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CC SR 20231205 05 -_Consideration of Cal Cities Membership CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 12/05/2023 AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business AGENDA TITLE: Consideration and possible action to evaluate the City’s membership in the League of California Cities (Cal Cities). RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: (1) Review the services provided by Cal Cities this past year, and if deemed acceptable, approve continued annual and ongoing organizational membership with Cal Cities. FISCAL IMPACT: The City pays approximately $18,500 in annual dues to Cal Cities, in addition to participating in various Cal Cities events such as the Annual Conference with associated expenses and Los Angeles County Division Membership. Continued membership with Cal Cities is included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget. Amount Budgeted: N/A Additional Appropriation: N/A Account Number(s): N/A ORIGINATED BY: Shaunna Hunter, MPA, Administrative Analyst REVIEWED BY: Same as below APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: A. Cal Cities 2023 Advocacy Priorities (page A-1) B. Cal Cities Win Record (page B-1) C. City’s Organizational Memberships (page C-1) D. Cal Cities Resolution Process (page D-1) E. November 1, 2022, staff report BACKGROUND: The League of California Cities, now commonly referred to as Cal Cities, is a coalition of 482 California cities dedicated to the mission “to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.” The association strives to accomplish this goal through stakeholder participation, diversity of member communities, and legislative advocacy. In addition, Cal Cities offers member 1 RANCHO PALOS VERDES agencies educational webinars, conventions, and specialized department and regional conferences focusing on specific fields of governance and administration throughout the year. Cal Cities hosts an annual conference, which culminates in a General Assembly where the membership votes on resolutions brought forward by cities or Cal Cities committees. The 2022 conference was held in Long Beach from September 7 -9 and was attended by then-Mayor Bradley, then-Councilmember Cruikshank, and Staff. During the General Assembly, the voting delegates voted to refer a petitioned resolution requesting Cal Cities’ support for the Our Neighborhood Voices Initiative to policy committees for further review. The Initiative sought to allow local ordinances/regulations/etc., to supersede state law when they are in conflict. One of the primary concerns raised regarding the action taken during the General Assembly was that the vote was taken without debate or comment. However, according to the Cal Cities bylaws,1 after a motion on the recommended action is on the floor, there must be a motion to open debate, seconded, and approved by the voting delegates. During the General Assembly, the motion to debate failed, with 98 delegates voting in favor of opening the debate and 167 opposed. Therefore, there was no discussion on the item nor a chance to offer alternate motions. Business returned to the motion on the floor, which was to accept the Cal Cities’ General Resolutions Committee (GRC) recommendation to refer the item to the housing and environmental quality policy committees. It was anticipated that the policy committees, and eventually the Cal Cities board, will take up the item in the new year. As a result of this action, at the September 20, 2022 City Council meeting, then-Mayor Bradley requested the City’s involvement and membership in Cal Cities be brought forward for consideration. In response, on November 1, 2022, after consideration if information presented that evening, the City Council approved sending a letter to the Cal Cities President regarding the resolution process and timing of the General Assembly . The Council also deliberated regarding the City’s continued membership in Cal Cities, with Councilmembers voicing concern that Cal Cities’ advocacy priorities no longer aligned with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’. Ultimately, the Council decided to continue membership with Cal Cities in 2023 and re- consider membership after one year, which is now before the City Council. Cal Cities Regional Public Affairs Manager Jeff Kiernan was present at the meeting to respond to Councilmembers’ concerns regarding the resolution process and advocacy priorities. Mr. Kiernan has also been invited to tonight’s meeting. 