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HomeMy WebLinkAbout032291 RES - 11/17/2020Resolution to adopt the City of Corpus Christi's State Legislative Agenda for the 87th Texas Legislature and Federal Legislative Priorities for the 117th United States Congress. WHEREAS, the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature will convene on Januaryl2, 2021 for 140 days; and WHEREAS, the 117th United States Congress will convene on January 3, 2021 for two annual sessions and is scheduled to adjourn on January 3, 2023; and WHEREAS, the City of Corpus Christi, its residents, businesses, industry, governments, agencies and institutions benefit significantly from federal and state government agency programs and services provided in the community and are greatly impacted by legislative activities; and WHEREAS, during every state legislative session and congress, thousands of bills are filed and many have the potential to either directly or indirectly impact the City of Corpus Christi (City), its programs and services, its citizens, the tax base, and community needs; and WHEREAS, The City's Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Department is responsible.. for monitoring state and federal governmental activities, developing legislative priorities approved by City Council, managing the City's legislative consultants at Focused Advocacy in Austin, TX, and Meyers & Associates, LLC, in Washington,,D.C., and coordinating legislative activities with other public and private sector entities and municipal advocacy organizations; and WHEREAS, to be successful, this ever -evolving business environment requires close contact and constant communication with legislative leadership, external legislative consultants, national and statewide municipal advocacy organizations, national and statewide partners, community leadership, and community stakeholders. WHEREAS, it is necessary to provide guidance for the City's officers and representatives in conducting the City's state and federal legislative efforts and relations; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas: SECTION 1. The City Council generally SUPPORTS federal and state legislation and/or administrative actions that: • Protects policies previously established by City leadership through Charter, ordinances, resolutions and master plans • Furthers local control; • Protect and enhance City revenues; • Reduce or eliminates costs to the City; and Page 1 of 11 0322.91 SCANNED • Provides increased educational opportunities and job creation/retention for the citizens of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend region through the military, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, public schools, community colleges and universities. SECTION 2. The City Council generally OPPOSES federal and state legislation and/or administrative actions that: • Nullify or undermine the City's policies contained in existing provisions of the Charter, ordinances, resolutions, and master plans, unless such changes expand the City's ability to manage its own affairs; • Diminishes the authority of cities to regulate and manage their growth and development; • Imposes unfunded mandates that requires any expenditures by the City unless all costs are fully reimbursed by the mandating governmental entity • Undermine the principle of home rule and local control by the City; and • Results in the Toss of revenue or negatively impacts potential revenue growth to the City; SECTION 3. The City Council adopts the following policy issues as its federal legislative agenda for the two annual sessions of the 117th Congress: A. FEDERAL PRIORITIES Support direct flexible assistance to local governments to continue response to and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Protect the investment made by taxpayers over the past 80 years, support adequate funding from the U.S. Department of Defense for the vital military missions and national security value of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Naval Air Station Kingsville, the Corpus Christi Army Depot, the United States Coast Guard and all tenant commands located at NASCC, including active duty and civilian personnel, training, equipment, maintenance of aging facilities and infrastructure and new construction of necessary facilities and infrastructure to ensure force readiness. Support elimination of the Production Tax Credit for wind farm developments within close proximity of a military installation and flight training routes. Oppose definitions or procedural changes or practices at the Department of Defense which would result in reduced workload at military depots such as CCAD. Oppose pre-emption by federal agencies which nullify or undermine the policies contained in existing provisions of the Charter, ordinances, resolutions, and master plans, specifically the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposed regulatory overreach on small cell telecommunication deployment and FCC's new rules Page 2 of 11 that will significantly reduce cable franchise fees and impact Public, Educational and Government (PEG) channels. Protect existing tax-exempt status of municipal bonds and support legislation that would restore advance refunding of tax-exempt bonds. Prohibit redefining "Waters of the United States". Prevents the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency from expanding the definition of surface waters and wetlands that are subject to the Clean Water Act's regulatory requirements and protection. Monitor the impact of EPA's new Lead and Copper rule for water utilities B. ACTIVELY SUPPORT Preserving the funding levels of congregate meal and home -delivered meals, and Preserving funding levels for all other aging services programs, including Senior