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
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• 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
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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)
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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
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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
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• 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.
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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:
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• 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.
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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.
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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:
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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
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NOV-tin/NW , 2020
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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
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032291