1 See Bylaws for the League of California Cities (effective November 23, 2021) 2 DISCUSSION: Changes made in 2023 In light of the City Council’s concerns, Cal Cities has changed the timing of the General Session to be held first thing in the morning on Friday prior to the closing session of the conference to accommodate attendees that are leaving to catch flights. In addition, improvements were made to the General Assembly process to allow for voting delegates to debate and discuss resolutions (Attachment D). As stated by Mr. Kiernan at the November 1, 2022 City Council meeting, Cal Cities represents a diverse group of cities, and their strength is a reflection of their advocacy of shared interests. With the extensive pressure to pass housing legislation in the state legislature, Cal Cities has navigated our interest in local control through the provisions that return local control within the approved legislation. For example, AB 976 (Ting) Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Owner Occupancy Requirement; though this owner- occupied requirement for both the main and the ADU unit will sunset, Cal Cities obtained an amendment that a local government can impose regulations for ADUs that have more than 30-day rents. Also, SB 4 and SB 423 presented by Anthony Wiener were housing and land use bills; both the City and Cal Cities opposed these bills, but they were signed into law; Cal Cities was able to secure amendments to this law including adding a sunset provision so that their impact is not permanent. These are a few examples for the City Council’s consideration on how Cal Cities has represented the City’s interests and positions on pending legislation. Cal Cities Membership Benefits Cal Cities represents the interests of the collective member cities at the state and federal levels, providing services and resources to its member cities. Advocacy and Representation: Cal Cities advocates for the interests of member cities in the state legislature and with state agencies. This includes lobbying for legislation , recommending bill modifications, speaking with bill authors, committee members and legislative staff, attending hearings, and presenting legislation that aligns with stated priorities. Resources: Cal Cities provides access to legislative and policy resources on issues affecting member cities, including sending action alerts, draft letters of support or opposition, legislative tracking updates on relevant legislation, legal opinions, and policy guidance as impacted by adopted laws. Training and Education: Cal Cities provides workshops, webinars, department specific round tables, seminars, and conferences on relevant topics for city officials and staff of each department. Educational resources are available to help city leaders stay informed about best practices and emerging issues. The training and educational webinars are available at a member rate and non-member rate. Staff and Councilmembers regularly 3 attend the offerings by Cal Cities. Provided in Table 1, on the next page, is an excerpt of webinars and training opportunities available to Staff and Councilmembers through Spring 2024. Networking Opportunities: Cal Cities events, roundtables, and conferences provide opportunities for both city council members and staff to connect with colleagues to share innovative ideas and collaborate to solve issues that face each organization. Grants and Funding Opportunities: Cal Cities provides information on grants, potential earmarks, and available funding opportunities that cities can apply for to support various projects and initiatives. Policy Development: As a member of Cal Cities, the City can put forth resolutions for consideration and debate at the General Assembly — as was done in 2015 and 2019 — which guide the framework for legislative initiatives and policy direction that reflect the collective interests of California cities. Continued on next page 4 Cal Cities Advocacy Priorities Cal Cities has identified four state advocacy priorities for 2023 (Attachment A): homelessness, housing, public safety, and fiscal sustainability. Cal Cities leverages the expertise of more than 400 city officials who serve on seven policy committees, ensuring cities play a direct and influential role in steering the overall direction of its advocacy endeavors. The Cal Cities advocacy team collaborates closely with regional field staff and lawmakers to champion, craft, and endorse legislative and regulatory initiatives that uphold the significance of local decision -making while actively opposing policies that undermine local control. Cal Cities fosters strategic alliances by Topic Type Relevant Department Date New Laws Impacting Cities Webinar Administration 11/27/2023 Practical Tips for Implementing New Human Resources Laws Webinar Administration Human Resources 12/4/2023 Stop Hate: How Local Elected Officials Can Combat Rising Hate Crimes Webinar Councilmembers Administration Public Safety 12/6/2023 Organic Waste and Recycling Roundtable Public Works 12/6/2023 City Clerks Department Round table Administration City Clerk 12/7/2023 Grid Reliability Round table Public Works Community Development Administration 12/12/2023 Fire Chiefs Leadership Conference Administration Emergency Management 12/13-14/2023 New Law and Elections Conference Administration City Clerk 12/13-15/2023 Parks and Recreation Round table Parks and Recreation 12/13/2023 Municipal Finance Institute Finance 12/14-15/2023 Street Vending Round table Administration Community Development 12/14/2023 Mayors and Councilmembers Academy Conference City Council 1/24-26/2024 City Manager’s Conference Conference