
(e)Support measures that promote the recycling and reclaiming of natural
resources, including water, timber, oil, gas minerals and earth metals.
(f)Support measures that would make low-interest loans and grants
available to local agencies for programs that encourage the recycling and
reclaiming of resources.
(g)Support measures that would reduce the use of single-use plastics and
Styrofoam packaging and prevent these materials from entering the
waste stream, including public education and community partnership
initiatives.
(h)Support legislation that facilitates development of local and regional
recycling and composting facilities.
Utilities
(a)Support legislation that establishes regulatory and market mechanisms to
maximize the state's energy self-sufficiency and security.
(b)Support legislation that establishes regulatory and market mechanisms
that promote competition and reasonable, justifiable energy prices with
programs to support low-income groups.
(c)Support legislation that aggressively pursues refunds to consumers for
rates that have been determined to be unjust or unreasonable.
(d)Support legislation that expedites the development of needed
infrastructure (e.g., generation, transmission, and distribution) to create
robust and functional markets.
(e)Support legislation that increases the diversity of the state's and region's
energy resources, particularly increasing the use of higher-efficiency,
clean distributed generation (e.g., combined heat and power) and
renewable resources.
6 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 7 of 28
(f)Support legislation that encourages and incentivizes the adoption of new
and emerging technologies that provide real-time pricing to promote
better price response by consumers.
(g)Support legislation that promotes municipal renewable energy
development.
(h)Support legislation that preserves and protects net energy metering to
continue incentivizing investments in rooftop solar energy systems.
(i)Support legislation that provides funding to increase energy efficiency,
improve reliability and reduce peak demand, including for demand-side
management programs.
U)Support legislation that provides funding for renewable energy
generation and energy storage projects.
(k)Support legislation that minimizes adverse environmental impacts of the
state's and the region's energy use.
(I)Support funding and legislation that promotes the development of
alternative energy sources.
(m)Support legislation that prohibits the California Energy Commission from
issuing any license to operate a power plant unless and until it has
received the report required by the California Coastal Commission under
the Warren-Alquist Act.
(n)Support legislation that protects competitive neutrality, procurement
autonomy, ratepayer affordability, reliability, decarbonization and social
equity initiatives of community choice aggregation.
(o)Support legislation that establishes rules under which Public Safety
Power Shutoff events can be undertaken.
Coastal Issues
(a)Support measures that provide funding for urban waterfront restoration
and enhancement.
(b)Support legislation that would promote and provide funding for the
restoration, preservation and enhancement of beaches, beachfront
property and bluffs, including climate change adaptation efforts, local
and regional sand replenishment efforts, as well as coastal access, public
infrastructure and parking.
7 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 8 of 28
(c)Support measures that would preserve and extend the authority of cities
over land use regulations concerning the placement of onshore facilities
which service offshore oil drilling.
(d)Support legislation that requires the double hulling of oil tankers.
(e)Support legislation that promotes aquatic research, education and
aquaculture.
(f)Oppose any new offshore oil and gas leasing, drilling and exploration in
all State of California and U.S. waters in the Pacific Ocean.
(g)Support decommissioning of existing offshore oil drilling and pipeline
infrastructure in all State of California and U.S. waters off the California
coast.
(h)Support legislation providing that if Coastal Commission staff has an
opportunity to participate in local and or regional habitat management
plans, there is a presumption of consistency with the Federal Coastal
Management Act.
(i)Support legislation to allow cities to issue all coastal development
permits within their jurisdiction consistent with a previously certified
coastal plan.
U)Support legislation that allocates state and federal funds for the
construction of facilities to capture and treat the flow of raw sewage
entering San Diego from Tijuana.
(k)Support legislation that provides direction to the California Coastal
Commission through changes to the Coastal Act that would allow for
construction of seawalls or other shoreline protection devices for existing
structures, as defined by a local jurisdiction's Local Coastal Program and
up to the date of adoption of amendments to the Local Coastal Program.
