HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 - Approving an Updated Legislative PlatformQ SEW Pp�T
CITY OF
z NEWPORT BEACH
c�<,FORN'P City Council Staff Report
February 28, 2023
Agenda Item No. 16
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Grace K. Leung, City Manager - 949-644-3001,
gleung@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Tara Finnigan, Assistant City Manager,
tinnigan@newportbeachca.gov
PHONE: 949-644-3035
TITLE: Resolution No. 2023-14: Approving an Updated Legislative Platform
ABSTRACT:
If adopted, Resolution No. 2023-14 would update the City of Newport Beach's legislative
platform, a document that outlines its position on legislative matters and serves as a basis
for its support or opposition to various local, state and federal legislation.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because
this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
and
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-14, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Approving a Legislative Platform.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Newport Beach (City) actively engages in legislative advocacy at the local,
state and federal levels to protect and promote the interests of its residents and
businesses. The legislative platform provides the City's positions on important policy
matters and includes guiding principles and priorities for its legislative advocacy efforts.
The platform serves a guide for the City to support or oppose legislation and is used by
the City Council, staff and consulting lobbyists when advocating the City's position on key
legislative matters. It also enables the City to respond to potential or pending legislation
in a timely manner.
The City's legislative platform was last revised in November 2019. The proposed, updated
platform is included as Exhibit A to Resolution No. 2023-16 (Attachment A). A redline
version of the platform is included as Attachment B.
16-1
Resolution No. 2023-14: Approving an Updated Legislative Platform
February 28, 2023
Page 2
The proposed changes to the legislative platform include:
• The addition of policy statements that address current issues and areas of interest
to the City and community.
• The addition of two new categories of platform issues and statements — Public
Safety and Homelessness.
• The division of the former Water Quality and Environmental Quality category into
two categories — Environmental Quality and Water Supply and Utilities — for easier
reference. Additional statements were added to each as well.
• The updating or elimination of outdated policy statements.
The proposed term of the legislative platform is indefinite rather than being tailored to a
specific legislative session. If an issue arises that is not addressed within the adopted
platform, and there is a need for the City to support or oppose related legislation, staff will
return to the City Council for direction.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact related to the adoption of the legislative platform.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Resolution No. 2023-14
Attachment B — Legislative Platform (redline)
16-2
ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
WHEREAS, the City Council historically promotes legislative actions consistent
with the goals and functions of the City of Newport Beach;
WHEREAS, such legislative actions are typically included within the City's
adopted Legislative Platform;
WHEREAS, the promotion of legislative actions once required separate City
Council action to approve individual letters of support or opposition related to specific
pieces of legislation;
WHEREAS, the piece -by -piece approval can delay important actions necessary
to assist in the passage or defeat of legislation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to efficiently pursue legislation that reflects
the Legislative Platform and the goals of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach resolves as
follows:
Section 1: The City Council does hereby adopt the Legislative Platform, which
is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference, and repeals
all prior versions of the Legislative Platform.
Section 2: The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to make statements
and write letters necessary to support legislative actions consistent with the City's
adopted Legislative Platform. Should the Mayor be unavailable to sign a City advocacy
letter, the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to designate the Mayor Pro
Tempore or the City Manager to sign and issue the letter in the Mayor's absence. All
correspondence prepared on the City's behalf will be copied to each City Council
member.
Section 3: The recitals provided in this resolution are true and correct and are
incorporated into the operative part of this resolution.
16-3
Resolution No. 2023-
Page 2 of 2
Section 4: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
resolution is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall
not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this resolution. The
City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution, and each
section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any
one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid
or unconstitutional.
Section 5: The City Council finds the adoption of this resolution is not subject to
the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the
activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in
the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section
15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6,
Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the
environment, directly or indirectly.
Section 6: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the
City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting the resolution.
ADOPTED this 28th day of February, 2023.