Administration 2/7-9/2024 Planning Commissioners Academy Conference Planning Commission 3/6-8/2024 Public Works Institute Conference Public Works 3/13-15/2024 City Leaders Summit Conference City Council Administration 4/17-19/2024 City Attorney’s Spring Conference Conference City Attorney Administration 5/8-10/2024 Table 1: Cal Cities Education and Events calcities.org/education-and-events 5 forming coalitions with other local government associations and stakeholders, uniting in the pursuit of shared objectives. Cal Cities Win Record Cal Cities provided a snapshot of its advocacy results with legislation, legislative funding, legal impact, federal and regulatory changes impacting local governments over the last five years (Attachment B). City of Rancho Palos Verdes Organizational Memberships The City holds organizational memberships with various organizations including, but not limited to, Cal Cities, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the California Contract Cities Association, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, and the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce (Attachment C). In addition to its state and regional organizational memberships, the City has contracted with the lobbyist firm Renne Public Policy Group since 2022 to advance the City’s policy objectives at the state level in Sacramento. The statewide benefits and networking Cal Cities offers may not be replicated by the City’s other membership organizations. Cal Cities benefits, such as professional development at the Cal Cities Annual Conference, could still be received at non-member rates, if the City were to leave the organization. Though Cal Cities may not always take as strong of a position on local land use issues as the City Council may want, the advocacy provided by Cal Cities may still provide a benefit to the City’s interests, and the interests of the collective member cities. In areas where Cal Cities’ advocacy/positions fall short of the City’s preferences, the City can leverage its lobbying firm to support the City’s position in Sacramento. The Cal Cities membership cost was included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget and therefore does not require additional allocation of fiscal resources. CONCLUSION: Staff recommends the City Council review the past year’s services provided by Cal Cities and provide direction to Staff on the City’s future and ongoing membership with Cal Cities. ALTERNATIVES: In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Direct Staff to discontinue the City’s membership in Cal Cities. 2. Continue the matter and direct Staff to come back with additional information. 3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate. 6 League of California Cities 2023 Advocacy Priorities 1. Protect and expand investments to prevent and reduce homelessness. Secure sustainable state funding that bolsters cities’ efforts to support individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. While protecting existing resources, strengthen state and local partnerships to connect individuals with the care they need through coordinated care systems that provide access to wraparound services, including mental health and substance use treatment. 2. Increase the supply and affordability of housing while retaining local decision- making. Secure long-term, sustainable funding tools for cities to jumpstart the construction of housing at all income levels and ensure cities retain flexibility to achieve local and state housing goals. 3. Improve public safety in California communities. Pursue strategies and resources to address crime and its underlying causes. Partner with all levels of government and diverse organizations to improve community safety through prevention and early intervention programming, workforce recruitment and retention, and improved re- entry services. 4. Safeguard essential local revenues and support fiscal sustainability. Protect, increase, and modernize revenue streams for local priorities. Oppose efforts that would reduce or eliminate funding for cities, including unfunded mandates. A-1 The League of California Cities delivers major victories for cities year after year — fighting for local control, securing billions of dollars in new funding, and protecting existing city resources. 100+ bills/ballot measures passed or defeated to retain local control $13 Billion in new funding for cities in the past five years Dozens of lawsuits won protecting local control and city interests COMMUNITY WELLNESS AND PUBLIC SAFETY AB 662 (2022) Creates the first statewide peer-to-peer suicide prevention program for first responders. Passed WIN AB 1740 and SB 1087 (2022) Creates requirements for recyclers, buyers, and sellers of catalytic converters.Passed WIN SB 1338 (2022)Creates the Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court program. Amendments secured, passed WIN AB 1014 (2022)Would have increased the value of transported cannabis goods to $10,000.Defeated WIN SB 1000 (2022) Would have required law enforcement agencies to decrypt communication lines. Defeated