(I)Oppose legislation that would backdate the consideration date of existing
structures to only those that existed prior to establishment of the Coastal
Act (January 1, 1977).
3.Water
General Principles
(a)Support measures that provide for the equitable allotment and
distribution of preferential water rights.
8 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 9 of 28
(b)Support legislation that protects and improves the reliability,
affordability, self-sufficiency, quality and security of local and imported
water supplies.
(c)Support legislation that ensures the San Diego County Water Authority
and its member agencies receive the water supply benefits of their
investment in local water supply sources.
(d)Support legislation that provides for the development of a
comprehensive state water plan that balances California's water needs
and results in a reliable and affordable supply of high-quality water for
the San Diego Region.
(e)Support legislation that supports regional projects through Integrated
Regional Water Management Planning.
(f) Support legislation that streamlines environmental review processes for
water and wastewater infrastructure projects and provides exemptions
for emergency activities when the continued delivery of safe and clean
water is threatened.
fij(g} Support legislation that establishes a more equitable voting structure at
the San Diego County Water Authority, such as by providing that Board
decisions be approved by both a tally vote majority and a weighted vote
majority of the member agencies.
Water Conservation
(a)Support measures that will encourage water conservation practices by all
water consumers.
(b)Support measures that ensure conservation credit for municipal
investments in water recycling systems and development of alternative
sources.
(c)Support legislation that promotes water conservation and water use
efficiency while preserving district and public water rights and the
authority of local agencies.
(d)Support legislation that provides incentives, funding and other assistance
to water agencies so that they can meet state water demand
requirements.
(e)Oppose legislation that imposes water use efficiency criteria for
conservation-based water rates, standards, budget allocations, and
9
Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 10 of 28
programs that do not recognize local differences, quality impacts, and
existing programs, or that override the authority of local agencies to
adopt management practices that are appropriate for the needs of their
agency.
(f)Support legislation that provides flexibility in complying with drought
regulations and recognizes variations among communities with respect to
their ability to withstand the impacts of drought.
Water Recycling
(a)Support measures that promote the production and distribution of
reclaimed water.
Water Quality
(a)Support legislation that protects the quality of drinking water and
supports local agency efforts to meet state and federal water quality
standards based upon sound scientific principles.
(b)Support legislation that incorporates sound scientific based water quality
requirements for wastewater discharge into surface water and
groundwater to safeguard public health and protect beneficial uses.
(c)Support legislation that implements source control and protects
reservoirs, lakes, and coastal waters.
(d)Support legislation that enables local agencies to regulate the discharge
of contaminants into the sewer collection system based on discharge
permit requirements, detrimental effects on infrastructure, and adverse
effects on recycling and reuse.
(e)Support legislation that provides state and federal funds for monitoring,
researchL-aR4-_treatment, and infrastructure investments needed to
address-e-f new and emerging and other regulated contaminants.
Water Storage and Conveyance Systems
(a)Support a balanced water transportation and regional storage system
that provides for the needs of San Diego County, while protecting the
Delta and Central Valley regions with minimal impact on agriculture and
the environment.
(b)Support measures that increase water supply and storage facilities within
the region and allow for economically feasible water transfers within the
system.
10
Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 11 of 28
New Technology
{a) Support legislation and regulations that encourage the use and
development of alternative water sources.
{b) Support funding and legislation that promotes the development of
engineering solutions and alternative uses to eliminate wastewater
treatment ocean discharges.
{c) Support legislation that encourages and provides state and federal
funding for the development of new technology in water use; reuse,
quality monitoring, and treatment.
Financial Considerations
{a) Support legislation to develop an ongoing funding source to implement
the federally mandated Clean Water Act of 1987 and to ensure
protection of local resources.
{b) Support legislation that would exempt stormwater and urban runoff
management programs from Proposition 218 requirements.
{c) Support legislation that allows Water Districts to award contracts in
conformity with the provisions of the local City Charter.
(d)Support legislation that provides state and federal funds to local agencies
for programs and projects that provide for the supply, storage, recycling,
reclaiming, reuse and quality improvement of water resources.
