HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 12192019 - Legislation Cte Agenda Pkt
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
December 19, 2019
10:30 A.M.
**Note Room: 651 Pine Street, Room 108,
Martinez
Supervisor Diane Burgis, Chair
Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Vice Chair
Agenda
Items:
Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference
of the Committee
1.Introductions
2.Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this
agenda (speakers may be limited to three minutes).
3. APPROVE the Record of Action for the October 3, 2019 meeting of the Legislation
Committee, with any necessary corrections.
4. REVIEW the Draft 2020 State Legislative Platform, provide direction to staff, and
recommend the adoption of a Proposed 2020 State Legislative Platform by the
Board of Supervisors.
5. REVIEW the Draft 2020 Federal Legislative Platform, provide direction to staff,
and recommend the adoption of a Proposed 2020 Federal Legislative Platform by
the Board of Supervisors.
6. PROVIDE direction to staff on the protocol and procedures for state and federal
advocacy.
7.Adjourn
The Legislation Committee will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
planning to attend Legislation Committee meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least
72 hours before the meeting.
Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and
distributed by the County to a majority of members of the Legislation Committee less than 96
hours prior to that meeting are available for public inspection at 651 Pine Street, 10th floor,
during normal business hours.
Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day
prior to the published meeting time.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Lara DeLaney, Committee Staff
Phone (925) 335-1097, Fax (925) 646-1353
lara.delaney@cao.cccounty.us
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LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 3.
Meeting Date:12/19/2019
Subject:Record of Action for Legislation Committee Meeting
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2019-30
Referral Name: Record of Action
Presenter: L. DeLaney Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-335-1097
Referral History:
County Ordinance (Better Government Ordinance 95-6, Article 25-205, [d]) requires that each
County Body keep a record of its meetings. Though the record need not be verbatim, it must
accurately reflect the agenda and the decisions made in the meeting.
Referral Update:
Attached for the Committee's consideration is the Draft Record of Action for its October 3, 2019
meeting. (Attachment A)
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
APPROVE the Record of Action with any necessary corrections.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
Attachments
Attachment A: Draft Record of Action
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D R A F T
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
RECORD OF ACTION FOR
October 3, 2019
Supervisor Diane Burgis, Chair
Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Vice Chair
1.Introductions
Chair Burgis called the meeting to order at 10:30 and invited, staff present
and the County's state and federal advocates, on the conference line, to
introduce themselves.
2.Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not
on this agenda (speakers may be limited to three minutes).
No one requested to speak during the public comment period.
3.APPROVE the Record of Action with any necessary corrections.
The Committee accepted the Record of Action as presented.
4.PROVIDE input and direction to staff related to a contract for state legislative
advocacy services for the period beginning January 1 2020.
The Committee members discussed their meetings with Nielsen Merksamer and indicated
they were willing to recommend a continuation of the advocacy services contract through
June 30, 2022 (according to the RFP). Committee members directed staff to ensure that
contract deliverables included regular written quarterly reports, on-going training for County
staff on the legislative process, and an action plan for implementing the priorities of the
Platform.
5.PROVIDE direction to staff on the development of the 2020 State and Federal
Legislative Platforms.
The Committee provided direction to staff on the development of the 2020
Attachment A
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The Committee provided direction to staff on the development of the 2020
Legislative Platforms, indicating they did not want a combined Federal/State
Platform; they were in favor of the development of a 2-year Platform to
commence on the next legislative cycle; they supported the idea of including
the protocols for advocacy position development in the Platform; and they
supported the idea of staff working with a Workgroup to continue soliciting
input on the Platforms and transforming the policy-specific statements in the
documents to principles.
6.The next meeting is currently scheduled for November 11, 2019 but will be
rescheduled owing to the Veterans' Day Holiday.
The November meeting of the Legislation Committee was subsequently
cancelled.
7.Adjourn
Chair Burgis adjourned the meeting.
For Additional Information Contact:
Lara DeLaney, Committee Staff
Phone (925) 335-1097, Fax (925) 646-1353
lara.delaney@cao.cccounty.us
Attachment A
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LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 4.
Meeting Date:12/19/2019
Subject:Draft 2020 State Legislative Platform
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2019-31
Referral Name: 2020 Legislative Platforms
Presenter: L. DeLaney and Nielsen Merksamer
Team
Contact: L. DeLaney,
925-335-1097
Referral History:
The Legislation Committee annually reviews and considers the draft State and Federal Legislative
Platforms prior to their proposal to the Board of Supervisors. Staff aims to have to the Platforms
to the Committee for their consideration in November and/or December of each year. The adopted
Platforms of the Board of Supervisors are available here:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/2859/Legislation
Referral Update:
Each year in January, the Board of Supervisors adopts a State Legislative Platform that
establishes priorities and policy positions with regard to potential State legislation and regulation.
The State Legislative Platform includes County-sponsored bill proposals, legislative or regulatory
advocacy priorities for the year, and policies that provide direction and guidance for identification
of and advocacy on bills which would affect the services, programs or finances of Contra Costa
County. Every January, the Board of Supervisors also adopts a Federal Legislative Platform that
establishes federal funding needs and policy positions with regard to potential federal legislation
and regulation. These documents are utilized by the County's state and federal advocates and staff
as the basis for advocacy efforts.
The State and Federal Legislative Platforms are prepared each year by staff of the County
Administrator's Office in collaboration with County department heads, other key staff, the County
state and federal advocates, and with input from the Board's commissions/committees and the
public. CAO staff generally conducts outreach in the fall of year year regarding the Platform
process and invites input so that draft documents can be considered by the Legislation Committee
in November and/or December of each year. Elements of the Platforms related to the subject
matter of the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee are also reviewed by that
committee prior to the Proposed Platforms being presented to the Board of Supervisors in January
for adoption.
With direction from the Board of Supervisors for the 2020 Platforms to be more streamlined,
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concise and provide greater prioritization, staff of the CAO's office has conducted 2020 Platform
input meetings on multiple occasions, convening a "2020 Platform Workgroup" to solicit input on
Platform structural/formatting changes.Conference calls with the federal advocates from Alcalde
& Fay and state advocates from Nielsen Merksamer were also conducted as part of this process.
With assistance from the Platform Workshop, CAO staff gathered the legislative platforms of 10
urban counties (including Contra Costa County) and analyzed their structure and content. Of note:
Several counties combine their federal and state advocacy agendas into one document.
Some counties adopt 2-year platforms to coincide with the two-year legislative cycle.
Most platforms contain information about the County; a map of the County and its
Supervisorial districts; the members of the Board of Supervisors (congressional delegation
members were also occasionally included); and demographic and financial information were
also sometimes included.
Orange County developed additional 1-page documents specifically to identify their state
and federal priorities.
Sacramento County included its procedures and protocols for expedited positions and
consideration of statewide ballot measures.
Many platforms also included the County's mission, vision, values, and principles.
The consensus of the staff comprising the Platform Workgroup was to recommend that the
County maintain separate Federal and State platforms. However, the Workgroup recommended
that the County move toward a two-year document to coincide with the next legislative cycle. The
Workgroup also recommended that the documents be modified to include 1-2 pages of
introductory and demographics information about the County, similar to what other county
platforms provide, and that the County's mission, vision and values be incorporated as well. In
order to reduce the size of the Platforms, moving away from specific policy based platforms to
principle based platforms could be implemented. However, staff recommended retaining or
incorporating the existing 2019 Platform as an appendix to the document or a reference in the
document so that existing policies could be retained until amended by the Board of Supervisors.
At its October 3, 2019 meeting, the Legislation Committee provided direction to staff on the
development of the Platforms, largely consistent with the recommendations of the Platform
Workgroup. CAO staff continued soliciting input from Departments and advocates on the
development of the 2020 Platforms consistent with the direction from Legislation Committee
related to structural/format changes. Departments had an opportunity to provide further input at a
Legislative Training and Platform Input session conducted on October 9, 2019, and several
preliminary drafts were provided to the Platform Workgroup and CAO staff.
SUMMARY OF
PROPOSED STATE PLATFORM CHANGES
Additions to the Draft 2020 Platform:
County Profile
Demographic Highlights
Governance
Legislative Platform Purpose (including Attachments A & B )
Mission, Vision, Values statement
To Priorities: Added Climate Change, Housing and Homelessness (previously
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Homelessness), and Transportation for Seniors/Persons with Disabilities
Re-framed the Priority related to Health to include Behavioral Health and Substance Use
Disorder
Sponsored Bill proposals: Three new proposals have been included. Bill Proposal#1
related to legislation to increase the cap for a countywide general sales tax measure has not
been authorized as yet by the Board of Supervisors. Bill Proposal #2 is a carry-over from the
2019 Platform. Bill Proposal #3 is a request from the Department of Conservation and
Development. Bill Proposal #4 is a request from the Employment and Human Services
Department.