WIN SB 1282 (2022) Would have undermined the agreed allocations of the Opioid Master Settlement. Defeated WIN ORGANIC WASTE AND RECYCLING AB 1985 (2022) Gives cities two more years to comply with organic waste diversion procurement requirements. Passed WIN SB 54 (2022) Requires single-use packaging and plastic ware to be recyclable or compostable by 2032. Passed WIN HOUSING AB 2053 (2022) Would have added a new layer of state bureaucracy to build housing. Defeated WIN AB 2428 (2022)Would have required cities to expend or return mitigation fees to developers.Defeated WIN AB 2631 (2022) Would have allowed litigation between public entities regarding their homelessness policies. Defeated WIN TRANSPORTATION SB 932 (2022)Requires general plans to include bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic calming plans.Amendments secured, passed WIN AB 2438 (2022) Would have given the state unprecedented control over local transportation projects. Defeated WIN AB 2237 (2022) Would have restricted expenditures for transportation projects that do not reduce vehicle miles traveled. Defeated WIN FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY AND GOVERNANCE AB 2647 (2022) Allows government material to be shared online with a legislative body. Passed WIN AB 1951 (2022)Would have provided manufacturing companies with a sales tax break on new equipment. Defeated WIN LEGISLATIVE B-1 .a. Jll1l CAL CITIES )) DELIVERS www.calcities.org California Business Roundtable Initiative, “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” – Would create stricter rules for raising taxes, fees, assessments, and property-related fees. Failed to Qualify for 2022 WIN BALLOT MEASURES LEGISLATIVE FUNDING $180 million to help cities implement organic waste diversion regulations. Funding secured WIN $700 million to help local governments resolve homeless encampments and transition individuals into permanent housing. Funding secured WIN $200 million to support and increase California’s behavioral health workforce. Funding secured WIN $1 billion to support cities’ efforts to address the housing supply and affordability crisis. Funding secured WIN $550 million to support the completion of the Broadband Middle Mile Initiative. Funding secured WIN FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY AND GOVERNANCE (CONT.) SB 924 (2022)Would have authorized withholding funds from cities not meeting reporting deadlines on financial data. Defeated WIN AB 1173 and SB 1328 (2022) Would have required CalPERS to divest from specific companies.Defeated WIN LEGAL Hobbs v. City of Pacific Grove – CA Court of Appeal issued a favorable ruling that one does not possess vested rights to renew city-issued, time-limited short-term rental licenses. Court agreed with Cal Cities’ legal position WIN Old East Davis Neighborhood Association v. City of Davis – CA Court of Appeal upheld cities’ discretion to interpret their land use plans. Court agreed with Cal Cities’ legal position WIN California River Watch v. City of Vacaville – Federal Court of Appeals issued opinion limiting liability under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to only those water transporters, including cities, who actively participate in the waste disposal process. Court agreed with Cal Cities’ legal position WIN Kinney v. Superior Court – CA Court of Appeal issued a favorable an opinion in a case concerning whether disclosure of arrest records under the California Public Records Act is limited to contemporaneous records. Court agreed with Cal Cities’ legal position WIN American Rescue Plan Act Final Rule – Secured additional flexibility for how cities can spend funds. Flexibility secured WIN Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – Secured a streamlined application process to make it easier for cities to apply for and utilize funds. Streamlining secured WIN FEDERAL REGULATORY CalPERS Retired Annuitant Regulations – Would limit retired annuitants’ type and timeframe of work they can perform for public agencies. Draft regulations improved WIN Air Resources Board Advanced Clean Fleets Regulations – Would transition California’s medium-and heavy-duty diesel fleets to zero-emissions vehicles in less than 20 years. Flexibility and state cooperation secured WIN B-2 $ Cl. JWl CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Organization Annual Cost (FY23-24 Representation Objectives LOBBYING/EDUCATIONAL/REGIONAL COLLABORATION GROUPS League of California Cities (Cal Cities) $16,971 479 member cities Representation: CA Cities Defend and expand local control, speaking on behalf of vast majority of cities in California. League of California Cities – Los Angeles County Division $1,380.75 86 Representation: LA County Cities Division within Cal Cities specializing in Los Angeles County regional issues. Provides a forum for LA County cities to network and collectively advocate. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) $5,271.00 188 Representation: Southern California Cities Regional planning (e.g. regional housing need allocations (RHNA) and long-range regional transportation plans). California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) $6,100.00 80 Representation: Contract cities (predominantly LA County) Advance the benefits of the contracting model and strengthen local control and governance. South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) $20,301.00 16 Representation: South Bay Cities Working to collectively address issues of common interest in the South Bay (e.g. transportation, technology, and homelessness). SINGLE-ISSUE GROUPS Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce $810.00 PV Peninsula Promote and foster business on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. San Pedro Chamber of Commerce $750 San Pedro Promote the interests of the business community in San Pedro. West Basin Municipal Water District -- Produces recycled water purchased by Cal Water; provides conservation and education programs. Los Angeles Regional Agency (LARA) $4,230 18 cities Promoting environmental sustainability and responsibility. Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) $2,500 LA County Focused on equitable economic growth. CITY LOBBYIST Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) $51,000 RPV Advance the City’s policy priorities in Sacramento and lobby on bills the City sponsors and/or takes a position on. Contract expires February 2024. C-1 Sixty days before the Annual Conference and Expo, Cal Cities members may submit policy proposals on issues of importance to cities. The resolution must have the concurrence of at least five additional member cities or individual members. How it works: Cal Cities Resolutions and the General Assembly General Assembly General Resolutions Policy Committees Developing League of California Cities policy is a dynamic process that engages a wide range of members to ensure that we are representing California cities with one voice. These policies directly guide Cal Cities advocacy to promote local decision-making, and lobby against statewide policy that erodes local control. The resolutions process and General Assembly is one way that city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy. If a resolution is approved at the General Assembly, it becomes official Cal Cities policy. Here’s how resolutions and the General Assembly works. The petitioned resolution is an alternate method to introduce policy proposals during the annual conference. The petition must be signed by voting delegates from 10% of member cities, and submitted to the Cal Cities President at least 24 hours before the beginning of the General Assembly. Petitioned Resolutions The Cal Cities President assigns general resolutions to policy committees where members review, debate, and recommend positions for each policy proposal. Recommendations are forwarded to the Resolutions Committee. Who’s who The Resolutions Committee includes representatives from each Cal Cities diversity caucus, regional division, municipal department, policy committee, as well as individuals appointed by the Cal Cities president. Voting delegates are appointed by each member city; every city has one voting delegate. The General Assembly is a meeting of the collective body of all voting delegates — one from every member city. Seven Policy Committees meet throughout the year to review and recommend positions to take on bills and regulatory proposals. Policy committees include members from each Cal Cities diversity caucus, regional division, municipal department, as well as individuals appointed by the Cal Cities president. During the General Assembly, voting delegates debate and consider general and petitioned resolutions forwarded by the Resolutions Committee. Potential Cal Cities bylaws amendments are also considered at this meeting. Cal Cities policy development is a member-informed process, grounded in the voices and experiences of city officials throughout the state. For more information visit www.calcities.org/general-assembly Prior to the Annual Conference and Expo Resolutions Committee The Resolutions Committee considers all resolutions. General Resolutions approved1 by either a policy committee or the Resolutions Committee are next considered by the General Assembly. General resolutions not approved, or referred for further study by both a policy committee and the Resolutions Committee do not go the General Assembly. All Petitioned Resolutions are considered by the General Assembly, unless disqualified.2 • Voting delegates will receive increased communications to prepare them for their role during the General Assembly. • The General Assembly will take place earlier to allow more time for debate and discussion. • Improvements to the General Assembly process will make it easier for voting delegates to discuss and debate resolutions. What’s new in 2023? During the Annual Conference and Expo 1 The Resolution Committee can amend a general resolution prior to sending it to the General Assembly. 2 Petitioned Resolutions may be disqualified by the Resolutions Committee according to Cal Cities Bylaws Article VI. Sec. 5(f). D-1 ••• ----.► G ••• G