Noah Blom
Mayor
ATTEST:
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
ar n C. Harp
City Attorney
Attachment: Exhibit A - City of Newport Beach Legislative Platform
16-4
City of Newport Beach
Legislative Platform
Adopted February 28, 2023 (term indefinite until repealed or replaced)
PURPOSE
The City of Newport Beach legislative platform summarizes the City's core legislative
principles and positions for the purpose of advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal
levels. The platform provides clear direction on pertinent issues and thus enables staff to
address legislative and regulatory matters in a timely manner.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
I. Preserve Local Control — The City supports the protection or expansion of
local, decision -making authority and its ability to provide public services. It
opposes the preemption of local control such as mandated, additional costs
without appropriate reimbursement. Local agencies should preserve authority
and accountability for revenues raised and services provided.
If. Maintain Fiscal Responsibility — The City supports measures that protect its
existing funding sources and revenue base and its control over local
government budgeting. It opposes any effort to shift local funds to the County,
State or Federal governments or diminish its revenue base, including unfunded
mandates by the State or Federal governments.
III. Protect Quality of Life — The City supports legislation and funding that
preserves the safety, privacy, security and well-being of its residents,
businesses and visitors. It opposes any effort that negatively impacts the
community's quality of life.
IV. Support Private Property Rights — The City supports the preservation or
enhancement of private property rights and opposes measures that erode or
reduce laws that protect private property rights.
16-5
PLATFORM ISSUES. The following categories generally reflect priorities of the City on
a regular and long-term basis:
I— AVIATION. Asa neighbor to John Wayne Airport (JWA), the City is actively involved
in efforts to protect its residents from the impacts of the airport. The City shall
advocate for legislative and executive actions consistent with the Council's Airport
Policy (A-17) and/or that:
(a) Preserve and, assuming the terms and conditions are consistent with Council
Policy A-17, amend or otherwise extend the JWA Settlement Agreement.
(b) Preserve and protect the 2006 Cooperative Agreement between the County of
Orange and the City.
(c) Oppose changes in regional aviation policies that would regionalize aviation
administration or that would allow a regional entity the power of eminent domain
to expand airport capacity.
(d) Support legislative and regulatory initiatives to study and mitigate the noise and
air quality impacts associated with air traffic overflights.
(e) Support local control over local airports.
(f) Support efforts to increase usage of airports with excess capacity such as
Ontario International, provided the increased usage does not materially impact
the quality of life of nearby residents.
/I — HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATIONS. The City seeks to protect and
strengthen its land use authority, including regulation of residential recovery facilities
and group homes, zoning, incorporation, annexation, and community development.
Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support efforts that would allow cities and counties greater control over the
placement and management of residential recovery facilities, parolee homes,
sober living homes, and other group accommodations in residential areas, while
respecting disabled persons' right to housing.
(b) Support efforts to strengthen the legal and fiscal capability of the City to prepare,
adopt and implement plans for orderly growth, development, beautification and
conservation of local planning areas, including but not limited to, regulatory
authority over zoning, subdivisions and annexations.
(c) Oppose development agreements in the City's spheres of influence in
undeveloped areas that do not conform to City standards.
(d) Support legislation that simplifies requirements for General Plan Housing
Elements.
2
16-6
(e) Support measures to improve or otherwise streamline local governments'
working relationship and permitting ability with County, State and Federal
resources agencies and commissions.
(f) Support legislation that provides funding or programs to address the lack of
affordable housing as long as it does not impose mandated costs or diminish
the City's zoning authority.
(g) Aggressively support measures that preserve local control over planning and
zoning matters.
(h) Oppose legislation and regulatory efforts that eliminate or diminish the City's
authority to zone and plan for the development of telecommunication
infrastructure.
(i) Oppose legislative efforts that reduce the City's ability to zone for or regulate
short-term rental properties.
Q) Support legislation that maintains local control over medical marijuana
dispensaries and upholds cities' ability to regulate and ban dispensaries.
(k) Support measures that provide municipalities with increased input in the
development of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
(1) Support legislation that preserves local discretion in the assessment, collection
and usage of development fees for projects including, but not limited to, water,
wastewater, transportation, and other critical infrastructure needs.
(m) Oppose efforts that restrict the use and disposition of City property.