Included all Department input on text changes, when provided.
Substantive text changes were made to the sections related to:
Climate Change
The Delta
Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Response
Flood Control
Health Care
Homeless Services
Human Services
Justice Systems
Land Use/Community Development (added "Natural Resources")
Transportation
Waste Management
Eliminated:
All explanatory comments (including for Priorities)
Removed State Budget and Realignment Implementation from Priorities
Eminent Domain
Indian Gaming
Levees
Pipeline Safety
Note that the Draft 2020 Platform includes the statement that "Until the 2021-2022 Platform is
adopted, the 2019 Adopted Platform policies are considered a component of this Platform." This
note was included (p. 5) as a recognition of the direction to move to a two-year Platform that is
principle-based while recognizing that the 2020 Platform does not fully achieve that goal and,
therefore, maintains (carries over) the adopted 2019 policies during this year.
In addition, the Legislation Committee will note that the Draft 2020 Platform does not contain the
referenced Attachments A and B. Attachment A is intended to be the County's protocol for
position development, which will be addressed in a subsequent agenda item. Attachment B is the
County's adopted Delta Platform, which may be provided via an electronic link instead, if so
directed by the Committee.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
PROVIDE direction to staff on the development of the 2020 Proposed State Platform and
recommend its adoption by the Board of Supervisors at its meeting on January 21, 2020.
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Attachments
Draft 2020 State Legislative Platform
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2020 Draft State
Platform
Contra Costa County
Website: www.contracosta.ca.gov
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ____________________________________________________ 3
County Profile ____________________________________________________________ 3
Demographic Highlights ____________________________________________________ 3
Governance _____________________________________________________________ 4
Legislative Platform Purpose ________________________________________________ 5
Mission, Vision, and Values _________________________________________________ 5
Sponsored bills and legislative priorities ______________________________ 6
Legislative and/or Regulatory Advocacy Priorities _______________________________ 6
Principles and Policy Statements ___________________________________ 7
Agriculture ______________________________________________________________ 7
Animal Services __________________________________________________________ 7
Child Support Services ____________________________________________________ 8
Climate Change __________________________________________________________ 8
The Delta ______________________________________________________________ 10
Economic Development ___________________________________________________ 10
Elections _______________________________________________________________ 10
Flood Control and Clean Water _____________________________________________ 11
General Revenues/Finance ________________________________________________ 12
Health Care ____________________________________________________________ 13
Homeless Services ______________________________________________________ 16
Human Services _________________________________________________________ 17
Justice Systems _________________________________________________________ 19
Land Use/Community Development/Natural Resources __________________________ 20
Library ________________________________________________________________ 20
Telecommunications and Broadband ________________________________________ 21
Transportation __________________________________________________________ 21
Veterans _______________________________________________________________ 23
Waste Management ______________________________________________________ 23
Workforce Development __________________________________________________ 23
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INTRODUCTION
County Profile
Contra Costa County is home to more than one million residents and was one of the original 27
counties established in California in 1850. It is the ninth most populous county in the state.
Contra Costa is large – over 733 square miles and extends from the northeastern shore of the
San Francisco Bay easterly about 50 miles to San Joaquin County. The County is bordered on
the south and west by Alameda County and on the north by the Suisun and San Pablo Bays.
The western and northern shorelines are highly industrialized, while the interior sections are
suburban/residential, commercial and light industrial. About 40 percent of the county is under
the jurisdiction of 19 incorporated cities and towns, and large portions of the remaining
unincorporated area are part of public park systems. Contra Costa County is also very diverse,
with communities that range from small agricultural towns like Byron, with a population density
of about 200 people per square mile, to urban population centers like Contra Costa Centre, a
bustling transit village with a population density of 8,400 people per square mile.
Demographic Highlights
Approximately 1.1 million people live throughout Contra Costa County, but only 15 percent of
those, or about 172,080 people, reside in the unincorporated areas of the county. Most of the
population is consolidated along the major transportation corridors, including Interstates 80 and
680, Highways 4 and 24, and the BART lines. The median age of County residents is 39 years
old. Since 2010, the fastest-growing age group has been seniors 65 or older, as the baby boom
generation ages. The majority (57 percent) of County residents are white, with significant
proportions of Asian (17 percent) and African American (8 percent) people. The Census tracks
Latinx ethnicity separately from other populations; in total, the Hispanic/Latino population
makes up approximately one-quarter of the total population.
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Governance
A five-member Board of Supervisors, each elected to four-year terms, serves as the
legislative body of the County, which has a general law form of government. Also elected a re
the County Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Clerk-Recorder, District Attorney, Sheriff-Coroner
and Treasurer-Tax Collector. The County Administrator, David Twa, is appointed by the
Board and is responsible for running the day-to-day business of the County.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors:
District 1: John M. Gioia
District II: Candace Andersen
District III: Diane Burgis
District IV: Karen Mitchoff
District V: Federal D. Glover
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Legislative Platform Purpose
The Legislative Platform establishes the priorities, principles, and policy statements of the
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and establishes the basis for its advocacy efforts,
alerting our legislative partners of the greatest needs of our reside nts and where we need
additional help1. The Platform provides general direction to County departments and
agencies, legislative advocates, delegation members, and the public on our positions on key
policy matters that would impact the way the County does business. The Platform also
includes new bill requests for which legislation is sought from Contra Costa County. The
County’s protocol for position development is Attachment A.
Contra Costa County has also adopted a Delta Water Platform to identify and promote
activities and policy positions that support the creation of a healthy Sacramento -San Joaquin
Delta. Contra Costa County uses this Delta Water Platform to guide its actions and advocacy
regarding the future of the Delta. The Delta Water Platform is Attachment B.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Contra Costa County has adopted the following Mission, Vision and Values statement:
1 Note that until the 2021-2022 Platform is adopted, the 2019 Adopted Platform policies are considered a
component of this Platform.
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SPONSORED BILLS AND LEGISLATIVE
PRIORITIES
Sponsored bill proposal #1: Legislation to increase the cap for a countywide general
sales tax measure to be placed on the November 2020 ballot .
Sponsored bill proposal #2 : Legislation, in conjunction with Alameda County and other
partners, that establishes statewide hauler permitting requirements and associa ted
penalties as well as increases penalties allowed by State law for illegal dumping.
Sponsored bill proposal #3 : Legislation to dedicate net proceeds from State Lands
Commission lease revenues for public benefit in the County in which they are
generated with a focus on increasing public access to and enjoyment of the waterfront.
Sponsored bill proposal #4 : Legislation to a llow telephonic annual In -Home Supportive
Services (IHSS) reassessments when a client meets criteria consistent with variable
asses sment guidelines .
Legislative and/or Regulatory Advocacy Priorities
✓ Climate Change
✓ Heath Care (including Behavioral Health, Substance Use
Disorder (SUD))
✓ Housing and Homelessness
✓ Justice Reform
✓ The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta/Water and Levees
✓ Transportation for Seniors/Persons with Disabilities
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PRINCIPLES AND POLICY STATEMENTS
Agriculture
• SUPPORT efforts to ensure sufficient state funding for pest and disease control and
eradication efforts to protect both agriculture and the native envi ronment; high risk pest
exclusion activities; pesticide regulatory and law enforcement activities; and noxious weed
pest management.
• SUPPORT funding for agricultural land conservation programs and agricultural enterprise
programs, and support revisions to State school siting policies, to protect and enhance the
viability of local agriculture.
• SUPPORT legislation to establish legal authority where needed to facilitate the efforts by
the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Department o f Boating and
Waterways to survey and treat all infestations in the Delta of invasive aquatic species
through integrated pest management methods.
• SUPPORT legislative changes that preserve the integrity of the Williamson Act, eliminate
abuses resulting in unjustified and premature conversions of contracted land for
development, and to fully restore Williamson Act subventions.
Animal Services
• SUPPORT efforts to protect local revenue sources designated for use by the Animal
Services Department; i.e., animal licensing, fines and fees.
• SUPPORT efforts to protect or increase local control and flexibility over the scope and
level of animal services.
• SUPPORT efforts to protect against unfunded mandates in animal services or mandates
that are not accompanied by specific revenue sources which completely offset the costs of
the new mandates, both when adopted and in future years.
• SUPPORT efforts to ensure full funding of State animal services mandates.
• SUPPORT efforts to protect and/or increase County flexibility to provide animal servic es
consistent with local needs and priorities.
• SUPPORT efforts to preserve the integrity of existing County policy relating to Animal
Services (e.g., the Animal Control Ordinance and land use requirements).
