13 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND In calendar year 2009, Pleasanton's federal legislative strategy (in order to obtain 2010 federal appropriations) was regionally established in the Tri-Valley in cooperation with the cities of Dublin, Danville, Livermore and San Ramon. This approach is appropriate since California and federal office holders are interested in supporting multi city/county projects that benefit a significant number of constituents. Collective support from local, county and state officials on a project creates greater chances of success. Over the past five years, this coordinated approach has worked successfully for the Tri-Valley. At the state level, Pleasanton's legislative approach will mirror the federal approach and will take advantage of opportunities to work regionally with the Tri-Valley Cities and support the strategic policies adopted by the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities. This report provides a summary of the federal legislative priorities discussed with lawmakers in January 2009. Tri-Valley Mayors were successful in delivering information about the federal priorities that would address the needs of the region. Additional efforts continue through contracted lobbying firms and City staff to ensure these priorities remain highly visible to federal lawmakers. Beyond the regional federal priorities, Pleasanton has identified three key projects that do not conflict with the regional federal initiatives. This report also provides a summary of City efforts statewide to advance the League's priorities. The following strategies are independent of the recently approved federal stimulus efforts. The City will pursue stimulus funds as the details of this legislation become available in the areas of infrastructure improvements, housing and clean energy. DISCUSSION Regional Federal Priorities 1. East Bay Regional Communication System Authority Request: $3,000,000 Neither Contra Costa nor Alameda County possesses a radio communications system that enables first responders, public works units and other units of government to communicate with each another during critical incidents. The East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA) was formed on September 11, 2007, as an independent governmental agency representing 35 member agencies including Alameda and Contra Costa counties, 29 cities and four special districts, to build and operate astate-of-the-art communications system for these public agencies. The EBRCSA is leading the efforts to advocate for this project. Member agencies are supporting EBRCSA's legislative effort by submitting similar funding requests to specific lawmakers and coordinating between local government agency lobbying firms to ensure adequate outreach is made to appropriate congressional delegations. Through the commitment of State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP), funds from both Page 2 of 7