{e) Oppose any new tax or fee on water that does not benefit ratepayers.
4.Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations
Labor Relations
{a) Support legislation that allows cities with civil service/personnel systems
to contract out services to the private sector to save taxpayer dollars.
{b) Support legislation that limits the ability of employees to receive workers'
compensation benefits for occupational injuries/illnesses that result from
stress, disciplinary action, or performance evaluations or consultations.
{c) Support any measure that would reverse the imposition of compulsory
and binding arbitration with respect to public employees.
11 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 12 of 28
(d)Oppose any measure that would grant employee benefits that should be
decided at the local bargaining table.
(e)Oppose any legislation that would reduce local authority to resolve public
employee disputes, and support legislation that would preserve court
jurisdiction, and/or impose regulations of an outside agency (such as
PERB).
(f)Oppose measures that propose a standard higher than the normal civil
standards in disciplinary proceedings for peace officers.
(g)Support legislation that clarifies existing labor laws concerning whether
an individual is considered an employee rather than an independent
contractor.
(h)Support measures that promote recruitment efforts and educational
practices to advance and retain workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.
(i)Oppose measures that would expand release time for union business.
(j)Oppose measures that would establish confidentiality privileges for union
representatives.
(k)Oppose measures that would require municipalities to pay erroneous
retirement benefits.
(I)Support funding and legislation that helps cities provide employee
support programs, increased personal protective equipment (PPE) and
other programs that promote employee overall wellness-particularly
for underrepresented and frontline essential workers.
(m)Support funding and legislation that would enhance efforts to prevent
third-party harassment and workplace violence.
Workers' Compensation
(a) Oppose legislation that expands or extends any presumptions of
occupational injury or illness and support legislation that repeals the
presumption that the findings of a treating physician are correct.
(b)Oppose legislation that increases workers' compensation benefits
without providing for concurrent cost controls.
Governance and Ethics
12
Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 13 of 28
(a}
(bl
Oppose legislation or constitutional amendments that weaken or
interfere with the powers of charter cities and diminish local autonomy
or home rule authority.
Support legislation that reduces and provides for recovery of costs,
maintains privacy and eliminates attorney's fees for administering public
records laws.
fb}(c) Oppose legislation that broadens the scope of the Public Records Act
without providing adequate funding for compliance.
{€-}{QL_Support legislation that improves access to, and reduces the cost of,
healthcare for public employees, including part-time and seasonal
workers.
�.(tl__Support measures that reform California's tort system to reduce and limit
liability exposure for public agencies and restore the ability of public
agencies to obtain affordable insurance.
{etill_Support legislation that recognizes or broadens immunities for public
agencies and oppose legislation that attempts to limit or restrict existing
immunities.
ff·H.gl_Support legislation that requires plaintiffs to make a good faith showing
of liability prior to filing a lawsuit against a public entity.
(hl Support legislation that would increase civic participation and
engagement, including the continued allowance of subcommittees,
advisory committees, and boards and commissions. local and regional, to
participate virtually (post COVID 19 state of emergency) without physical
location posting requirements under the Ralph M. Brown Act.
WOl Support amendments to the Ralph M. Brown Act that allow for the use of
alternative and cost-effective methods of meeting posting requirements.
including the use of electronic and digital media.
fhtilL_Support legislation that would permit a minority number of council
members to virtually participate in meetings without having physical
location posting requirements, so long as a physical in-person meeting
quorum is present.
{+H.ll_Support state funding efforts to assist with enhanced public access for
members of the community.
13 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 14 of 28
Oppose legislation that increases the cost of municipal meetings and hearings
through unnecessary new requirements.
(I)
(j) Support legislation that would allow cities to conduct closed sessions on
matters posing a threat to cybersecurity.
(ml Support funding and legislation to assist local agency cybersecurity
enhancement efforts.
(n)Support legislation that strengthens cities' ability to foster civil and
respectful participation in public meetings and provides tools to help
legislative bodies address disruptive behavior, including hate speech,
while ensuring the public's First Amendment rights are protected.