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Child Support Services
• SUPPORT the establishment of a statewide electronic registry for the creation and
release/satisfaction of real property liens to collect delinquent child support payments.
• SUPPORT amendment of current code to clarify that county recorders may not charge a
fee or tax to record any child support agency document.
• SUPPORT efforts that require the Department of Child Support Services to provide
documents, forms, and letters in digitized format and distribute by any means that the
department determines is feasible, including email, website and SMS texting.
• SUPPORT efforts that create new child support enforcement methods or enhance existing
child support enforcement methods. OPPOSE efforts that eliminate or restrict existing
child support enforcement methods.
• SUPPORT efforts to ensure that any reduction in funding for the department of Child
Support Services at the state level is not passed down as a reduction to the local child
support agency.
• SUPPORT efforts to increase funding for the child support program. OPPOSE efforts t o
reduce funding for the child support program.
• OPPOSE efforts that restrict the child support agency from access to customer data.
Climate Change
• SUPPORT legislative and administrative efforts that: address the impacts of climate
change; support climate adaptation and resilience efforts; address the disproportionate
impacts that some communities bear because they are located near large industrial
facilities; reduce exposure to toxic air pollutants and greenhouse gases; and study and
recognize the health impacts of global and regional climate change.
• SUPPORT efforts to ensure that the implementation of AB 32 and successor bills results
in harmony between the greenhouse gas reduction target created by the Air Resources
Board for each regional/local agency, the housing needs numbers provided by the state
Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to housing element law,
and the Sustainable Communities Strategy developed through the Regional
Transportation Plan processes.
• SUPPORT efforts that favor allocation of funding and infrastructure from the California
Climate Investments Program to jurisdictions within whose boundaries are the largest
emitters of greenhouse gas, have vulnerable and/or disadvantaged communities that are
disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental pollution, have Natural
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Community Conservation Plans or similar land conservation efforts that will address
climate change and have demonstrated a local commitment to climate protection (e.g.
established emissions reduction targets, prepared Climate Action Plans, etc.).
• SUPPORT revisions to the Public Resources Code and the Air Resources Board’s
Investment Plans to provide California Climate Investments funding for the conservation of
natural lands, parks and open space through fee title acquisition as well as easements.
• SUPPORT efforts to expand eligible expenditures of the Climate Investments to
investments in accessible transit/transportation systems (serving seniors, disabled,
veterans) which result in more efficient service and corresponding reductions in
greenhouse gas production, and in investments in infrastructure and programs to promote
active transportation, particularly bicycling and walking.
• OPPOSE changes to the California Environmental Protection Agency’s protocols for
designating disadvantaged communities which result in a reduction in the number or size
of disadvantaged communities in Contra Costa County prioritized for receipt of California
Climate Investment funds.
• SUPPORT efforts to ensure life-cycle costs are considered when planning new projects in
the state.
• SUPPORT policies that support the autonomy of community choice aggregators (CCAs) in
policymaking and decision-making. OPPOSE legislation and regulatory policies that
unfairly disadvantage CCAs or CCA customers or reduce or undermine local decision-
making autonomy by the CCA or its governing board.
• SUPPORT continuing development of local renewable energy resources and supply,
including protection of local autonomy to administer energy efficiency programs and install
and utilize integrated distributed energy resources, and SUPPORT effective leveraging of
energy efficiency programs tailored to address local needs and concerns.
• SUPPORT complete transparency of all energy procurement practices, stranded costs,
and departing load charges; fair competition in statewide energy markets for community
choice aggregators (CCAs) and municipal or other publicly owned utilities; legislation and
regulatory policies that protect CCA customers from improper cost allocation; and
OPPOSE legislation that conflicts with or diminishes CCA procurement autonomy.
• SUPPORT requirements for investor-owned and public energy utilities to provide local
governments with energy usage data for all facilities – residential, commercial, and
industrial – in their jurisdictions for purposes of allowing the local governments to develop
inventories of greenhouse gas emissions within their boundaries.
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• SUPPORT legislation and programs that provide technical, financial, and governance
resources for local governments to use in addressing current and anticipated impacts of
rising water levels caused by a warming climate.
The Delta
• PROTECTION and RESTORATION of a healthy sustainable Delta ecosystem including
adequate water quality, inflow and outflow, and water supply, to support fisheries, wildlife
and habitat in perpetuity and managing or erad icating invasive species.
• RESPECT and SAFEGUARD Delta Counties’ responsibilities related to land use, water
resources, flood management, tax revenues, public health and safety, economic
development, agricultural stability, recreation, and environmental protection in any
projects, policies, or operations.
• SUPPORT rehabilitation, improvement, and maintenance of levees throughout the Delta.
• SUPPORT the Delta pool concept, in which the common resource provides quality
freshwater supply to all Delta users, requiring mutual responsibility to maintain, restore,
and protect the common resource.
• REPRESENT and include local government in any governance structures for the Delta.
• OPPOSE isolated conveyance.
Economic Development
• ADVOCATE for jobs-oriented incentive programs for jurisdictions that have met their
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers. State legislators will continue to
advance bills that make it easier to build housing, but it would also benefit the county to
have those streamlining measures apply to jobs-oriented development like office and
advanced manufacturing as well.
• SUPPORT an amendment to the California Competes Tax Credit program guidelines to
consider qualifying low-income census tracts within unincorporated areas of a county in
the enhanced scoring category.
Elections
• SUPPORT full state reimbursement for state mandates imposed upon local registrars by
the Secretary of State, including special state elections.
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Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Response
• ADVOCATE for disaster recovery funding that addresses tax backfills, debris removal,
resiliency, forest health, and economic assistance. SUPPORT legislation that will improve
forest management and emergency communications systems.
• SUPPORT legislation that would give local agencies more authority to train volunteers,
provide funding for Community Emergency Response Training (CERT), and help clean -up
oil spills without taking on additional legal liability.
• SUPPORT funding for defensible space inspections, community wildfire risk mitigation,
and for hardening of existing homes from wildfire exposure.
• SUPPORT legislation that would provide a sales tax exemption for public safety related
apparatus and/or equipment over a certain value (e.g., $250,000).
• SUPPORT exemptions from CEQA for wildfire risk mitigation projects and Essential
Services Facilities (ESF) such as fire stations, and exemptions from fees and air quality
limitations for emergency generators at fire stations.
• SUPPORT measures that evaluate and implement changes to EMS regulations that
hinder the transport of patients to alternate destinations, provide community paramedicine
programs, and engage in other programs that alter or enhance the delivery of 911
emergency ambulance transport.
• SUPPORT a permanent resolution to the reimbursement for air ambulance providers.
• ENSURE that development impact fees provide adequate funding for public safety
facilities and ongoing operations.
• SUPPORT legislation to improve telephone (cellular and voice over internet protocol)
access or back-up during emergencies.
Flood Control and Clean Water
• SUPPORT legislation that would improve integration of planning between member
agencies of an Integrated Regional Water Management Pla nning group, thereby
increasing multi-benefit projects.
• SUPPORT legislation that would require Metropolitan Planning Organizations to integrate
local and regional stormwater needs into their regional transportation planning process.
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General Revenues/Finance
• SUPPORT the State's effort to balance its budget through actions that do not adversely
affect County revenues, services or ability to carry out its governmental responsibilities.
• OPPOSE any state-imposed redistribution, reduction or use restriction on general purpose
revenue, sales taxes or property taxes unless financially beneficial to the County.
• OPPOSE efforts to limit local authority over transient occupancy taxes (TOT).
• OPPOSE any efforts to increase the County's share -of-cost, maintenance-of-effort
requirements or other financing responsibility for state-mandated programs, absent new
revenues sufficient to meet current and future program needs.
• SUPPORT efforts to ensure that Contra Costa County receives its fair share of state
allocations.
• SUPPORT efforts to receive reimbursement for local tax revenues lost pursuant to sales
and property tax exemptions approved by the Legislature and the State Board of
Equalization.
• SUPPORT continued efforts to reform the state/local relationship in a way that makes both
fiscal and programmatic sense for local government and conforms to the adopted 2010
CSAC Realignment Principles, with an emphasis on maximum flexibility for counties to
manage the existing and realigned discretionary programs.
• SUPPORT a reduction in the 2/3rd vote requirement to 55% voter approval for locally -
approved special taxes that fund health, education, economic, stormwater services,
library, transportation and/or public safety programs and services.
• SUPPORT efforts to authorize counties to impose forfeitures for violations of ordinances,
as currently authorized for cities.
• SUPPORT efforts to redefine the circumstances under which commercial and industrial
property is reassessed to reduce the growing imbalance be tween the share of overall
property tax paid by residential property owners versus commercial/industrial owners.