11I — FISCAL STABILITY. The City's objective is to protect existing revenue sources and
to limit the cost of government upon the taxpayers of Newport Beach. The City also
seeks to protect Newport Beach residents and businesses from onerous fiscal
actions by other levels of government (County, State, Federal) which may impair our
ability to protect our quality of life. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support legislation leading to greater financial independence from the State
government and which would result in greater predictability in local government
budgeting.
(b) Oppose legislation that would impose State and Federal mandates for which
there is no or inadequate local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.
(c) Oppose actions to change 1978's Proposition 13, including the development of
a "split roll" property tax valuation system.
(d) Support legislation that reforms California's tort system to curtail unreasonable
liability exposure for public agencies and restore the ability of public agencies to
obtain affordable insurance.
(e) Oppose any changes in State law that would further limit the ability of charter
cities to manage their affairs.
(f) Oppose new or expanded State taxes and fees that affect local services.
c
16-7
IV — LABOR RELATIONS. The City respects the working conditions, benefits, and rights
of Newport Beach employees and the conservative fiscal management principles of
the community. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support legislation that promotes fiscally responsible public retirement benefits
and oppose legislation that threatens to increase the cost and burden of
administering retirement benefits.
(b) Oppose legislation that imposes mandated (State or Federal) employee benefits
that are more properly decided at the local bargaining table.
(c) Oppose efforts that reduce local control over public employee disputes.
(d) Support workers' compensation -related legislative measures which positively
affect public employers.
V — TRANSPORTATION. The City supports multi -modal transportation systems,
programs and services. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Encourage Federal, State, County and local programs to increase funding and
simplify permitting for transit, bicycling, and pedestrian travel.
(b) Support legislation and voter -approved bond measures that help local agencies
finance local transportation facilities.
(c) Oppose legislation that requires additional County, State and Federal review of
projects that are predominantly of regional or local significance.
(d) Support legislation that gives local agencies greater access to and discretion
over transportation funds.
(e) Support legislative efforts to create efficiencies within the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it pertains to small- and large-scale
transportation projects.
VI — ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. The City supports effective measures to improve the
environment, including water quality, solid waste, hazardous materials clean-up, and
ocean, beaches and bay protection. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support legislation that would establish or increase funding for local agencies to
analyze and mitigate potential impacts of sea level rise on coastal communities.
(b) Support measures that enhance local authority and flexibility to regulate solid
waste and recyclable materials.
(c) Support efforts that provide a dedicated stream of funds to projects benefiting
area beaches and waterways, including adequate and independent funding for
boating and waterways.
4
(d) Seek any appropriate one-time and/or long-term sources of funds and/or
services to enhance and protect Newport Bay, including Lower Newport Bay
and Upper Newport Bay dredging activities.
(e) Support efforts that ensure that public waters are accessible, safe and clean.
(f) Oppose legislation that would allow the development of new oil platforms along
the Orange County coastline.
(g) Support legislation that provides for oil spill prevention and response efforts
while incorporating engagement and feedback from local authorities.
(h) Support funding for remediation of closed oil operations where the land will
transition to habitat and open space.
(i) Support measures that improve funding resources and the science associated
with water quality testing and beach closure standards.
Q) Advocate for Regional Board control over fines and fees collected from water
quality violations so that such fines and fees remain in the region to be used
directly for water quality improvements.
(k) Support efforts to complete the Orange Coast River Park.
(1) Support changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that retain
CEQA's foundation of appropriately addressing environmental impacts but that
ensure that CEQA is not used as a tool for litigation and the delay of important
projects.
VII — WATER SUPPLYAND UTILITIES. The City supports effective measures to maintain
local control and improve utilities, including the City's water supply, and that promote
the reliability and cost-effectiveness of other utilities, such as electricity. Therefore,
the City shall:
(a) Support projects, legislation and funding measures (including statewide bond
measures) that would increase water supply and improve water quality in this
region.
(b) Support efforts that encourage and incentivize coordinated planning activities
for sustainable water resources, infrastructure and planning.
(c) Oppose measures that limit the City's ability to regulate the quality of public
water or limit public use.
