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Danville Town Council Legislative Committee
AGENDA
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
11:00 a.m.
Town Offices
510 La Gonda Way, Danville
Materials related to any item on this agenda are available for the public at the meeting, on the Town Website at
Danville.ca.gov, and at the Danville Town Offices, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville, CA during normal business
hours. Members of the public may provide input on any item listed on the agenda. Comments should not exceed
three (3) minutes.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PUBLIC COMMENT – At this time, members of the public may address the Committee
about a subject which is not listed on the agenda. Comments should not exceed three (3)
minutes.
3. ACTION ITEMS - Members of the public may provide input on any of the following items
listed on the agenda. Comments should not exceed three (3) minutes.
3.1 January Legislative Report
3.2 Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Framework
4. ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing agenda was posted at the Danville Town Offices and
the Danville website at www.danville.ca.gov, in the Town of Danville 72 hours in
advance.
___________________________________
Marie Sunseri, City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Danville will provide special assistance for
disabled citizens. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (925) 314-
3388. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the Town to make reasonable arrangements to ensure
accessibility to this meeting. [28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM 3.1
TO: Mayor and Town Council January 26, 2021
SUBJECT: January Legislative Report
BACKGROUND
Both individually and as part of the Tri-Valley Cities coalition, Danville officials are
adapting to the social and economic changes and the 2021 state legislative priorities. The
immediate focus on our advocacy work has been to support legislative efforts that help
the Town recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and limit new legislation that impacts
local control and adds stress to the Town’s already depleted resources.
In 2021 the State Legislature is expected to continue to intensify their efforts to encourage
housing development and affordability by imposing new requirements on local
governments. The Legislature historically introduces over 2,000 bills each year covering
a broad range of issues. While the business of the Legislative session is the same, the
Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact the state and will have broad implications on
shaping policy in the new session. The Legislative Committee’s work is essential to
ensure the town is well positioned for advocacy work during the 2021 Legislative Session.
DISCUSSION
As anticipated, at the beginning of the 2021 Legislative Session, California Senate Pro
Tem Toni Atkins introduced several key pieces of legislation including the reintroduction
of bills from the Senate Housing Package. The new “Building Opportunities for All”
housing package includes six bills designed to offer housing opportunities and solutions
to Californians.
Building Opportunities for All Housing Package
SB 5: Senate Housing Bond (Atkins, Skinner, Weiner)
Senate Bill 5, establishes the initial framework that would state the intent of the
Legislature to enact legislation that would authorize the issuance of bonds and would
require the proceeds from the sale of those bonds to be used to finance housing-related
programs that serve the homeless and extremely low income and very low-income
Californians.
SB 6: (Caballero) The Neighborhood Homes Act
Senate Bill 6, the Neighborhood Homes Act, authorizes residential development on
January Legislative Update 2 January 26, 2021
existing lots currently zoned for commercial office and retail space, such as strip malls or
large “big box” retail spaces, that are not adjacent to industrial use zones. The bill would
require the density for a housing development under these provisions to meet or exceed
the density deemed appropriate to accommodate housing for lower income households
according to the type of local jurisdiction, including a density of at least 20 units per acre
for a suburban jurisdiction.
Senate Bill 7: (Atkins) The Housing + Jobs Expansion and Extension Act
Senate Bill 7, eliminates the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process by
extending and expanding provisions of AB 900, which streamlined paperwork and
expedited legal challenges to large, multi-benefit housing, energy, and manufacturing
projects. SB 7 would extend the 2021 ‘sunset’ of AB 900, through 2025.
Senate Bill 8: (Skinner) Density Bonus Law
Senate Bill 8, would change the Density Bonus Law and incentivize the construction of
housing developments that will contain a specified percentage of units for low and
moderate-income households. This bill is currently listed as a spot bill.
Senate Bill 9: (Atkins) California Housing Opportunity & More Efficiency (HOME) Act
Senate Bill 9, promotes small-scale neighborhood residential development by
streamlining the process for a homeowner to create a duplex or subdivide an existing lot
in residential areas. SB 9 is identical to SB 1120, a bill that essentially eliminates single
family zoning. SB 9 language, at a minimum allows for 4 full size houses where one sits
now.