Elected Officials
(a} Support legislation that prevents threats to the·security of public officials
in their homes by extending or providing protection to elected and
appointed officials from the unauthorized publication of their home
addresses or telephone numbers in newspapers or similar periodicals.
(b} Support legislation requiring both elected local and state officials to
maintain their place of residence in the jurisdiction they were elected to
represent.
5.Housing, Community and Economic Development
Planning and Zoning
(a} Support legislation to strengthen the legal and fiscal capability of local
agencies to prepare, adopt and implement fiscal plans for orderly growth,
development, beautification and conservation of local planning areas,
including, but not limited to, regulatory authority over zoning,
subdivisions, annexations, and tax increment financing areas.
redevelopment areas.
(b} Support measures in local land use that are consistent with the doctrine
of "home rule" and the local exercise of police powers in planning and
zoning processes.
(c} Support measures that authorize local land use planning and zoning law
to override conflicting state law.
14 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 15 of 28
(d)Support measures that ensure local land use planning or zoning initiatives
approved by voters shall not be nullified or superseded by the actions of
any local or state legislative body.
(e)Support legislation requiring environmental review of initiatives to
amend a general plan or zoning ordinance before the initiative is placed
on the ballot or enacted.
(f)Oppose legislation or constitutional amendments that would restrict the
power of California cities to use eminent domain for public purpose
projects.
(g)
(h)
( i)
Support measures that allow local agencies to condition mobile home
park conversions from rental to resident ownership pursuant to local land
use regulations including a requirement to provide public improvements
and infrastructure where necessary to promote the health, safety, and
welfare of park residents.
Support legislation that preserves the authority of local agencies to
regulate short-term vacation rentals.
Support legislation that enables local agencies to effectively address
issues concerning public safety and proper management of group homes,
including proposals to require the presence of on-site managers and/or
security personnel at all times, while being mindful of group home
residents' potential vulnerabilities .
.u..(j),.....__Oppose legislation that would diminish local control to set and assess
development review and building inspection fees.
Housing
(a)Support efforts to develop federal and state participation, financial
support and incentives (tax benefits, grants, loans) for programs which
provide adequate, affordable housing (home ownership and/or rental
opportunities) for all economic segments of the community including the
elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons.
(b)Support expansion of tax credit and bond opportunities for affordable
housing.
(c)Support legislation that provides incentives (tax benefits, grants, loans,
credits for affordable units) to local agencies, private developers and
non-profit groups in order to rehabilitate residential units and
commercial properties.
15 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 16 of 28
(d)Support legislation that would provide additional funding for rental
subsidy assistance programs (such as the Housing Choice Voucher
Program, the federally funded rental subsidy program for low-income
households) via more sustainable vouchers or certificates.
(e)Support repeal of Article 34 (Public Housing Project Law) of the California
Constitution, which requires local voter approval of housing projects that
are intended for low-income people and that receive funding or
assistance from the federal and/or state government.
(f)Support legislation that allows entitlement cities to use Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for new construction of housing
units.
(g)
(h)
( i)
(j)
( k)
(I)
(m)
Dec.4,2023
Support state legislation that strengthens local inclusionary housing
programs for lower-income residents.
Support the repeal or modification of the Davis-Bacon Wage Act, as it
relates to charter cities, that set a prevailing wage scale for public
projects, substantially increasing the cost of publicly assisted housing
developments.
Support legislation that will consolidate and streamline the
administration and reporting requirements for the CDBG program.
Oppose legislation that would give the State financial administrative
responsibilities for the CDBG program.
Support legislation that recognizes the impediments to infill housing
development due to inadequate and/or deteriorated infrastructure. and
provides funding and/or cost recovery mechanisms for local agencies to
complete the necessary upgrade!:.Support legislation that requires
a¥ailabilit•1 of adequate school facilities contemporaneously •Nith
occupancy of housing.