(d) Support efforts to protect local water rights and the reliability and security of
Orange County's water supplies.
(e) Oppose efforts that unilaterally reduce the indoor water use standards without
the input of local and regional stakeholders.
(f) Support legislation and efforts that will provide for and ensure there are ample,
reliable and cost-effective electrical energy generation, transmission and
distribution systems in place that are capable of serving all current and
foreseeable electrical power demands.
5
16-9
(g) Oppose efforts to add more load demands until the corresponding and
necessary electrical energy generation and transmission capacity is constructed
and put into service.
Vlll — COASTAL RESOURCES AND THE COASTAL ZONE. The City supports efforts
to protect and enhance public access and coastal resources in a manner that
balances the rights of the individual property owner and local government land use
authority with the public's constitutional right of access pursuant to Section 4 of
Article X of the California Constitution. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support legislation that provides funding or programs to address public access
to coastal resources.
(b) Support efforts that improve public assets in the coastal zone.
(c) Support efforts to protect and enhance natural and constructed coastal
resources.
(d) Oppose legislation that preempts or otherwise diminishes local control within the
coastal zone.
(e) Oppose legislation that diminishes the land value of public and private property
in the coastal zone.
(f) Support legislation that promotes the fair and balanced implementation of the
California Coastal Act that emphasizes local input and local control.
(g) Support appropriate funding of the California Coastal Commission that
guarantees efficiency of operations, clarity of mission, and accountability.
IX — PUBLIC SAFETY. The City supports measures that provide local governments
access to resources that enable them to provide quality police, fire, emergency
medical and emergency management services. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support efforts that address the illicit use of opioids, including fentanyl, by
holding drug traffickers accountable, stopping the transport of narcotics across
the border, and preventing the use of social platforms to illegally sell and
distribute opioids.
(b) Support a public safety system that promotes local law enforcement services,
crime prevention, prosecution of crime, confinement of high -risk adults, and
evidence -based programs aimed at rehabilitation and lowering the recidivism
rate.
(c) Support the restoration of accountability in the criminal justice system by
ensuring sentences are fully carried out and sufficiently address the significance
of each crime.
(d) Support efforts to assist law enforcement in fighting cybercrime and promoting
programs that increase cybersecurity awareness.
6
16-10
(e) Support efforts to increase penalties for driving under the influence, as well as
resources that promote efforts to prevent driving under the influence.
(f) Oppose efforts to restrict local law enforcement from collaborating with State
and Federal agencies regarding shared public safety threats.
(g) Support victims' rights programs and services for victims of crimes.
(h) Support efforts to prevent sexual assault, human trafficking and related crimes.
(i) Support legislation that provides for wildfire local assistance grant programs.
0) Support public provider emergency medical services.
(k) Support the continuation of Cal OES emergency preparedness funding for cities
and counties to provide organized staffing during incidents.
X — HOMELESSNESS. The City supports efforts and legislation that seeks to alleviate
homelessness throughout the state by providing funding and programmatic
assistance to cities and counties. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support Federal, State, County or local efforts to develop programs,
partnerships or grant programs to assist cities in providing housing solutions
and/or services to address homelessness.
(b) Support the construction of transitional housing facilities.
(c) Support legislative changes to Coordinated Entry requirements that allow local
governments to prioritize based on local unsheltered needs.
(d) Support investments in mental health treatment across the continuum of care,
including efforts to support or encourage creation of additional board and care
beds as well as subacute treatment and psychiatric skilled nursing facilities.
7
16-11
ATTACHMENT B
City of Newport Beach
Legislative Platform
Adopted February 28, 2023 (term indefinite until repealed or
replaced)
PURPOSE
The City of Newport Beach legislative platform summarizes the City's core legislative
principles and positions for the purpose of advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal
levels. The platform provides clear direction on pertinent issues and thus enables staff to
address legislative and regulatory matters in a timely manner.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
I. Preserve Local Control — —The City supports the protection or expansion of
local, decision -making authority and its ability to provide public services. It
opposes the preemption of local control such as mandated, additional costs
without appropriate reimbursement. Local agencies should preserve authority
and accountability for revenues raised and services provided.