Senate Bill 10 (Wiener)
SB 10, allows cities to upzone areas close to job centers, transit, and existing urbanized
areas to allow up to ten units without having to go through the lengthy CEQA process.
Housing Legislation
ACA 1: (Aguiar-Curry)
This measure would create an additional exception to the 1% limit that would authorize
a city, county, city and county, or special district to levy an ad valorem tax to service
bonded indebtedness incurred to fund the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or
replacement of public infrastructure, affordable housing, or permanent supportive
housing, or the acquisition or lease of real property for those purposes, if the proposition
proposing that tax is approved by 55% of the voters of the city, county, or city and county,
as applicable, and the proposition includes specified accountability requirements.
SCA 2: (Allan, Weiner)
SCA 2, would repeal Article 34 of the California Constitution, which requires voter
approval for publicly financed affordable housing developments. If approved by the
Legislature, this constitutional amendment would then go to voters at a statewide
January Legislative Update 3 January 26, 2021
election.
AB 15: (Chiu)
AB 15, would extend and modify key provisions of the author’s AB 3088, the COVID-19
Tenant Relief Act of 2020 from the last session. Among other provisions, the bill would
extend the moratorium on evictions for nonpayment of rent from January 31, 2021 to
December 31, 2021, as long as tenants pay at least 25% of the rent due.
SB 15: (Portantino)
SB 15, would provide incentive grants to local governments that rezone idle big-box retail
or shopping center sites to allow the development of housing instead.
AB 49 (Cottie Petrie-Norris)
AB 49, is an intent bill to eliminate the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee
which, among other projects, finances affordable housing. The bill would move the
committee’s duties and authority to the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, also
in the State Treasurer’s Office. A recent State Auditor’s Report found that the California
Debt Limit Allocation Committee had left $2.7 billion in bond authority on the table that
could have been used for affordable housing when pollution control projects that had
been allocated bonds fell through.
AB 71: (Rivas, Chiu)
AB 71, would create a comprehensive, statewide homelessness solutions program with
ongoing funding, to be paid for by increasing taxes and closing loopholes on higher
income individuals and corporations.
Federal
The Biden Administration was sworn into office on January 20. The first item on the
agenda is to curb the spread of COVID-19. President Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion
emergency relief plan designed to deliver direct aid to families, businesses, and
communities, as well as focus on coronavirus testing and vaccine production and
delivery. Key components of the package include $350 billion to state and local
governments, $15 billion for small business grant programs, $160 billion for schools, $25
billion in rental assistance for low and moderate-income households who have lost jobs
during the pandemic, a $15-dollar minimum wage, $20 billion for vaccines and $50
billion for testing.
Tri-Valley Cities Coalition
During the month of January, the Tri-Valley Cities Mayors’, Managers’, and Liaisons’
meetings reconvened. Townsend Public Affairs presented a Legislative briefing. The
next meeting is February 2, where each City/Town will be presenting their legislative
priorities to the coalition along with recommendations for changes to the Tri-Valley Cities
Legislative Framework.
January Legislative Update 4 January 26, 2021
Grants Program
At the beginning of the calendar year there are 4 grant applications pending totaling $3.65
million. During the month of January staff submitted a Letter of Intent for REAP grant
funding and a CalRecycle Grant application for refillable water stations.
Prepared by:
Diane Friedmann
Assistant to the Town Manager
Reviewed by:
Joseph Calabrigo
Town Manager
Tri-Valley Cities | Legislative Framework A
2018-2020
TRI-VALLEY CITIES
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
TVC CITY CONTACT INFORMATION
Town of Danville
510 La Gonda Way
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 314-3388
dfriedmann@danville.ca.gov
City of Dublin
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 833-6650
dublininfo@dublin.ca.gov
City of Livermore
1052 South Livermore Avenue
Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 960-4040
info@cityoflivermore.net
City of Pleasanton
123 Main Street
P. O. Box 520
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 931-5001
bhopkins@cityofplesantonca.gov
City of San Ramon
7000 Bollinger Canyon Road
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 973-2500
citymanager@sanramon.ca.gov
Tri-Valley Cities | Legislative Framework 1
INTRODUCTION & STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK OVERVIEW
Background
The Tri-Valley Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and the Town of Danville
have joined together to work on legislative issues, projects and initiatives at the State and
Federal level. Each city and town is represented by the Mayor, City Manager and Staff Liaison.