Support measures that would establish a formula-based Regional Housing
Needs Assessment allocation methodology that reflects the unique needs
and practical capacity of local communities.
Oppose measures that diminish local authority to implement growth
management initiatives that ensure communities do not exceed carrying
capacities and the provision of adequate public facilities.
16
Item #1 Page 17 of 28
(n)Support measures that would exempt affordable housing projects from
complying with the California Environmental Quality Act while continuing
to mitigate residents' potential exposure to health and safety hazards.
(o)Oppose legislation that would expand the Coastal Commission's authority
over state and local housing policy, which would result in administrative
inefficiencies and policy conflicts.
(p)Support legislation that modifies existing housing laws to remove
inconsistencies, clarify the decision-making authorities granted to various
state agencies (i.e., California Coastal Commission and California
Department of Housing and Community Development). and improve
clarity in application.
(q)Support housing legislation that would allow density increases to satisfy
the state's "no net loss" requirements, when the increases occur
concurrent with or prior to a density reduction.
( r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
Support legislation that more equitably applies rent control laws to
various types of rental housing, such as condominiums.
Support legislation that prohibits property owners who are awarded tax
credit financed projects from charging Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
clients a higher rent than the rent charged to non-Section 8 Housing
Choice Voucher clients.
Support legislation clarifying that replacement housing required of a
density bonus project that demolishes existing low or moderate units on
the parcel is in addition to the affordable units required under density
bonus law.
Support legislation that ensures that units created under density bonus
law are not used for vacation rentals.
Support legislation clarifying a city's ability to enforce a local inclusionary
ordinance on the total units, inclusive of units obtained through a density
bonus.
Support legislation that maintains local decision-making regarding the
development of Accessory Dwelling Units.
Support legislation that allows for local decision-making regarding
parking requirements.
Subdivision Map Act
17 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 18 of 28
(a)Support legislation that would automatically extend approved or
conditionally approved tentative, final and parcel maps under the
Subdivision Map Act during and for a limited time period after a
statewide financial or public health crisis, or other declared State of
Emergency.
Economic Development
(a)Support legislation that facilitates economic development efforts and
encourages local business investments, job creation and retention.
(b)Support legislation that would establish new tax increment financing
tools.
(c)Support legislation that helps businesses who have had business
interruption insurance claims denied, or otherwise incur unrecoverable
revenue losses resulting from a financial or public health crisis, or other
declared State of Emergency.
(d) Support legislation that protects small businesses from extraordinary
health insurance premium increases being applied during and for a
limited time period after a financial or public health crisis, or other
declared State of Emergency.
(e)Support legislation that would remove impediments to the automatic
extension of local permits during and for a limited time period after a
financial or public health crisis, or other declared State of Emergency.
(f)Support legislation that provides eviction protections and funding for
rental assistance programs for residential and commercial tenants and
property owners impacted by a financial or public health crisis, or
other declared State of Emergency.
6.Public Safety
Fire Services
(a)Oppose legislation that would restrict or reduce the ability of local
government to determine the extent or method of fire hazard mitigation
necessary in or around wild land areas.
(b)Oppose legislation that would diminish local control to set and assess fire
inspection fees.
18 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 19 of 28
(c)Support legislation that preserves local agencies' ministerial de\•elopment
re¥iew and appro1.«al rights, including applicaeility to accessory dwelling
�
fet.(g_Oppose legislation that circumvents building or fire code requirements by
statute, including through the provision of a "deemed complete" or
"deemed approved" status when local agencies exceed maximum
application review timelines.
(d)
(e)
Support legislation that would enhance statewide wildland fire safety
infrastructure.
Support legislation and funding for firefighter wellness programs.
Emergency Services and Preparedness
(a)Support legislation granting immunity to or limiting liability of
governmental entities and their employees who provide emergency
medical instructions and/or treatment as a part of their public safety
dispatch system.
(b)Oppose legislation that would restrict a local government from revising
the delivery of emergency medical service to its citizens and support
measures that broaden these powers.