II. Maintain Fiscal Responsibility — The City supports measures that protect its
existing funding sources and revenue base and its control over local
government budgeting. It opposes any effort to shift local funds to the County,
State or Federal governments or diminish its revenue base, including unfunded
mandates by the State or Federal governments..
III. Protect Quality of Life — The City supports legislation and funding that
preserves the safety, privacy, security and well-being of its residents,
businesses and visitors. It opposes any effort that negatively impacts the
community's quality of life.
IV. Support Private Property Rights — The City supports the preservation or
enhancement of private property rights and opposes measures that erode or
reduce laws that protect private property rights.
16-12
PLATFORM ISSUES. The following categories generally reflect priorities of the City on
a regular and long-term basis:
I— AVIATION. Asa neighbor to John Wayne Airport (JWA), the City is actively involved
in efforts to protect its residents from the impacts of the airport. The City shall
advocate for legislative and executive actions consistent with the Council's Airport
Policy (A-17) and/or that:
(a) Preserve and, assuming the terms and conditions are consistent with Council
Policy A-17, amend or otherwise extend the JWA Settlement Agreement.
(b) Preserve and protect the 2006 Cooperative Agreement between the County of
Orange and the City.
(c) Oppose changes in regional aviation policies that would regionalize aviation
administration or that would allow a regional entity the power of eminent domain
to expand airport capacity.
(d) Support legislative and regulatory initiatives to study and mitigate the noise and
air quality impacts associated with air traffic overflights.
(e) Support local control over local airports.
(f) Support efforts to increase usage of airports with excess capacity such as
Ontario International, provided the increased usage does not materially impact
the quality of life of nearby residents.
ll — HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATIONS. The City seeks to protect and
strengthen its land use authority, including regulation of residential recovery facilities
and group homes, zoning, incorporation, annexation, and community development.
Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support efforts that would allow cities and counties greater control over the
placement and management of residential recovery facilities, parolee homes,
sober living homes, and other group accommodations in residential areas, while
respecting disabled persons' right to housing.
(b) Support efforts to strengthen the legal and fiscal capability of the City to prepare,
adopt and implement plans for orderly growth, development, beautification and
conservation of local planning areas, including but not limited to, regulatory
authority over zoning, subdivisions and annexations.
(c) Oppose development agreements in GitieS' the City's spheres of influence in
undeveloped areas that do not conform to Ceity standards.
(d) Support legislation that simplifies requirements for General Plan Housing
Elements.
2
16-13
(e) Support measures to improve or otherwise streamline local governments'
working relationship and permitting ability with County, State and Federal
resources agencies and commissions.
(f) Support legislation that provides funding or programs to address the lack of
affordable housing as long as it does not impose mandated costs or diminish
the City's zoning authority.
programs,(g) Support Federal, State, GeURty GF IGGal efferts to develop
partnerships er graRt programs to assiSt Gities on providing housing selutie
and/or eNino �r� ddro homelo cno
i-rcrrvTSJv-rvrcv�J-t-v-uaarc�J�rvrrrcr�.. �.sr,c S-..1.
(h)Lcl�Aggressively support measures that preserve local control over planning and
zoning matters.
(+)(WOppose legislation and regulatory efforts that eliminate or diminish the City's
authority to zone and plan for the development of telecommunications
infrastructure.
(j)QOppose legislative efforts that reduce the City's ability to zone for or regulate
short-term rental properties.
(k)WSupport legislation that maintains local control over medical marijuana
dispensaries and upholds cities' ability to regulate and ban dispensaries.
Support measures that provide municipalities with increased input in the
development of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
(1) Support legislation that preserves local discretion in the assessment, collection
and usage of development fees for proiects including, but not limited to, water,
wastewater, transportation, and other critical infrastructure needs.
(I)(m)Oppose efforts that restrict the use and disposition of City property.
111— FISCAL STABILITY. The City's objective is to protect existing revenue sources and
to limit the cost of government upon the taxpayers of Newport Beach. The City also
seeks to protect Newport Beach residents and businesses from onerous fiscal
actions by other levels of government (County, State, Federal) which may impair our
ability to protect our quality of life. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support legislation leading to greater financial independence from the State
government and which would result in greater predictability in local government
budgeting.
