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HomeMy WebLinkAbout032930 RES - 12/06/2022Resolution Adopting the City of Corpus Christi's State Legislative Agenda for the 88th Texas Legislature WHEREAS, the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature will convene on January 10, 2023 for 140 days; and WHEREAS, the City of Corpus Christi, its residents, businesses, industry, governments, agencies and institutions benefit significantly from 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 coordinating legislative activities with other public and private sector entities and municipal advocacy organizations; and WHEREAS, to be successful, requires close contact and constant communication with legislative leadership, external legislative consultants, statewide municipal advocacy organizations, 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 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 • 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. Page 1 of 8 032 930 SCANNED SECTION 2. The City Council generally OPPOSES 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 loss of revenue or negatively impacts potential revenue growth to the City; SECTION 3. The City Council adopts the following policy issues as its agenda for the 88th Regular Session and any potential Special Called Sessions of the Texas Legislature. A. 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. Page 2 of 8 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 • Engagement of legislative consultants. Support legislation that would allow cities to remove themselves from an Emergency Service District when the city can provide service to the area. Port of Corpus Christi Preserve the power of the City of Corpus Christi to appoint 3 members of the governing board of the Port of Corpus Christi. Oppose Legislation that would expand the authority of the Port of Corpus Christi beyond their role and responsibility to maintain and promote navigable commerce. Oppose legislation that would expand the unilateral economic development and real estate development authority of the Port of Corpus Christi. Public Health 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, point of care clinics, medical institutions, Emergency Medical Service providers, first responder agencies, Texas Department of State Health Services, Health and Human Services, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Support legislation to increase funding for public health, health care coverage and access for Texans. Protect and strengthen access to behavioral health care (mental health and substance use disorder services) to create healthier communities as well as healthier workforce. 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 $50 million for the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) Program. Oppose legislation to offer tax exemptions for wind energy developments in close proximity to military installations. Ensure provisions from Senate Bill 277 (85th Regular Session) are included in economic development tax credit programs. Page 3 of 8 Disaster Assistance and Emergency Management Reform Support funding to assist local governments with recovery, mitigation, and resiliency projects following natural disasters. Support the continuation of local government ability to pass ordinances and issue orders that address needs in an emergency or disaster. 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 mitigations 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 Support legislation that enables the city to permit, develop, and fund drought resistant water supply sources. Support legislation and funding that provides for the development of resilient and sustainable utility infrastructure B. ACTIVELY SUPPORT Support improvements to the appraisal and appraisal appeals process to align the refund interest charged with current municipal investment returns. Support legislation that funds and enables broadband infrastructure and universal access across the city. Education and Economic Competitiveness Protect all 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, industrial district agreements, the film incentive fund, and other statutes related to economic development. 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 (DMC), 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. Page4of8 Establish a well -funded pre -K-12 school finance system that: • 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 requests for capital construction assistance program (CCAP) projects. Advance the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Building a Talent Strong Texas goals for TAMU-CC and DMC which are: • Attainment of certificates or degrees so at least 60% of Texans have post- secondary credential of value by 2030 • Postsecondary credentials of value aligned with workforce demands that will raise incomes for individual Texans while reducing debt. • Research, development and innovation that drives discovery, improves lives, broadens education, and creates new jobs. • Community College Finance Reform -- Support legislation developed from the Texas Commission on Community College Finance final recommendations that rewards community colleges for positive outcomes, increases affordability for students and increases capacity at college to meet changing workforce needs. • Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) — Equate required match to what is allowed for TEXAS Grants and expand to cover continuing education courses/credentials. • Department of Information Resources — Seek funds to address unfunded mandates for colleges in their required work with the state information technology agency. • Statutory changes to implement the Texas Transfer Framework — Seek statutory authority for the THECB to ensure accountability with the new Texas Transfer Field of Studies acceptance and applicability upon transfer. • Nursing Clinical Sites — Address shortage of clinical sites for nursing students. 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 Page 5 of 8 Transportation Support legislation and funding that provides for the development of resilient and sustainable transportation infrastructure 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. Protect the local prioritization of policies and funding for improved transportation and additional transit options. 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 and funding that implements the recommendations of the TXDOT Urban Air Mobility Advisory Committee's recommendations included in their final report dated September 2022, including recommendations for technology, airspace and infrastructure, safety and security, and commerce and community integration. 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. Homelessness and Affordable Housing The City supports legislation and funding that allows for flexible and innovative solutions to create local options to increase the supply of affordable housing for low to moderate income families. Support funding to create and rehabilitate units in federal housing subsidy programs and create additional housing, shelter and service options for low income and homeless populations, including youth who are aging out of the foster care system. Page 6 of 8 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. SECTION 4. 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 Task Force Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau Del Mar College Texas A&M University Corpus Christi 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 Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Texas Mayors of Military Communities (TMMC) Texas Police Chiefs Association Texas Fire Chiefs Association Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA) Texas Municipal Courts 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 Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (TXSWANA) Texas Chapter of American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (TXASBPA) Page 7 of 8 Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Government Finance Officers Association of Texas (GFOAT) Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association SECTION 5. The Legislative Priorities remain in effect until amended by the City Council. SECTION 6. Staff is directed to distribute these 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 thec.P.\day of QQ,r,^( , 2022. Rebecca Huerta 'aulette Guajardo City Secretary 6 of I rte( , 2022 Mayor The above resolution was passed by the following vote: Paulette Guajardo Michael Hunter Mike Pusley John Martinez N'a Billy Lerma Roland Barrera Ben Molina Greg Smith Gil Hernandez Page 8 of 8 032 930