(c)Support legislation that would enhance cost recovery or provide funding
for emergency medical services and pre-hospital care.
(d)Support legislation that would strengthen awareness of and access to
resources concerning community and disaster preparedness, public
health, safety, and resiliency.
(e)Support legislation that provides state and federal emergency funding
and regulatory relief that allows cities to devote the necessary resources
and meet the operational challenges of protecting the public health,
safety and welfare in response to a declared State of Emergency.
(f)Support legislation that clarifies the requirements for operating city
owned ocean rescue watercraft.
Law Enforcement
(a)Support legislation that strengthens a diverse local law enforcement.
(b)Support measures that would provide a greater share of seized assets to
localities and increased discretion for local spending.
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Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 20 of 28
(c)Support legislation that would allow for the destruction, confiscation, or
extended safekeeping of firearms or other deadly weapons involved in
domestic violence incidents.
(d)Support legislation that strengthens penalties for violent offenders,
including sentencing enhancements for violently resisting or brandishing
a weapon during the commission of a property-related crime.
(e)Support legislation that strengthens penalties for violent crimes
committed by juveniles.·
(f)Support legislation that would increase accountability and transparency
among law enforcement agencies and personnel.
(g)Support legislation that encourages or mandates police training to
include mental health awareness, implicit and explicit bias and de
escalation techniques.
(h)Support legislation and funding to continue the state Citizens' Option for
Public Safety (COPS) Program and federal Community Oriented Police
Services (COPS), and to provide funding for local agencies to recoup the
costs of crime and increase community safety .
.i.:.(i),___.Support legislation that strengthens penalties for participating in any
coordinated effort to disrupt the use of public roads and publicly
accessible parking lots (e.g. as part of a street takeover, sideshow, or
racing exhibition).
(j)
(k)
Support legislation and funding for police officer wellness programs.
Support legislation that provides for the proper and timely intake,
without unnecessary delay, of arrestees.
Drugs and Alcohol
(a)Support measures which strengthen present state or federal laws to
increase penalties and give local governments the power to restrict or
regulate the sale, manufacture, or use of dangerous drugs.
(b)Support legislation that discourages, prevents, and penalizes driving
under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
(c)Support legislation that enhanced local agencies ability to recover costs
from guilty parties for damage to public property and services in
accidents involving driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
20 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 21 of 28
(d)Support legislation that would provide funding for addiction
rehabilitation treatment.
(e)Support any measure that protects children and youth from exposure to
tobacco, second handsecondhand smoke and tobacco-and nicotine
related products.
(fl Support legislation that preserves local control over medical and adult
use cannabis businesses, and enhances and protects maximum local
regulatory, land use, and enforcement authority in relation to such
businesses.
ff}(g) Support legislation that prevents or reduces the adverse effects of drug
addiction.
Homelessness
(a)Support funding and legislation that provides resources, including enriched
referral services, and outreach and case managers to help ensure local
governments have the capacity to address the needs of persons experiencing
homelessness in their communities, including resources for regional
collaborations.
(b)Support measures that provide resources to address the mental health needs
of persons experiencing homelessness.
(c)Preserve local control by increasing funding opportunities for housing
programs/projects that suggest, rather than require, compliance with the
Housing First model.
(d)Support legislation that creates streamlined protocols and metrics to be used
by homeless service providers and local agencies, providing more accurate
statistics of individuals experiencing homelessness, including in-flow and out
flow information, cost-reporting of services rendered, and
individuals successfully housed.
(e)Support measures that facilitate regional and city-driven solutions to
address homelessness through crisis response, mental evaluation,
and homeless outreach teams.
1fLSupport the expansion of conservatorship laws allowing for increased
guardianship control and health supervision of those suffering from mental
illness and recognizing mental illness and addiction as contributors to chronic
homelessness.
21 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 22 of 28
{#(g) Support continued funding for housing, outpatient beds and treatment to
further behavioral and mental health services programs, including
Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court.
Miscellaneous
{a) Support legislation that would assist local safety agencies in
regionalization of activities such as training, crime labs, specialty
responses such as hazardous materials and technical rescue, and other
appropriate functions.