(b) Oppose legislation that would impose State and Federal mandates for which
there is no or inadequate local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.
(G) in the abseRGe of statewide fiSGal Feferm, oppose legislation that reduGeS G
16-14
MF
lGRg terms'+tability -y-ef IOGal goveM-rment revenue cnr iFGec
(e)(c)Oppose actions to change 1978's Proposition 13, including the development
of a "split roll" property tax valuation system.
(- (d)Support legislation that reforms California's tort system to curtail unreasonable
liability exposure for public agencies and restore the ability of public agencies to
obtain affordable insurance.
Oppose any changes in State law that would further limit the ability of charter
cities to manage their affairs.
(g}J)Oppose new or expanded State taxes and fees that affect local services.
IV — LABOR RELATIONS. The City respects the working conditions, benefits, and rights
of Newport Beach employees and the conservative fiscal management principles of
the community. Therefore, the City shall. -
(a) Support legislation that promotes fiscally responsible public retirement benefits
and oppose legislation that threatens to increase the cost and burden of
administering retirement benefits.
(b) Oppose legislation that imposes mandated (State or Federal) employee benefits
that are more properly decided at the local bargaining table.
(c) Support repeal of er Ooppose efforts that reduce local control over public
employee disputes.
(d) Support workers' compensation -related legislative measures which positively
affect public employers.
V --TRANSPORTATION. The City supports multi -modal transportation systems,
programs and services. Therefore, the City shall. -
(a) Encourage Federal, State, County and Focal programs to increase funding and
simplify permitting for transit, bicycling, and pedestrian travel.
(b) Support legislation and voter -approved bond measures that help local agencies
finance local transportation facilities.
(c) Oppose legislation that requires additional County, State and Federal review of
projects that are predominantly of regional or local significance.
(d) Support legislation that gives local agencies greater access to and discretion
over transportation funds.
(d)(e)Support legislative efforts to create efficiencies within the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it pertains to small- and large-scale
transportation projects.
4
16-15
VI _ WATER QUALITY AND -ENVIRONMENTAL Q AL,T QUALITY. The City supports
effective measures to improve the environment, including water quality, solid waste,
hazardous materials clean-up, and ocean, beaches and bay protection. -Therefore,
the City shall:
(a) SuppeFt pFejeGtS, legislation and funding measures (4RG!uddng statewide bE)Pd
measLiFes) that weuld !RGrease water supply and improve water quality OR this
{oLa�Support legislation that would establish or increase funding for local agencies
to analyze and mitigate potential impacts of sea level rise on coastal
communities.
{s}tj?jSupport measures that enhance local authority and flexibility to regulate solid
waste and recyclable materials.
{d)LcISupport efforts that provide a dedicated stream of funds to projects benefiting
area beaches and waterways, including adequate and independent funding for
boating and waterways.
Seek any appropriate one-time and/or long-term sources of funds and/or
services to enhance and protect Newport Bay, including Lower Newport Bay
and Upper Newport Bay dredging activities.
{-Support efforts that ensure that public waters are accessible, safe and clean.
ff)Oppose legislation that would allow the development of new oil platforms along
the Orange County coastline.
Support legislation that provides for oil spill prevention and response efforts
while incorporating engagement and feedback from local authorities.
(h) Support funding for remediation of closed oil operations where the land will
transition to habitat and open space.
(b}-Support measures that improve funding resources and the science associated
with water quality testing and beach closure standards.
(4--Advocate for Regional Board control over fines and fees collected from water
quality violations so that such fines and fees remain in the region to be used
directly for water quality improvements.
to habitat and open spaee, ineluding in the Banning Raneh-.
(D
}-Support efforts to complete the Orange Coast River Park.
5
16-16
(f)—Support changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that retain
CEQA's foundation of appropriately addressing environmental impacts but that
ensure that CEQA is not used as a tool for litigation and the delay of important
projects.