• SUPPORT efforts to reduce County costs for Workers’ Compensation, including the ability
to control excessive medical utilization and litigatio n.
• SUPPORT state actions that maximize federal and state revenues for county-run services
and programs.
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• SUPPORT legislative compliance with both the intent and language of Proposition 1A.
• OPPOSE efforts of the state to avoid state mandate claims through the practice of
repealing the statues, then re-enacting them. SUPPORT timely, full payments to counties
by the state for programs operated on their behalf or by mandate.
• SUPPORT full state participation in funding the County’s retiree and retiree health care
unfunded liability.
• OPPOSE the establishment of specific or stricter standards for the use of personal
services contracts by counties that would make contracting with community -based
organizations more difficult for counties.
Health Care
• SUPPORT state action to increase health care access and affordability.
• SUPPORT Medi-Cal reimbursement rate increases to incentivize providers to participate
in the program.
• SUPPORT Medi-Cal reimbursement rate increases through Proposition 56 funding to
provide quality reproductive health care services.
• SUPPORT reimbursement for a maximum of 2 visits taking place on the same day at one
location if the patient suffers illness/ injury requiring additional diagnosis/ tre atment, or if
the patient has a medical visit and mental health or dental visit.
• SUPPORT actions that address provider shortages (including physicians, particularly
specialists, and nurses). Innovative programs, such as loan forgiveness programs, should
be expanded.
• SUPPORT efforts that implement comprehensive systems of care, including case
management, for frequent users of emergency care and those with chronic diseases
and/or dual (or multiple) diagnoses.
• SUPPORT efforts that provide sufficient time for detailed data gathering of current safety
net funding in the system and the impact of any redirection of funds on remaining county
responsibilities.
• SUPPORT measures that maximize federal reimbursement from Medicaid and S -CHIP.
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• SUPPORT state action to implement a Medi-Cal waiver in a manner that maximizes the
drawdown of federal funds for services and facilities, provides flexibility, and ensures that
counties receive their fair share of funding.
• SUPPORT efforts to extend Drug Medi-Cal and Minor Consent Medi-Cal Coverage to
incarcerated youths, many of whom are in custody due to drug related crimes.
• SUPPORT funding and policy changes to support coverage of medically necessary
alcohol and substance use related disorder treatme nt at the same level as other medical
conditions.
• SUPPORT legislation that extends the restrictions and prohibitions against the smoking of,
and exposure to, tobacco products; and the promotion of cessation among young people
and adults.
SUPPORT legislation and administrative actions that further align a statewide regulatory
framework for the commercial cannabis industry and that continue to authorize local
jurisdictions to adopt more restrictive measures to protect the health, safety and welfare of
their residents. OPPOSE legislation and state regulation that seeks to weaken or eliminate
local control over the commercial cannabis industry.
• SUPPORT funding and policy changes to support population -based chronic disease
prevention efforts such as the creation and funding of a State Wellness Trust.
• SUPPORT funding and policy changes to support developing a workforce with
gerontological expertise to manage the exponential growth in the chronically ill aging
population.
• SUPPORT efforts that would advance a Health-In-All-Policies approach to policy work
done across the County. This implies consideration of how health is influenced by the built
environment and a connection with land use planning and development.
• SUPPORT ongoing study of the health impacts of global and regional climate change and
ongoing countywide mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• SUPPORT efforts that would preserve the nature and quality and continuity of care
associated with safety net services historically provided at the local lev el, such as the
California Children’s Services (CCS) and Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP)
programs, which are being transitioned into managed care at the state level.
• SUPPORT efforts that promote aging in place through the utilization of long-term supports
and services and caregiver support services.
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• SUPPORT increasing the level of funding for Long -Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to meet the increase in cost to provide
services and to meet the tremendous increase in the aging population.
• SUPPORT maintaining level or enhanced funding, streamlined processes and greater
flexibility for use of state and federal funding to respond to Public Health Emergency
Preparedness initiatives including Pandemic Influenza, emerging diseases, and continued
funding for all categories related to Public Health Preparedness.
• SUPPORT increased funding and policy changes for Tuberculosis (TB) prevention and
treatment, to reflect the increased risk of transmission faced across the Bay Area.
• SUPPORT increased funding for the public health infrastructure, capacity and prevention
services as outlined in the public health components of the Affordable Care Act and the
National Prevention and Public Health Fund.
• SUPPORT recognition of Local Public Health Departments as an authorized provider for
direct billing reimbursement related to the provision of Immunization, Family Planning,
HIV, STD and TB services.
• SUPPORT the reversal of the pre-emption language regarding local Menu-Labeling that is
included the Affordable Care Act.
• SUPPORT enhanced funding and capacity for public health programs.
• SUPPORT efforts to strengthen needle exchange programs as part of an overall program
to combat the spread of HIV and other diseases.
• SUPPORT legislative efforts to reduce or eliminate lead and toxic substances in consumer
products, particularly those used by infants and children.
• SUPPORT funding, policy and programs dedicated to suicide, injury and violence
prevention.
• SUPPORT funding and policy changes to support program development aimed at
reducing the misuse of prescription drugs, most especially opioids, and increase
prevention and treatment of opioid disorders to eliminate overdoses and combat the opioid
epidemic.
• SUPPORT funding and legislation to restrict the sale and use of powdered alcohol and
other similar products marketed to youth; restrictions on advertising of marijuana products
targeting youth and near places frequented by youth or alcohol and other drug treatment
facilities.
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• SUPPORT necessary County infrastructure and adequate funding related to education,
regulatory, testing and enforcement functions associated with cannabis regulatory
controls.
• SUPPORT legislation to tax certain beverages that contain added sugars.
• SUPPORT legislation and efforts that support healthy meals, adequate meal time, and
increased physical activity/education for school-age children.
• SUPPORT efforts to dedicate funding that sustains and expands non -infrastructure Safe
Routes to School programs that educate students, parents, and school staff about safe
walking and bicycling to school.
• SUPPORT efforts to address the underlying determinants of health and health equity,
such as housing and prevention of displacement, educational attainment and livable wage
jobs, and accessible transportation.
• SUPPORT legislation that extends the restrictions and prohibitions against the smoking of,
and exposure to, marijuana products in various places, including, but not limited to, places
of employment, school campuses, public buildings, day care facilities, multi -family
housing, health facilities, alcohol and other drug treatment facilities, and homeless
shelters.
• SUPPORT efforts to seek a state ban on electronic devices that deliver flavore d e-liquids
as well as the e-juice itself.
Homeless Services
• SUPPORT the continuation and expansion of funding for affordable housing,
homelessness assistance and prevention programs, and strategic local and regional
responses to homelessness, including resources that support the County’s compliance
with federal and state anti-homelessness and anti-poverty initiatives and requirements.
• SUPPORT increasing and maintaining affordable housing stock and housing stability by
way of supporting funding, policy, or regulations that promote housing for the most
vulnerable low, very low, and extremely low-income households, including the production
and preservation of various housing types and the protection of stable housing for
vulnerable persons experiencing homelessness.
• SUPPORT removal of barriers in planning processes, regulatory frameworks, funding
programs, healthcare access, and policy to promote increased innovation and data -driven
approaches to addressing homelessness, and housing affordability, with the goal of
eliminating discrimination or arbitrary treatment of individuals based on housing status,
income, or other household characteristics.
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• SUPPORT wide variety of housing types and formats, for all persons regardless of
personal characteristic or status, and the equitable distribution and access to affordable
units and holistic services, particularly for vulnerable individuals, in line with evidence -
based practices
Human Services
Older Adults
• SUPPORT efforts that promote individual choice by easing access to In Home Supportive
Services (IHSS).
• SUPPORT efforts to allow counties to use alternative IHSS reassessment approaches
including, but not limited to, telephonic reassessments.
• SUPPORT fully funding the administration of IHSS.
• SUPPORT the creation of funding opportunities and policies which promote the
development of aging-friendly communities.
• SUPPORT efforts that strengthen the capacity and funding of Adult Protective Services
(APS) to address all forms of abuse and neglect.
• SUPPORT efforts to provide respite for caregivers.
• SUPPORT continued and improved funding to expand services for older adults and
people with disabilities.
• SUPPORT efforts to promote safety of social workers.
Safety Net Programs
• OPPOSE legislative and budgetary actions that result in reduced level of services to
families, children, adults and seniors, or that lead to preemption of local control.
• SUPPORT continuous investment in safety net programs, including the California Earne d
Income Tax Credit (Cal EITC) and the Supplemental Security Income/State
Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) Program.
• SUPPORT fully funding administrative costs for administering programs.