{b) Support legislation that provides financial assistance to local agencies for
Homeland Security.
{c) Support the enactment of legislation to prevent gun violence.
{d) Support measures to expand and fund mental health and social
emotional health services, including the provision of such services and
safety education in schools.
(e)Support measures to provide resources to develop school safety
guidelines, conduct comprehensive school safety audits and maintain
continued vigilance and monitoring of safety matters in schools.
{f) Support legislation to eliminate restrictions on the collection and
compiling of data related to violence perpetrated with firearms, including
research into the causes and consequences of gun violence.
(g)Support measures to provide funding to support 911 communication
centers.
(h) Support measures to provide funding to support the San Diego Law
Enforcement Coordination Center, a collaborative partnership among
federal, state and local law enforcement/public safety agencies focused
on enhancing coordination, information sharing, regional preparedness,
training and investigative support/analysis for first responders and other
public and private partners in the region.
(i)Support legislation that provides financial assistance to local law
enforcement agencies for staff assigned to a regional task force.
7.Revenue and Taxation
(a)Support legislation that assists cities to enforce and collect local taxes.
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Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 23 of 28
(b} Support measures that protect the fiscal independence of cities and
safeguard existing revenue sources from preemption by any other public
agency
(c} Oppose any change in revenue allocations which would negatively
(current or future} affect local government, including the redistribution of
sales tax, property tax, transient occupancy tax and other taxes and fees.
(d} Support legislation that makes funds to support public facilities (i.e.,
buildings, roads, utilities, open space} more available to local
municipalities.
(e} Oppose legislation that attempts to eliminate the "pay first and litigate
later" provisions of law and oppose any bill that proposes to reduce or
eliminate the obligation of any online travel agency to pay transient
occupancy taxes under state or local law.
(f} Support measures which would strengthen cities' ability to reorganize
and consolidate water districts, sewer districts, school districts, and other
special districts that operate within or provide service to a city.
(g} Oppose federal measures which remove the deduction of all state and
local taxes for federal income tax purposes.
(h} Support measures that implement basic structural changes in state
government that result in state budget expenditures being brought into
balance with state revenues.
(i)Support measures which relieve taxpayers of the burden of paying for
services which could be charged directly to the service user, and which
simplify the process of establishing such fees.
(j)Support legislation that would provide greater accountability on the part
of counties for the distribution of funds back to municipalities, including,
but not limited to, fines and forfeitures.
(k} Support measures to reinstate flexibility in the administration of Article
XIII-B (The Gann Initiative), which establishes an annual appropriations
limit on the state and most local governments.
(I} Oppose any measure that restricts or limits a public entity's ability to use
tax exempt debt for the purchase or construction of public purpose
improvements.
23 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 24 of 28
(m)Oppose legislation that shifts state and county criminal justice costs to
cities.
(n)Oppose the use of the federal gas tax for federal debt reduction.
(o)Support legislation that streamlines permitting processes without
undermining the ability of local government to apply and be
compensated for the enforcement of reasonable building, planning and
fire protection standards.
(p)Oppose measures that propose significant economic changes without the
completion of a balanced, comprehensive economic analysis.
(q)Support funding and legislation that provides direct financial support
to cities to offset cost increases and lost revenues resulting from a
financial or public health crisis, or other declared State of Emergency.
(r)Support legislation that promotes regional collaboration on response·
efforts addressing the impacts of a financial or public health crisis, or
other declared State of Emergency, including funding to support local
businesses.
(s)Support legislation that provides flexibility concerning the disposition
of municipally owned real estate assets to promote economic
development and other public purposes.
State Mandates
(a)Support legislation that would eliminate unfunded state and federal
mandates or would require timely reimbursement to cities.
(b)Oppose measures that would impose mandates for which there is no
guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits, or would shift
the cost of government services to cities.
(c)Oppose legislation that creates surcharges for state oversight of state
mandated programs.