Fe a
apeacclhIgn
Vll — WATER SUPPLYAND UTILITIES. The City supports effective measures to maintain
local control and improve utilities, including the City's water supply, and that promote the
reliability and cost-effectiveness of other utilities, such as electricity. Therefore the City
shall:
(a) Support protects, legislation and funding measures (including statewide bond
measures) that would increase water supply and improve water quality in this
region.
(b) Support efforts that encourage and incentivize coordinated planning activities
for sustainable water resources, infrastructure and planning_
(c) Oppose measures that limit the City's ability to regulate the quality of public
water or limit public use.
(d) Support efforts to protect local water rights and the reliability and security of
Orange County's water supplies.
(e) Oppose efforts that unilaterally reduce the indoor water use standards without
the input of local and regional stakeholders.
(f) Support legislation and efforts that will provide for and ensure there are ample
reliable and cost-effective electrical energy generation, transmission and
distribution systems in place that are capable of serving all current and
foreseeable electrical power demands.
(q) Oppose efforts to add more load demands until the corresponding and
necessary electrical energy generation and transmission capacity is constructed
and put into service.
Vlll — COASTAL RESOURCES AND THE COASTAL ZONE. The City supports efforts
to protect and enhance public access and coastal resources in a manner that balances
the rights of the individual property owner and local government land use authority with
the public's constitutional right of access pursuant to Section 4 of Article X of the
California Constitution. Therefore, the City shall:
16-17
(a) Support legislation that provides funding or programs to address public access
to coastal resources.
(b) Support efforts that improves public assets in the coastal zone.
(c) Support efforts to protect and enhance natural and constructed coastal
resources.
(d) Oppose legislation that preempts or otherwise diminishes local control within the
coastal zone.
(e) Oppose legislation that diminishes the land value of public and private property
in the coastal zone.
(f) Support legislation that promotes the fair and balanced implementation of the
California Coastal Act that emphasizes local input and local control.
Support appropriate funding of the California Coastal Commission that
guarantees efficiency of operations, clarity of mission, and accountability.
IX — PUBLIC SAFETY. The City supports measures that provide local governments
access to resources that enable them to provide quality police, fire, emergency medical
and emergency management services. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support efforts that address the illicit use of opioids, including fentanyl, by
holding drug traffickers accountable, stopping the transport of narcotics across
the border, and preventing the use of social platforms to illegally sell and
distribute opioids.
(b) Support a public safety system that promotes local law enforcement services,
crime prevention, prosecution of crime, confinement of high -risk adults, and
evidence -based programs aimed at rehabilitation and lowering the recidivism
rate.
(c) Support the restoration of accountability in the criminal justice system by
ensuring sentences are fully carried out and sufficiently address the significance
of each crime.
(d) Support efforts to assist law enforcement in fighting cybercrime and promoting
programs that increase cybersecurity awareness.
(e) Support efforts to increase penalties for driving under the influence, as well as
resources that promote efforts to prevent driving under the influence.
(f) Oppose efforts to restrict local law enforcement from collaborating with State
and Federal agencies regarding shared public safety threats.
(q) Support victims' rights programs and services for victims of crimes.
(h) _Support efforts to prevent sexual assault, human trafficking and related crimes.
(i) Support legislation that provides for wildfire local assistance grant programs.
(0) Support public provider emergency medical services.
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(k) Support the continuation of Cal OES emergency preparedness funding for cities
and counties to provide organized staffing during incidents.
X — HOMELESSNESS. The City supports efforts and legislation that seeks to alleviate
homelessness throuqhout the state by providing funding and programmatic assistance to
cities and counties. Therefore, the City shall:
(a) Support Federal, State, County or local efforts to develop programs
partnerships or grant programs to assist cities in providing housing solutions
and/or services to address homelessness.
(b) Support the construction of transitional housing facilities.
(c) Support legislative changes to Coordinated Entry requirements that allow local
governments to prioritize based on local unsheltered needs.
(d) Support investments in mental health treatment across the continuum of care
including efforts to support or encourage creation of additional board and care
beds as well as subacute treatment and psychiatric skilled nursing facilities.
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