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• SUPPORT efforts to improve and expand access to food, including em ergency food
assistance networks (e.g. local food banks, and food pantries), increasing the amount and
flexibility of CalFresh, and other local assistance programs.
• SUPPORT efforts to streamline benefit applications, align verifications between programs,
and have the same appointment for multiple applications.
• SUPPORT efforts that would ease data sharing and coordination of care across safety net
programs, including those administered by the Health Department, such as WIC.
• SUPPORT efforts to ease access to Medi-Cal and services provided through the program.
• SUPPORT actions which would expand eligibility to CalWORKS.
• SUPPORT efforts to increase access to employment training programs and subsidized
work programs for vulnerable populations, including access to community colleges.
• SUPPORT establishing a General Assistance Program with a state share of funding.
• SUPPORT efforts to create whole family care through a more comprehensive safety net of
services that enable families to be stable and have economic opportunities.
• SUPPORT research that describes and assesses local service needs and gaps.
Child Welfare Services
• SUPPORT continued and improved funding for services that stabilize children and
families in the foster care system.
• SUPPORT full funding of efforts to support the Continuum of Care Reform.
• SUPPORT initiatives which would expand benefits and support for reunified families.
Early Childhood Development
• SUPPORT legislation to expand early childcare, education, and other holistic approaches.
• SUPPORT increased funding for preschool and early learning.
Violence Prevention
• SUPPORT efforts that seek to address the impact of gun violence, domestic violence,
sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse and child abuse.
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• SUPPORT efforts that seek to prevent the underlying causes of all forms of violence and
invest in upstream strategies.
• SUPPORT efforts to increase cross-agency and cross-system collaboration on
interpersonal violence cases, including the sharing of confidential or protected information
in multidisciplinary team settings.
Immigration
• SUPPORT the expansion of benefits and services for immigrants, refugees, and asylum
seekers. SUPPORT efforts to amend Medi-Cal expansion to include Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) youth and state efforts to support DACA youth.
• SUPPORT efforts to increase language access and culturally responsive social services
for all immigrants.
• OPPOSE any changes that may penalize immigrants for using vital public benefits they
are legally allowed to access.
Justice Systems
• SUPPORT legislation to restore pretrial detainee access to federal health benefits.
• SUPPORT legislation raising the maximum age limit for juvenile court jurisdiction, allowing
youths to remain on juvenile probation supervision through age 24, as opposed to the
current age limit of 21, with an elevated focus on rehabilitation and restorative justice.
• SUPPORT legislation that provides local flexibility and funding to implement justice
diversion programs.
• SUPPORT legislation that seeks to curb metal theft by making it easier for law
enforcement agencies to track stolen metals sold to scrap dealers.
• SUPPORT legislation that provides a practical and efficient solution to addressing the
problem of abandoned and trespassing vessels and ground tackle.
• OPPOSE legislation that would shift the responsibility of parolees from the state to the
counties without adequate notification, documentation and funding.
• SUPPORT legislation that will help counties implement 2011 Public Safety Realignment
as long as the proposal would: provide for county flexibility, eliminate redundant or
unnecessary reporting, and would not transfer more responsibility without funding.
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• SUPPORT legislation that will combat the negative impact that human trafficking has on
victims in our communities, including the impact that this activity has on a range of County
services and supports, and support efforts to provide additional tools, reso urces and
funding to help counties address this growing problem.
• SUPPORT legislative reform of current bail provisions that will replace reliance on money
bail with a system that incorporates a pretrial risk assessment tool and evidence -based
pretrial release decisions. ADVOCATE for funding for any new or revised responsibilities,
including the assessment and supervision of people charged with crimes.
Land Use/Community Development/Natural Resources
• ASSIST in the development and preservation of low and moderate income housing
through support of programs that: 1) provide access to federal, state and local financing,
2) ensure timely review of residential projects, 3) provide financial and/or regu latory
incentives where feasible and appropriate to offset or reduce the costs of affordable
housing development, and 4) promote the re-use of existing publicly-owned assets.
• MAINTAIN local agency land use authority.
• SUPPORT ways to streamline overall compliance with State legislation, while opposing
efforts to expedite a particular development project.
• ENSURE Contra Costa residents of all income categories have access to adequate
housing.
• GROW more jobs countywide, particularly in those parts of the County with the longest
commutes and most acute jobs-housing imbalance.
• SUPPORT historically under-invested communities in their equitable economic growth.
• IDENTIFY new or enhanced revenue to support residents’ quality of life .
• ESTABLISH, fund and support locally-controlled resource permitting to streamline
economic development activities and conserve and recover species and the habitats upon
which they depend, natural resources, watersheds and open space.
Library
• SUPPORT State financial assistance in the operation of public libraries, including full
funding of the Public Library Fund (PLF) and the California Research and Education
Network (CalREN).
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• SUPPORT State bonds for public library construction.
• SUPPORT continued funding for the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition
Services Program, which provides matching funds for public library adult literacy programs
that offer free, confidential, one-on-one basic literacy instruction to English-speaking
adults who want to improve their reading, writing, and spelling skills.
Telecommunications and Broadband
• SUPPORT preservation of local government ownership and control of the local public
rights-of-way and ensure reasonable compensation for their use .
• SUPPORT continued funding for Public, Educational and Government Access (PEG)
channels to provide local community access and benefits, and increase flexibility in the
use of PEG funds.
• ENSURE nondiscriminatory treatment of Public, Educational and Government Access
Channels by Cable System Operators.
• SUPPORT the expansion of broadband (high speed internet service) to drive economic
development and job opportunities, support county service delivery, and improve health,
education and public safety outcomes for residents.
Transportation
• PROVIDE an integrated, multi-modal transportation system that safely and efficiently
meets the transportation needs of all economic and social segments of the County and
provides for the transport of goods and services throughout Contra Costa County .
• EMPHASIZE the efficient use of the existing transportation system and cost-effective
enhancements to this system. New and emerging policy direction includes an increase in
the support for active transportation modes, support for the development of aging-friendly
communities, and a decreasing emphasis on automotive capacity expanding projects
which increase greenhouse gas production.
• SUPPORT the provision of a safe, reliable, efficient, and accessible transportation system
that balances social, environmental, and economic need s of the County.
• SUPPORT increased flexibility in the use of transportation funds.
• Increased regional coordination, while reflecting local input, is necessary for public transit
(paratransit and fixed route), roads, trails, advanced mobility technology, and greenhouse
gas reduction related projects.
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• ENSURE complete life-cycle costs, including an emphasis on environmentally friendly
construction resources, are considered during state and local project development.
• SUPPORT improvements in safety throughout the transportation system, specifically for
vulnerable users of the system (children, pedestrians, cyclists, etc.).
• PROMOTE the streamlining of transportation safety projects.
• SUPPORT efforts to put in place local planning coordination mechanisms and
requirements for state funded or regulated facilities such as schools, roads, courts, jails,
and OPPOSE efforts to compromise the County’s road authority and the ability to protect
public health, safety, and welfare.
• SUPPORT regional, coordinated aviation transportation planning efforts to improve
service delivery and to provide options to the surface transportation system for people and
goods movement.
• SUPPORT efforts to increase waterborne transport of goods, in particular relative to the
San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel.
• SUPPORT measures to enhance rail safety with an emphasis on; increased state
oversight of railroad bridges, funding for first responder training, fundin g to improve rail
safety and prevent rail trespass fatalities, improved regulations for tank car safety
standards, and data sharing requirements between state emergency managers, local
responders, and rail operators.
• OPPOSE linking transportation funding to housing production.
• OPPOSE reducing or eliminating development impact fees (without secured backfill) in an
effort to increase housing production.
• INCREASE requirements for coordination between transportation agencies and utilities.
• SUPPORT funding increases for active transportation projects and planning with an
emphasis on facilities and investments that increase the likelihood of a mode shift away
from automobiles.
• PROVIDE resources to facilitate the deployment of electric vehicles and electric vehicle
charging infrastructure, including funding for vehicles, chargers, and facility upgrades, and
improvements to the electric distribution and transmission grids to safely accommodate
increased load.
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Veterans
• SUPPORT legislation and budget actions th at will continue the state's annual local
assistance for County Veterans Service Offices at a minimum of the $5.6 million level.
• SUPPORT legislation and funding that will provide veterans organizations with resources
to make necessary repairs to, or replacement of, their meeting halls and facilities.
• SUPPORT legislation that will improve the timeliness and quality of both VA benefits claim
decisions and VA healthcare services.
Waste Management
• MAINTAIN the County’s existing discretionary authority over matters pertaining to waste
management, recovery and disposal. ENSURE new or expanded responsibilities are not
imposed on the County, either directly or indirectly, without providing statutory authority to
guarantee funding to implement actions necessary to adequately enforce or comply.