8.Transportation, Communication and Public Works
Transportation
24 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 25 of 28
{a) Support measures that would increase the ability of local agencies to
finance local and regional transportation facilities and improvements,
including alternative modes of transportation and transportation demand
management systems and transportation systems management
initiatives.
{b) Support legislation that provides for safe, effective and efficient
transportation alternatives for all travel modes.
(c)Support funding and legislation that provides direct support to cities to
advance roadway safety through education, engineering and
enforcement.
{cl(d) Support legislation that establishes requirements for E-bike rider safety
training and licensing.
{ge) Oppose transportation proposals that would adversely affect the quality
of life in North San Diego County by causing traffic congestion, air
pollution or other problems.
{f4) Encourage and support double tracking of the rail corridor within the City
limits in a manner that:
1.Improves public safety access and response times.
2.Eliminates or reduces existing at-grade rail crossings within the rail
corridor.
3.Improves local, regional, and coastal access for all travel modes
{bicycle, pedestrian, vehicle, transit).
4.Minimizes impacts to neighborhoods.
5.Maximizes community and neighborhood connections.
6.Protects and/or improves the economic vibrancy of surrounding
neighborhoods and the city.
7.Protects and/or enhances environmental resources.
{f) Oppose legislation that diminishes local control over the regulation and
deployment of micro-mobility solutions.
{g) Oppose measures that would result in the consolidation of the North
County Transit District and Metropolitan Transit System.
{h) Support measures that protect residents, businesses and visitors from the
adverse impacts of aircraft operating at McClellan-Palomar Airport.
{i) Oppose changes in aviation policies that would allow McClellan-Palomar
Airport to expand without authorization from the city.
25 Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 26 of 28
(j)
(kl
Support legislative and regulatory initiatives to study and mitigate the
noise and air quality impacts associated with air traffic overflights.
Support legislative and regulatory initiatives that promote market
penetration and infrastructure expansion to expedite the transition to
lead-free aviation fuels and eliminate the use of leaded aviation gasoline.
W,ill_Support measures that would increase local control over airports located
within municipal boundaries.
Public Works
(a)Oppose legislation that would erode or purport to erode a charter city's
ability to design, implement, determine wage rates or fund any and all
public works projects within its jurisdiction.
(b)Support funding and legislation that supports utilities undergrounding.
Contracts
(a)Support legislation prohibiting firms from bidding on City projects if the
firm is currently involved in legal proceedings against the City arising
from prior projects.
(b)
(cl
Oppose measures that would eliminate state licensing requirements for
professionals involved in designing public and private developments.
Support measures that would clarify the roles and responsibilities of
public agency officers and employees as related to the prohibition on
entering into or participating in making contracts in which they have a
financial interest.
{€-}(dl Support legislation that clarifies when the award of a contract would
constitute a conflict of interest relative to Government Code Section
1090.
Telecommunications
(a)Support legislation and regulations of telecommunications facilities and
services that:
Dec. 4, 2023
1.Maintain local control over the public right-of-way.
2.Provide just compensation for the use of right-of-way and overseeing
public service standards.
3.Ensure public, education, and governmental access is available,
equitable and affordable.
4.Provide free access for public information services and
announcements.
26 Item #1 Page 27 of 28
5.Maintain local control, including but not limited to discretionary
permits over wireless communications facilities.
6.Reinstates competition in the telecommunications industry.
7.Enhance access for all community members to fast, reliable,
affordable and high-quality internet, which can spur innovation and
help close the digital divide in California.
8.Support net neutrality to prevent internet service providers from
blocking, throttling, degrading, or providing for paid prioritization of
lawful content, applications, or services.
(b)Support legislation that requires cable television companies to assure
that audio and video portions of adult entertainment channels are
completely blocked 24 hours a day in the homes of non-subscribers.
(c)Oppose any measure or legislation that prevents local franchising of cable
television or video services, regardless of the technology used to deliver
the cable television or video services to the subscriber.
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Dec.4,2023 Item #1 Page 28 of 28