Coordination of the group is rotated annually between each city. Activities include quarterly
meetings to discuss legislative matters, and an annual State Legislative visit to Sacramento
in the spring, and an annual Federal Legislative visit to Washington, D.C. in the winter. The
objective of these trips is to hold meetings with state and federal representatives, promote
the Tri-Valley Legislative Agenda, and attend either the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Annual
Winter Meeting or the National League of Cities’ Annual Congressional City Conference.
The Cities and Town have contracted with a state and federal advocacy firm, Townsend Public
Affairs (TPA) and prior to TPA, Jordan & Associates. The Cities and Town, have experienced
success in advocacy for legislation and leveraging funding for projects that meet the needs of
the region.
Previous successful efforts include:
• Interstate 580, 680 and State Route 84 improvements; and
• East Bay Regional Communication System; and
• Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center.
Overview
The Cities and Town have determined that the development of a Strategic Framework would
assist the region with a more focused effort and improve strategic advocacy at all levels of
government (e.g. federal, state, regional, local).
This document sets a clear direction regarding the region’s priorities, including desired
objectives, estimated timelines for completion, and potential partnerships with regional
agencies (e.g. transportation agencies) for each legislative effort. The goal of the Strategic
Framework is to provide focus, drive alignment, promote strategic relationships, and assist in
2018-2020
TRI-VALLEY CITIES
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
2 Tri-Valley Cities | Legislative Framework
promoting a clear and concise narrative to maintain and improve the quality of life for Tri-
Valley residents and businesses and enable continued opportunities for public and private
investment within the region.
TRI-VALLEY CITIES VALUES STATEMENT
The Tri-Valley Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Town of Danville value
regional leadership, collaboration, and problem solving to maintain and improve the quality of
life for Tri-Valley residents and businesses, and enable continued opportunities for public and
private investment within the region.
Each City or Town provides a unique perspective on how to best meet the needs of their
residents. The Cities and Town agree to respect the individuality of each community while
focusing on collaboration towards common efforts and regional solutions.
The Cities and Town are committed to open and honest communication with a goal of building
consensus and a united approach to advocacy for solutions that will serve the residents and
businesses of the Tri-Valley.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION FRAMEWORK
The current political landscape has required the Cities and Town to develop a different
legislative framework in order to create positive outcomes for the region. Historically, the
practice has been to advocate at the federal level for funding of local projects by meeting
with federal legislators and seeking direct funding through federal “earmarks.” The elimination
of federal “earmarks” by the Obama Administration as a funding mechanism for local projects
and initiatives has severely limited the region’s legislative advocacy efforts.
The new reality is that Federal funding is now primarily distributed by Federal Agencies
via grant programs. While these grants are available to cities, in practice local and regional
governmental entities apply to respective federal agencies for these funds through a
competitive application process. To be successful in this environment, the Cities and Town
must be strategically focused and rely on relationship building and other public private
partnerships to achieve successful outcomes.
The Legislative Action Framework provides a mechanism to better equip the Cities and Town
Tri-Valley Cities | Legislative Framework 3
to work together on issues of joint interest. The process includes the following objectives:
• Identifying and prioritizing Focus Areas;
• Identifying and prioritizing specific projects and/or initiatives within each Focus Area;
Developing the Tri-Valley Legislative Platform that highlights project leads, regional
partnerships, timelines and specific outcomes; and
• Developing a two-year Action Plan Framework which serves to implement the
aforementioned objectives.
Focus Areas
Focus Areas anchor the work of the Cities and Town by providing clearly defined areas of
interest. The Cities and Town will prioritize their Focus Areas and determine which of the Focus
Areas will be included in the Action Plan. The City Managers and Mayors may evaluate and
amend Focus Areas as needed.