• SEEK more robust local regulatory and enforcement authority relative to the storage,
transport, processing, recovery and disposal of waste within our jurisdictional boundaries.
• SUPPORT efforts to improve recycling markets.
• ENSURE manufacturers are held accountable for proper disposal of non-recyclable
products they produce to foster more environmentally sustainable product design.
• SUPPORT statewide regulation and enforcement to limit production or sale of non -
recyclable single-use items that negatively impact the environment.
Workforce Development
• SUPPORT efforts to increase the flexibility of Workforce Development Board spending
and ability to partner with community agencies and other county bureaus to increase
supportive services and respond to local workforce needs.
• SUPPORT increased teacher training and education, including funding to support
employees to obtain a teaching credential.
• SUPPORT efforts that promote training, capacity building and deeper understanding for
students, educators and county staff on trauma informed care, interpersonal violence,
adverse childhood experiences, and healthy workplaces and schools.
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LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 5.
Meeting Date:12/19/2019
Subject:Draft 2020 Federal Legislative Platform
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2019-32
Referral Name: Draft 2020 Federal Platform
Presenter: L. DeLaney and Alcalde & Fay Team Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-335-1097
Referral History:
The Legislation Committee annually reviews and considers the draft State and Federal Legislative
Platforms prior to their proposal to the Board of Supervisors. Staff aims to have to the Platforms
to the Committee for their consideration in November and/or December of each year. The adopted
Platforms of the Board of Supervisors are available here:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/2859/Legislation
Referral Update:
Every January, the Board of Supervisors adopts a Federal Legislative Platform that establishes
federal funding needs and policy positions with regard to potential federal legislation and
regulation. These documents are utilized by the County's federal advocates and staff as the basis
for advocacy efforts.
The State and Federal Legislative Platforms are prepared each year by staff of the County
Administrator's Office in collaboration with County department heads, other key staff, the County
state and federal advocates, and with input from the Board's commissions/committees and the
public. CAO staff generally conducts outreach in the fall of year year regarding the Platform
process and invites input so that draft documents can be considered by the Legislation Committee
in November and/or December of each year. Elements of the Platforms related to the subject
matter of the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee are also reviewed by that
committee prior to the Proposed Platforms being presented to the Board of Supervisors in January
for adoption.
With direction from the Board of Supervisors for the 2020 Platforms to be more streamlined,
concise and provide greater prioritization, staff of the CAO's office has conducted 2020 Platform
input meetings on multiple occasions, convening a "2020 Platform Workgroup" to solicit input on
Platform structural/formatting changes.Conference calls with the federal advocates from Alcalde
& Fay and state advocates from Nielsen Merksamer were also conducted as part of this process.
At its October 3, 2019 meeting, the Legislation Committee provided direction to staff on the
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development of the Platforms, largely consistent with the recommendations of the Platform
Workgroup. CAO staff continued soliciting input from Departments and advocates on the
development of the 2020 Platforms consistent with the direction from Legislation Committee
related to structural/format changes. Departments had an opportunity to provide further input at a
Legislative Training and Platform Input session conducted on October 9, 2019, and several
preliminary drafts were provided to the Platform Workgroup and CAO staff.
SUMMARY OF
PROPOSED FEDERAL PLATFORM CHANGES
Additions to the Draft 2020 Platform:
County Profile
Demographic Highlights
Governance
Legislative Platform Purpose (including Attachments A & B )
Mission, Vision, Values statement
Federal Funding Needs: Project Specific (consolidation of prior identified projects and
inclusion of Airports)
Federal Funding Needs: Program Specific
Substantive text changes were made to the sections related to:
Climate Change
Criminal Justice and Mental Health
The Delta
Health Care
Homeless Services
Human Services
Natural Resources/Permit Streamlining (new)
Telecommunications and Broadband
Transportation/Mobility Management and Coordination
Eliminated:
Appropriations and Grants--Support Positions
Policy Positions have been refashioned as "Priority Policy Statements," to focus federal advocacy efforts
on specific subject matters.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
PROVIDE direction to staff on the development of the 2020 Proposed Federal Platform and
recommend its adoption by the Board of Supervisors at its meeting on January 21, 2020.
Attachments
Draft 2020 Federal Legislative Platform
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2020 Draft
Federal
Platform
Contra Costa County
Website: www.contracosta.ca.gov
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2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ____________________________________________________ 3
County Profile ____________________________________________________________ 3
Demographic Highlights ____________________________________________________ 3
Governance _____________________________________________________________ 4
Legislative Platform Purpose ________________________________________________ 5
Mission, Vision, and Values _________________________________________________ 5
Federal Funding Needs: Project specific _____________________________ 6
Surface Transportation Funding Needs ________________________________________ 7
Federal Funding Needs: Program specific ____________________________ 9
Priority Policy Statements ________________________________________ 10
Climate Change _________________________________________________________ 10
Criminal Justice and Mental Health __________________________________________ 10
The Delta ______________________________________________________________ 10
Health Care ____________________________________________________________ 11
Homeless Services ______________________________________________________ 12
Human Services _________________________________________________________ 12
Library Services _________________________________________________________ 15
Natural Resources/Permit Streamlining _______________________________________ 15
Telecommunications and Broadband ________________________________________ 15
Transportation/Mobility Management and Coordination __________________________ 16
Veterans _______________________________________________________________ 16
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INTRODUCTION
County Profile
Contra Costa County is home to more than one million residents and was one of the original 27
counties established in California in 1850. It is the ninth most populous county in the state.
Contra Costa is large – over 733 square miles and extends from the northeastern shore of the
San Francisco Bay easterly about 50 miles to San Joaquin County. The County is bordered on
the south and west by Alameda County and on the north by the Suisun and San Pablo Bays.
The western and northern shorelines are highly industrialized, while the interior sections are
suburban/residential, commercial and light industrial. About 40 percent of the county is under
the jurisdiction of 19 incorporated cities and towns, and large portions of the remaini ng
unincorporated area are part of public park systems. Contra Costa County is also very diverse,
with communities that range from small agricultural towns like Byron, with a population density
of about 200 people per square mile, to urban population cente rs like Contra Costa Centre, a
bustling transit village with a population density of 8,400 people per square mile.
Demographic Highlights
Approximately 1.1 million people live throughout Contra Costa County, but only 15 percent of
those, or about 172,080 people, reside in the unincorporated areas of the county. Most of the
population is consolidated along the major transportation corridors, including Interstates 80 and
680, Highways 4 and 24, and the BART lines. The median age of Contra Costa County
residents is 39 years old. Since 2010, the fastest-growing age group has been seniors 65 or
older, as the baby boom generation ages. The majority (57 percent) of County residents are
white, with significant proportions of Asian (17 percent) and African American (8 percent)
people. The Census tracks Latinx ethnicity separately from other populations; in total, the
Hispanic/Latino population makes up approximately one-quarter of the total population.
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Governance
A five-member Board of Supervisors, each elected to four-year terms, serves as the
legislative body of the County, which has a general law form of government. Also elected are
the County Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Clerk-Recorder, District Attorney, Sheriff-Coroner
and Treasurer-Tax Collector. The County Administrator, David Twa, is appointed by the
Board and is responsible for running the day-to-day business of the County.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors:
District 1: John M. Gioia
District II: Candace Andersen
District III: Diane Burgis
District IV: Karen Mitchoff
District V: Federal D. Glover
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Legislative Platform Purpose
The Legislative Platform establishes the priorities, principles, and policy statements of the
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and establishes the basis for its advocacy efforts,
alerting our legislative partners of the greatest needs of our residents and where we need
additional help1. The Platform also provides general direction to County departments and
agencies, legislative advocates, delegation members, and the public on our positions on key
policy matters that would impact the way the County does business. The County’s protocol for
position development is Attachment A.
Contra Costa County has also adopted a Delta Water Platform to identify and promote
activities and policy positions that support the creation of a healthy Sacramento -San Joaquin
Delta. Contra Costa County uses this Delta Water Platform to guide its actions and advocacy
regarding the future of the Delta. The Delta Water Platform is Attachment B.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Contra Costa County has adopted the following Mission, Vision and Values statement:
1 Note that until the 2021-2022 Platform is adopted, the 2019 Adopted Platform policies are considered a
component of this Platform.
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FEDERAL FUNDING NEEDS: PROJECT
SPECIFIC
1. Secure funding for the Army Corps’ annual maintenance dredging of the
federal channels along the County’s borders that maintain the ship channel to
the authorized depth of -35 feet .
