Legislative Advocacy

The purpose of the Legislative Platform is to formalize the City’s positions on identified legislative issues and streamline the legislative approval process by reducing the need for repeated City Council direction on matters that have already been reviewed and approved. The Platform is developed and updated based on City Council goals and priorities, analysis of legislative proposals, input from City Council and staff, research into existing and proposed laws, and coordination with the City’s legislative advocates. When federal or state legislation aligns with the Platform or with previously adopted City positions, City staff may prepare and submit position letters with the authorization of the City Manager.

Guiding Principles

1. PRESERVE LOCAL CONTROL
Preserve and protect the City's powers, duties, and prerogatives to enact local legislation and policy direction concerning local affairs and oppose legislation that preempts local authority. Local agencies should preserve authority and accountability for revenues raised and services provided.

2. PROMOTE FISCAL STABILITY
Support measures that promote fiscal stability, predictability, financial independence, and preserve the City's revenue base and maximum local control over local government budgeting. Oppose measures that shift local funds to the County, State or Federal Governments and/or make cities more dependent on the County, State or Federal Governments for financial stability, such as unfunded mandates or mandated costs with no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.

3. SUPPORT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Support opportunities that allow the City to compete for its fair share of regional, state, and federal funding. Support funding for programs with combined benefits to air quality, water quality, affordable housing, infrastructure (including multi-modal transportation systems), public safety and public health.

4. ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH ADEQUATE PUBLIC SAFETY
Reform recently enacted criminal justice laws enacted by both statute and initiative   that have eroded public safety protections of Upland residents.  Protect existing city authority to deliver local emergency services.