UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE BOARD APRIL 4, 2008

The Legislative Platform contains broad policy statements pertaining to a variety of issues affecting members of the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA). The Platform is designed to serve as a guide for members as they formulate policy and positions, and track legislation. In addition, it provides a policy framework for the Association to respond to legislative issues in a timely manner.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, REDEVELOPMENT, EMINENT DOMAIN, AND LAND USE

• Support efforts that would expand the supply of housing in balance with the location of jobs.
• Support legislation that would encourage the building of livable and sustainable communities in line with the strategy developed by the Southern California Association of Governments.
• Support a legislative solution to reform the use of eminent domain that keeps in mind that eminent domain is a valuable tool for achieving broad public benefits.
• Protect local funding sources available for investment in future housing and infrastructure and oppose further State tapping into the redevelopment agency funds.

AIR QUALITY

• Support reasonable legislation regarding better air quality in the Los Angeles Basin.
• Support legislation to curtail port pollution and other sources of pollution.
• Recognize the economic and resource constraints that impact contract cities, the community, and business.

CONTRACT SERVICES

• Serve as an advocate to protect the provision of municipal services through contracting.

COOPERATION AMONG OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

• Open channels of communication among staff and policy makers.
• Provided that the subject matter is consistent with the bylaws of CCCA, provide support or cooperate with other local government organizations (such as the League of California Cities and Independent Cities Association) to support or oppose legislation of common interest (e.g., Proposition 90).

ENERGY

• Support legislation that establishes and preserves the role of local government in energy decisions and that protects ratepayers (including contract cities) against dramatic rate increases.

HOME RULE

• Promote legislation that enhances local control and the doctrine of home rule for cities.
• Oppose unfunded State mandates and preemption of local authority, whether by State legislation or ballot propositions.

PUBLIC FINANCE

• Advocate stable sources of revenue for contract cities so they may plan for future growth and provide for needed public facilities and services.
• Support legislation for financial incentives to local governments to revitalize "Downtown" and encourage the creation of livable and sustainable communities.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND MEDICAL SERVICES

• Protect emergency health care and medical services, fire and emergency response services, homeland security programs, and local law enforcement.
• Support development of a common emergency frequency (called interoperability).

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

• Support legislation and Public Utilities Commission orders that implement the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 (AB 2987) that, in particular, protect local government franchise fees and do not endanger core local functions such as the Public, Educational and Government Programs channels (PEG).   
• Protect local government's right of way use from unsightly and potentially hazardous equipment placement by telecommunications companies.

TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT

• Support a transportation finance structure for State and local governments that balances and supports all modes of transportation.
• Support adequate and fair funding of infrastructure dollars derived from the November 2006 bond measures for all contract cities.
• Support legislation to moderate truck traffic from the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles.
• Support a "fair and equitable" Congestion Management Plan Fee proposed by the Southern California Metropolitan Transportation Authority or else it should continue its existing system of debits/credits.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

• Oppose waste management requirements that unduly burden contract cities or create excessive costs absent funding.
• Support legislation that provides incentives for recycling.
• Support the implementation and funding of programs to reduce litter and illegal dumping.