2. Advocate for and support the San Francisco to Stockton Navigation
Improve ment Project that proposes to deepen the ship channel to realize
transportation efficiencies .
3. Mount Diablo Mercury Mine . Support legislation in the Water Resources
Development Act that would give authority to the Army Corps of Engineers to
build remediat ion projects in the Remediation of Abandoned Mine Sites
program.
4. Buchanan Field and Byron Airports : Secure f unding for Master Plan/Business
Plan Implementation.
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Surface Transportation Funding Needs
✓ Vasco Road Safety Improvements: Project components (barriers,
shoulders, passing facilities) will eliminate cross median collisions, wildlife
undercrossing/overcrossing will preserve migration patterns.
✓ North Richmond Community Supportive Transportation Improvements:
Alternate truck route/regulations, trail/school access improvements to
address community safety, public health and livability needs, and general
transportation improvements to support job growth and priority
development area access.
✓ Eastern Contra Costa Multi-use Trail Network: Active mode access
improvements for planned and existing mass transit stations, schools, and
activity centers.
✓ Brentwood Intermodal Transit Center: Multimodal station access
improvements and the extension of mass transit from the Antioch BART
station.
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✓ Iron Horse Corridor Enhancement Program: Improvements to trail access
(to/from activity center and other regional trails), additional facilities for
different active modes, overcrossings, at grade intersection improvements.
✓ State Route 4 / Old River Bridge Study: The existing structure is narrow,
improvements would address safety and traffic flow.
✓ West Contra Costa High Capacity Transit: Implementation of the
WCCTAC High Capacity Transit Study.
✓ Kirker Pass Truck Climbing Lane (southbound) and Turn Channelization:
Needed for improved traffic flow and safety.
✓ Vasco Road – Byron Highway Connector: Connection between two major
arterials improving connectivity while removing through/truck traffic from
the Byron community.
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FEDERAL FUNDING NEEDS: PROGRAM
SPECIFIC
1. Housing : Support funding for economic development and affordable housing
for local agencies engaged in building stronger, more economically viable
communities.
2. L ocal Cost Share . Support legislation that would give the Army Corps of
Engineers the authority to reduce the project cost share in disadvantaged
communities to 10% local match.
3. Multimodal National Freight Network : Support i ncreases in funding for Nationa l
Freight Strategic Plan implementation specifically to fulfill the goals of the
Northern Waterfront initiative and to address congestion in the I -680 Corridor .
4. Rail Safety : Support i nitiatives to increase safety by addressing trespass
fatalities and relative to rail service to oil refineries.
5. Rural Road Funding Program : Support the creation of a new program to
modernize rural roads consistent with emerging safety, complete streets,
active mode policies.
6. Stormwater Program Funding: Support additional funding through the EPA to
enable compliance with the Clean Water Act.
7. Surface Transportation Program/Increases in Highway (road/rail) Bridge
Funding : Regulation changes are needed tha t allow for direct funding to
qualified local jurisdictions to expedite economic benefits, increase purchasing
power, and bolster travel, business and economic growth.
8. Transportation Funding for Disabled, Low -income, and E lderly Persons :
Support increased capital and operations funding, in addition to funding and
policy changes that would address local, state, and federally identified needs
for coordination improvements.
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PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENTS
Climate Change
• SUPPORT legislative and administrative efforts that: address the impacts of climate
change; support climate adaptation and resilience efforts; address the disproportionate
impacts that some communities bear because they are located near large industrial
facilities; reduce exposure to toxic air pollutants and reduce greenhouse gases; and study
and recognize the health impacts of global and regional climate change.
• SUPPORT the concept of establishing a national price on carbon -based fuels to address
the costs to society of emissions from those fuels.
Criminal Justice and Mental Health
• SUPPORT policies and approaches that would enhance the ability of county officials and
our partners to prevent and treat mental health and substance use disorders, both in the
community and within the confines of the criminal justice system.
• SUPPORT policies and programs that divert non-violent individuals struggling with mental
illness and/or substance use disorders from local jails into more appropriate treatment
programs.
• SUPPORT legislation and regulations that would amend the federal Medicaid Inmate
Exclusion Policy (MIEP) and allow non-convicted individuals to have continued access to
necessary treatment through federal health benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP
and VA health benefits.
The Delta
• SUPPORT protection and restoration of a healthy sustainable Delta ecosystem including
adequate water quality, inflow and outflow, and water supply, to support fisheries, wildlife
and habitat in perpetuity and managing or eradicating invasive species.
• SAFEGUARD Delta Counties’ responsibilities related to land use, water resources, flood
management, tax revenues, public health and safety, economic development, agricultural
stability, recreation, and environmental protection in any projects, policies, or operations.
• SUPPORT rehabilitation, improvement, and maintenance of levees throughout the Delta.
• SUPPORT the Delta pool concept, in which the common resource provides quality
freshwater supply to all Delta users, requiring mutual responsibility to maintain, restore,
and protect the common resource.
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• REPRESENT and include local government in any governance structures for the Delta.
• OPPOSE isolated conveyance.
Health Care
• SUPPORT full funding of the Federal Medicaid program. OPPOSE federal efforts to
reduce Medicaid funding or restrict access to Medicaid benefits and services.
• OPPOSE federal legislation and administrative efforts to privatize Medicaid and/or to
impose work requirements as a condition of Medicaid (Medi -Cal) eligibility.
OPPOSE efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act or to replace it with any proposa ls that
represent significant, permanent structural alterations to current subsidized segments of
the health care system.
• OPPOSE new block-granting proposals, harsh cuts, or proposals that will significantly
and/or permanently shift the structure of heal th and human service funding and
programming that would lead to the restriction or elimination of safety-net programs.
• OPPOSE efforts to eliminate or reduce funding for essential public health services,
inclusive of funding for immunization, HIV/Ryan White, Communicable Disease and
Tuberculosis Control, Hansen’s Disease, Teen Pregnancy, Public Health Preparedness
and Maternal Child Health Funding.
• OPPOSE changes to Title X Family Planning Program, enacted in 1970, dedicated solely
to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health
services.
• OPPOSE efforts to impose work requirement as a condition of Medicaid (Medi-Cal)
eligibility.
• SUPPORT Medicaid (Medi-Cal) funding for same day mental health appointments
.
• SUPPORT reauthorization of funding for HIV/Ryan White Care, Maternal Child Health
Funding including Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV), and CHIP
(Children’s Health Insurance Program).
• SUPPORT legislation and administrative changes that will enhance counties’ ability to
provide comprehensive Behavioral Health Services.
• PROTECT funding for core local public health and prevention efforts.
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Homeless Services
• PROTECT SUPPORT the continuation and expansion of funding for affordable housing,
homelessness assistance and prevention programs, and strategic local and regional
responses to homelessness, including resources that support th e County’s compliance
with federal and state anti-homelessness and anti-poverty initiatives and requirements.
• SUPPORT increasing and maintaining affordable housing stock and housing stability by
way of supporting funding, policy, or regulations that promote housing for the most
vulnerable low, very low, and extremely low-income households, including the production
and preservation of various housing types and the protection of stable housing for
vulnerable persons experiencing homelessness.
• SUPPORT removal of barriers in planning processes, regulatory frameworks, funding
programs, healthcare access, and policy to promote increased innovation and data -driven
approaches to addressing homelessness and housing affordability, with the goal of
eliminating discrimination or arbitrary treatment of individuals based on housing status,
income, or other household characteristics.
• SUPPORT wide variety of housing types and formats, for all persons regardless of
personal characteristic or status, and the equitable distribution and access to affordable
units and holistic services, particularly for vulnerable individuals, in line with evidence -
based practices.
Human Services
Older Adults and Aging
• OPPOSE elimination or cuts to funding for older adult programs and services. SUPPORT
funding for programs that support older adults, veterans, disabled individuals, the
homeless, and low-income individuals.
• SUPPORT funding and policies to provide older adults with holistic services that support
well-being, health, and mental health.
Safety Net Programs
• SUPPORT funding for entitlement programs that help low -income families reach self-
sufficiency.
• OPPOSE actions that would result in cost shifts on federal entitlement programs to state
and localities or which would result in greater dependency on county-funded programs.
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• SUPPORT efforts to increase SNAP benefit amounts to better meet recipients’ nutritional
needs, adjust SNAP eligibility requirements to include populations with significant need,
and remove current federal barriers that prevent some nutrition programs from employing
EBT technology.
• OPPOSE efforts to eliminate states’ flexibility in taking high cost of living into eligibility
determinations; OPPOSE restoration of asset tests for SNAP.
• OPPOSE funding cuts or block granting benefit programs, including SNAP and Medicaid.