Companion Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Support level or increased funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Community Development Block Grant, HOME, and Homeless Assistance programs. Support funding for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs that support Corpus Christi International Airport Improvement projects. Support a federal infrastructure program, including full funding for the Highway Trust Fund, which promotes investment in highways, rail, waterways, utilities, and technology without requiring excessive local debt and additional unfunded mandates. Increase the rate of return for Texas from the Highway Trust fund to correct the imbalance of Texas' status as the only donor state to the trust fund. Support expansion of federally designated opportunity zone program and allow for local governments in economically disadvantaged areas to advocate for and participate in opportunity zone designation and development. Create a pathway for residents living within opportunity zones to have access to participate in Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds. Support Stafford Act reforms that would streamline disaster response timelines and clarify the act with regard to funding of projects affected by duplication of authority. Support preservation of and improvements to the Historic Tax Credit (HTC) as seen in the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act (HTC -GO) Page 3 of 11 C. ACTIVELY OPPOSE Oppose any actions that would increase barriers to trade, such as tariffs on intermediate goods. Oppose any barriers that would prevent Coastal Bend businesses and industries from staying competitive in a global economy and result in a net Toss for the economic health of our regions, state, and country. Oppose the elimination of the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), which is the only means for the Department of Defense (DoD) to directly support civilian activities that, in turn, provide direct value and savings to the warfighter by allowing DoD to reduce costs by shedding excess infrastructure, engaging a more resilient supply chain and competitive defense manufacturing sector, and enhancing the lethality of our assets through joint land use planning. SECTION 4. ENDORSEMENTS. The City Council endorses the federal legislative priorities and recommendations of affiliate professional, trade, community and services organizations in which the City, its elected officials, and/or staff in their official capacity are members of or serve on the boards of directors, when those policy recommendations are aligned with the mission of the City and are not in conflict with a specific policy adopted by the City Council. Those entities may include, but are not limited to: United States Conference of Mayors National League of Cities National Community Development Association National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Alliance for Interstate 69 Texas Association of Defense Communities Army Aviation Association of America Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance American Planning Association United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce South Texas Military Facilities Task Force Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau Del Mar College Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Texas A&M University Kingsville Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend Corpus Christi Economic Development Corporation Coastal Bend Council of Governments National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) American Public Works Association Page 4 of 11 SECTION 5. The City Council adopts the following policy issues as its agenda for the 87th Regular Session and any potential Special Called Sessions of the Texas Legislature. A. STATE PRIORITIES: Preserve Local Decision -Making The City strongly supports the principles of local decision-making from residents, stakeholders and local elected officials who are most directly responsive to their neighbors. The City opposes undermining the principle of home rule and local control and opposes legislation that diminishes the authority of cities to regulate and manage their growth and development. Oppose State of Texas preemption of municipal authority in order to protect residential neighborhoods from activities that would degrade homeowner property values, and more specifically oppose eroding municipal authority related to development matters including annexation, eminent domain, land use planning and zoning, building codes and inspections, and tree preservation. The City strongly opposes legislation, especially revenue caps, that undermines the authority of local elected officials to establish budgets and generate revenues through various authorized taxes, and user fees, to improve quality of life and secure the essential municipal services, personnel, facilities, and initiatives prioritized by local taxpayers. Oppose legislation that would erode the ability of a city to issue debt. Oppose legislation taking away local authority to draft bond and referendum ballot language and interjecting the State of Texas, an agency or statewide elected official into a local election process. Support increased transparency for Municipalities in the sales tax audit process that result in any type of audit adjustment or refund. Oppose state legislation that would erode the authority of a city to be adequately compensated for the use of its rights-of-way and/or erode municipal authority over the management and control of rights-of-way. Oppose legislation that would prohibit the City from using public funds to communicate with legislators or state agencies and advocate on behalf of the community through: • Participation in grassroots