• SUPPORT efforts that allow people to apply for benefits while incarcerated. OPPOSE
efforts to limit eligibility for individuals with certain criminal records or to impose work
requirements on them for benefit programs, including SNAP and Medicaid.
• SUPPORT efforts to create reasonable time limits for TANF recipients and provide
families who are working with modest cash assistance grants to supplement low earnings.
• SUPPORT reauthorization and increase the TANF Block Grant. OPPOSE change s to
TANF that will require counties to invest new funds to administer the program.
• OPPOSE efforts to restrict allowable state maintenance-of-effort expenditures and end
federal efforts to impose a national TANF error rate.
• SUPPORT federal and state financial assistance to aid county and local government
efforts to meet unfunded federal mandates.
• OPPOSE elimination and reduction in funding for programs that help low -income families
pay their heating bills and reduce energy bills by making homes more energy efficient.
Child Welfare Services
• SUPPORT legislation that increases and protects the safety and well -being of children at
risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• OPPOSE the elimination or cuts to funding streams for child welfare programs.
• SUPPORT increasing prevention dollars to help children who are victims of abuse, neglect
and exploitation remain safely in their own homes or family-based settings and provide
support to their caregivers.
• SUPPORT efforts to provide states with financial incentives, as opposed to monetary
penalties, and minimize the significant administrative burden associated with child welfare
review processes.
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Early Childhood Development
• SUPPORT efforts that ensure all children have access to quality care by expanding high
quality learning opportunities for children, expanding subsidized childcare and tax credits,
increasing new childcare slots, increasing access to home visiting programs, and making
funding available for First 5 commissions, increasing wages and supporting infrastructure
of ECE programs.
• SUPPORT policies that increase or align eligibility guidelines to ensure more access of
services for low income working families to programs such as Head Start.
• OPPOSE actions that would reduce funding for early childhood education, including Head
Start and Early Head Start programs.
Immigration
• OPPOSE actions to repeal DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) as well as
legislation and administrative efforts that negatively target immigrants.
• OPPOSE actions which discourage or prevent immigrant populations from accessing
public benefits and housing, including proposed changes to the Public Charge rule.
• OPPOSE any efforts that would restrict a full Census co unt.
• SUPPORT efforts to fully canvas hard-to-count communities.
Violence Prevention
• SUPPORT efforts to prevent, interrupt and end child abuse, domestic violence, sexual
assault, elder abuse and human trafficking.
• OPPOSE any elimination and cuts to grant programs for violence prevention, human/labor
trafficking, victim services, and federal grants related to the Violence Against Women Act.
• SUPPORT efforts that increase access to cultural responsiveness and languag e support
for victims of crime;
• SUPPORT efforts to protect housing access and employment rights for victims of
harassment and survivors of interpersonal violence.
• SUPPORT programs and actions that address suicide, injury and violence prevention.
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• SUPPORT efforts aimed at reducing health disparities and inequities associated with
violence against women, communities of color, and the LGBT community.
Workforce Development
• SUPPORT policies that meet the needs of serving businesses, workers, job seekers, and
youth under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) that preserve local
decision-making relative to spending, direction of work, and other functions of local
workforce boards.
• SUPPORT additional funding for WIOA programs and activities including education,
training, apprenticeships, job seeker support, and job placements.
• SUPPORT policies that increase access to training and education for social workers and
staff in Aging, including programs that assist students in obtaining a social work degree.
Library Services
• SUPPORT funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary
source of federal support for the nation's approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000
museums and related organizations.
• SUPPORT the reauthorization and funding for the Library Services and Technology Act
(LSTA) including the Museum and Library Services Act .
Natural Resources/Permit Streamlining
• SUPPORT locally-controlled resource permitting to streamline economic development
activities and conserve and recover species and the habitats upon which they depend,
natural resources, watersheds and open space.
Telecommunications and Broadband
• SUPPORT the expansion of broadband (high speed internet service) and the deployment
of emergency technologies, such as small cell 5 G, to drive economic development and job
opportunities, support county service delivery, and improve health, education and public
safety outcomes for residents.
• SUPPORT the restoration of net neutrality to ensure open and nondiscriminatory access
to online information.
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• SUPPORT preservation of local government ownership and control of the local public
rights-of-way and ensure reasonable compensation for their use.
• OPPOSE Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulemaking that would reduce
franchise fee obligations which fund community television operations and the General
Fund.
• ENSURE nondiscriminatory treatment of Public, Educational and Government (PEG)
channels by cable system operators. SUPPORT continued funding for PEG channels.
• SUPPORT local decision-making and accountability of local elected officials and
OPPOSE any actions that would preempt or limit the zoning and siting authority of local
governments.
Transportation/Mobility Management and Coordination
• SUPPORT and seek opportunities to streamline the regulatory process as well as
encourage the development of regulations that are appropriate and flexible
• SUPPORT policies, programs and funding increases that enable new technologies,
practices, and services to improve mobility to vulnerable populations.
Veterans
• SUPPORT legislation to increase availability, accessibility, and utilization of Veterans
Benefits.
• SUPPORT legislation to provide America’s veterans organizations with resources to make
necessary repairs to or replacement of their meeting halls and facilities.
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LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 6.
Meeting Date:12/19/2019
Subject:County Protocol on State and Federal Advocacy Efforts
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2019-33
Referral Name: Protocol on Advocacy Efforts
Presenter: L. DeLaney Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-335-1097
Referral History:
The Contra Costa County protocol and procedures on advocacy state and federal advocacy efforts
was developed by the Legislation Committee in 2008 and has not been updated since that time.
Referral Update:
During the development of the Draft 2020 Platforms, staff reviewed the legislative platforms of
several urban counties in California. One county, Sacramento County, includes in its adopted
"Federal and State Legislative Priorities," their "Procedures for Expedited Positions and
Comments on Federal and State Legislation and Regulatory Matters," as well as their "Procedures
for Board of Supervisors' Consideration of Statewide Ballot Measures." At their October 3, 2019
meeting, the Contra Costa County Legislation Committee expressed an interest in including the
Contra Costa County protocol/procedures related to legislative advocacy as an attachment to the
draft 2020 Platforms.
Contra Costa County's procedures for legislative advocacy were developed by the Legislation
Committee (Chair Piepho, Vice Chair Bonilla) in 2008. (Attachment A) While the process may
have evolved over the last decade, the protocol has not been updated to reflect current practices.
The Legislation Committee may wish to consider updates to the protocol to include such things as
the consideration of statewide ballot measures and comments on federal rulemakings.
The Sacramento County procedures are as follows:
Procedures for Expedited Positions and Comments on Federal and State Legislation and
Rulemakings
On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, the County Executive or his designee shall direct the
Governmental Relations and Legislative Officer on the appropriate position or comments that
should be taken or made on pending state and federal legislation, budget items or regulatory
rulemakings when:
A majority of the Board has taken a position as members of another local legislative body
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A majority of the Board has taken a position as members of another local legislative body
and affected county department(s) agree(s) with the position; or
The proposal is technical, non?controversial or the policy impacts to the county are minor
and there is no existing legislative policy; or
Action is needed immediately to ensure that the county’s interests are protected; or
Action is needed to prevent modification or termination of an existing county program or
policy; and
The Board of Supervisors will be informed of the actions taken on their behalf.
Procedures for Board of Supervisors’ Consideration of Statewide Ballot Measures
Only those ballot measures that qualify for the statewide ballot will be presented to the
Board of Supervisors for consideration. The Board will not be asked to take positions on
petition initiatives while they are still being circulated for signatures.
Constitutional amendments and bond measures upon which the county may have previously
taken a position while it was pending in the state legislature may also be presented, if
qualified for the statewide ballot.
The Board of Supervisors will only consider ballot measures whose subject area relates to
county policies or programs. If there is no relevant adopted legislative policy that applies, a
new policy must be developed and submitted to the Board at the same time as the ballot
measure.
All ballot measures must be reviewed and an impartial analysis provided by the
Governmental Relations and Legislative Officer prior to presentation to the Board. A
decision to present a ballot measure to the Board, regardless of the recommending party,
shall reflect a consensus about impacts to county interests.
The Board report shall include a copy of the ballot measure or a link to it; sufficient
information to understand the impacts to the county; a list of known support or opposition;
and identification of existing county policy or policies that justify the
recommended position or the new policy.
The Board report shall be scheduled for action sufficiently in advance of the election to
enable the Board’s action to be relevant, and to the extent possible, to enable the Board to
postpone and reconsider the measure at a later Board hearing.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
REVIEW the adopted Contra Costa County protocol and procedures on state and federal
advocacy and provide direction to staff.
Attachments
Attachment A: Board Orders on Advocacy Protocols
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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