advocacy efforts; • Membership with municipal associations; • Employment of in-house intergovernmental relations staff; and Page 5 of 11 • Engagement of legislative consultants. Preserve the power of the City of Corpus Christi to appoint 3 members of the governing board of the Port of Corpus Christi. COVID -19 Pandemic and Public Health Support legislation that requires equal treatment of local governments and prevents a state official or state agency from placing additional restrictions on a city's use of federal funds from future stimulus legislation related to a health pandemic that impedes the flexible use and prompt expenditure of funds as authorized by Congress. Support simplified reporting system and increased investment in public health IT Infrastructure needs to allow for real time communication and disease surveillance between local health departments, medical institutions, Texas Department of State Health Services and the Center for Disease Control Protect and strengthen access to behavioral health care (mental health and substance use disorder services) to create healthier communities as well as healthier workforce. Provide more flexibility for use of Type NB dollars to help our hardest hit small businesses recover from COVID-19 impacts. Support for our Military Community and Installations The City supports legislation which protects the investments made by taxpayers in facilities, equipment, infrastructure, training of active duty and civilian personnel to fulfill the critical national security missions performed at military installations throughout Texas. Support Legislative Appropriations of at least $30 million for the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) Program. Oppose legislation to offer local tax exemptions for wind energy developments in close proximity to military installations. Protect provisions from Senate Bill 277 (85th Regular Session) Disaster Assistance and Emergency Management Reform Support funding to assist local governments with recovery, mitigation, and resiliency projects following Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Hanna, or other disasters. Support the continuation of local government ability to pass ordinances and issue orders that address needs in an emergency or disaster. Page 6 of 11 Support windstorm insurance reform that will provide affordable, equitable rates for the Texas coast. Oppose unnecessary rate hikes from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Environment and Utilities Support continued funding for air quality monitoring and mitigation projects to enable Corpus Christi to remain in compliance with federal Clean Air Standards. Support improvements to Texas Water Development Board Regional Water Planning process, the unified cost model and other plan requirements B. ACTIVELY SUPPORT Support improvements to the appraisal and appraisal appeals process to align the refund interest charged with current municipal investment returns. Support improvements to the Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) through the Sunset Commission process to include representation from Fire Chiefs of larger municipal fire departments on the TCFP and the Firefighters Advisory Council. Education and Economic Competitiveness Protect economic development tools that attract new jobs and companies to Texas, including but not limited to the Skills Development Fund, CPRIT, Sales and Use Tax Exemptions, Enterprise and Tax Increment Financing Districts, the film incentive fund, and other statues related to economic development such as Chapters 311, 312, 313, 380, and 381. Support increased educational opportunities and job creation/retention for the residents of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend region through the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, Port of Corpus Christi Authority, public schools, Del Mar College, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) and Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK). The City supports an increase in the state's share of public education, therefore reducing the property tax burden of local taxpayers, and updates to the state's school funding system to include an increase in the basic allotment. The City supports full funding for virtual education within local school districts during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Establish a well -funded pre -K-12 school finance system that: Page 7 of 11 • requires locally collected tax revenue for education to stay in the education system; • includes education for all children starting with full-day pre -k; • provides financial transparency and accountability to taxpayers for all education funds; • explores additional revenue sources aligned with enhanced outcomes and efficiencies, • ensure student progress and post -secondary readiness with high levels of pre -K- 12 academic rigor and accountability. The City supports enhanced formula and non -formula funding for Del Mar College, TAMUCC and TAMUK and authorizing Tuition Revenue Bonds for requested capital projects. Support TAMUCC exceptional item request for the Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center for Excellence and Innovation (LSUASC) Emergency Management service enhancement. Support TAMUCC exceptional item request Strengthening Texas' Coastal Economy Through Sustainable Commercial Oyster Aquaculture Advance the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's 60x30TX goals: • improve the higher education funding system to incentivize quality, workforce readiness, and certificate and degree completion; • fully fund TEXAS grants, Tuition Equalization Grants and Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants; • streamline the college credit transfer process towards quicker certificate and degree completion and reduced student debt; • support the goal of all high school graduates completing at least 12 student credit hours of Dual Credit courses; Meet industry workforce needs through alignment and expansion of: trade and technical skills training, apprenticeships, internships, and work -based learning opportunities, along with funding for workforce Dual Credit programs, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) and industry -specific certifications and degrees Transportation Preserve the billions of dollars in road and highway funding added by Proposition 1 and Proposition 7 funding and ensuring the deferred payment authorized under the 85th legislative session is paid in full. Protect the local prioritization of policies and funding for improved transportation and additional transit options. Page 8 of 11 Utilize new project delivery tools to allow for innovative and smart infrastructure financing and the use of innovative technologies that would not further obligate state funds. Develop roads and rail, as part of an integrated, multi -modal transportation network to maximize our state's capacity to move people, goods and services throughout the state. Support legislation that would enhance community safety initiatives such as Vision Zero by allowing cities more flexibility to reduce speed limits on local streets for the overall safety of all road users. Tourism Support retention of full State tourism funding. Protect existing authority to use Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues to construct a convention center hotel and oppose any restrictions, limitations or changes which would alter the existing authority. Positive changes to local Hotel Occupancy Tax Laws to include expansion of sporting facilities category to include additional sports activities. Support request of Texas Commission on the Arts for new Cultural District designations. Homelessness and Affordable Housing The City supports legislation that allows for flexible and innovative solutions to create local funding options to increase the supply of affordable housing for low to moderate income families. Support funding to rehabilitate units in federal housing subsidy program and create additional housing options for the homeless population. C. ACTIVELY OPPOSE Education and Economic Competitiveness Oppose legislation that would limit the authority of Type A or Type B economic development corporations statewide. Oppose legislation that would limit or eliminate the current flexibility of the Major Events Reimbursement Program as a tool for cities to attract or host major events and conventions. Oppose proposals to use local Hotel Occupancy Taxes for non -tourism purposes. Page 9 of 11 SECTION 6. ENDORSEMENTS. The City of Corpus Christi will coordinate with the following local stakeholders to endorse legislative priorities to promote the overall health and prosperity of the Coastal Bend region, provided they do not conflict with the City's own legislative agenda. These entities may include, but not be limited to: United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce South Texas Military Facilities Task Force Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau Del Mar College Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Texas A&M University Kingsville Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend Coastal Bend Council of Governments United Way of the Coastal Bend The following municipal advocacy or professional associations will adopt legislative priorities, which the City of Corpus Christi may endorse during the session, provided they do not conflict with the City's own legislative agenda. These entities may include, but not be limited to: Texas Municipal League (TML) Texas Mayors of Military Communities (TMMC) Texas Police Chiefs Association Texas Fire Chiefs Association Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA) Texas Municipal Courts Association Texas Court Clerks Association Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) Texas Chapter American Planning Association Texas Coalition for Affordable Power (TCAP) Transportation Advocates of Texas (TAOT) Alliance for Interstate 69 Texas Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA) Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (TXSWANA) Texas Chapter of American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (TXASBPA) Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Government Finance Officers Association of Texas (GFOAT) Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association The following state agencies may adopt legislative priorities, which the City of Corpus Christi may endorse during the session, provided they do not conflict with the City's own legislative agenda. These entities may include, but not be limited to: Page 10 of 11 Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Texas Workforce Commission SECTION 7. The Legislative Priorities remain in effect until amended by the City Council. SECTION 8. Staff is directed to distribute these Federal and State Legislative Priorities to the local legislative delegation, legislative leadership, external legislative consultants, municipal advocacy organizations, federal and state municipal partners, community leadership, and community stakeholders to solicit their advice and support. This resolution takes effect upon City Council approval on this the 1' day of NC) , 2020. ATTEST: THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI Rebecca Huerta City Secretary Corpus Christi, Texas fl of NOV-tin/NW , 2020 fra cComb r The above resolution was passed by the following vote: Joe McComb Michael Hunter Paulette Guajardo Vacant Everett Roy Roland Barrera Ben Molina Greg Smith Gil Hernandez Page 11 of 11 032291