The seven (7) Focus Areas are as follows (listed in priority order):
1. Public Infrastructure
2. Transportation
3. Housing
4. Local Control
5. Fiscal Sustainability
6. Economic Development
7. Public Safety
Projects
Projects were identified and prioritized for each Focus Area. Based upon the Focus Areas
identified to include in the Action Plan, the Cities and Town will select projects and identify
specific outcomes to be included in the Action Plan. An Engagement Plan will be outlined
for each project/initiative and a Fact Sheet will be developed. The Engagement process
is explained in further detail on page 5. The specific projects within the Focus Area are as
follows (listed in priority order):
Public Infrastructure
1. Secure funding for local roads and bridges.
2. Expand renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., solar, wind, etc.).
3. Improve water infrastructure (e.g., potable, recycled water, etc.).
4. Secure funding for Storm Water Management Infrastructure/Green Infrastructure.
4 Tri-Valley Cities | Legislative Framework
Transportation
1. Implement Tri-Valley Transportation Council (TVTC) Regional Priorities.
2. Implement capacity improvements and regional highway connectivity on State Route 84
and Interstates 580 and 680.
3. Accelerate connection of the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority’s
Valley Link project to the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE).
4. Complete the Iron Horse Trail from Danville to Livermore, including improvements over
crossings within each jurisdiction.
Housing
1. Strengthen local control to address state housing mandates.
2. Monitor and influence regional housing policy (e.g. Plan Bay Area, RHNA cycles, etc.).
3. Secure and protect local funding sources for workforce housing opportunities (e.g. CDBG,
etc.).
4. Work to minimize homelessness within the region.
Local Control
1. Advocate for CEQA reform.
2. Strengthen local land use control.
3. Support permit streamlining initiatives.
Fiscal Sustainability
1. Advocate for fiscal reform to ensure retention of local revenue sources (e.g. sales tax,
property tax, gas tax, reform county pool allocations, etc.).
2. Support and secure regional and state grants for eligible capital projects and/or initiatives.
3. Advocate for sustainable statewide CalPERS pension reforms.
Economic Development
1. Support regional collaboration around business innovation.
2. Promote private investment.
3. Recruit and retain local employers.
Public Safety
1. Protect local COPS Funding.
2. Strengthen law enforcement (e.g. AB109).
3. Reduce repeat offender crimes.
Tri-Valley Cities | Legislative Framework 5
Engagement Plan
This plan will expand engagement to four (4)
levels: Federal, State, Regional, and Local, and will
include a strategic focus on relationship-building.
For each specific project and initiative, it is
important to evaluate and strengthen existing, and
cultivate new, relationships. These relationships
will be key to preparation of an Engagement
Plan which will clearly identify steps and tasks to
achieve project success.
With established working relationships, the
municipalities will be poised to better understand
partners and how to leverage support for projects and initiatives.
The Engagement Plan will identify partners at each of the four levels, and the project liaisons
from each municipality will work on the selected
projects or initiatives and outline a communication
loop to ensure that information is shared at all levels
regarding status, next steps and desired outcomes.
The plan will also provide an analysis of how the
project or initiative aligns with partner agency
priorities, and identify any additional relationships
that need to be developed and/or expanded.
The municipalities will be responsible to work with
the lobbyist/consultant/ contract staff to develop
an Engagement Plan that will identify goals and
strategies for each selected project or initiative.
TVC
Federal State Regional Local
Iron Horse Trail
PARTNERSHIPS
FederalDOTFHWA
StateCalTransLocalDivision
RegionalMTC
LocalEBRPDAlamedaCTC
TVC
Federal State Regional Local
Iron Horse Trail
PARTNERSHIPS
FederalDOTFHWA
StateCalTransLocalDivision
RegionalMTC
LocalEBRPDAlamedaCTC
6 Tri-Valley Cities | Legislative Framework
2018–2020 FOCUS AREAS AND PROJECTS
Areas of Focus: Local Control, Transportation, and Housing
Projects:
Primary Priority
• Strengthen local land use and control.
Secondary Priorities
• Accelerate connection of the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority’s
Valley Link project to the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE).
• Complete the Iron Horse Trail from Danville to Livermore, including improved over
crossings within each jurisdiction looking for grant funding.
• Strengthen local control to address state housing mandates.
Tertiary Priorities
• Secure and protect local funding sources for workforce housing opportunities
(e.g. CDBG, etc.).
• Implement capacity improvements and regional highway connectivity on State Route 84
and Interstates 580 and 680.
NEXT STEPS
Working together with TPA we will focus on developing relationships through Engagement
Plans in an effort to progress toward measurable outcomes for each project.
The Legislative Framework may be periodically updated to adjust to the changing conditions
of the Tri-Valley Area and the policy objectives of the region.
8 Tri-Valley Cities | Legislative FrameworkTri-Valley Cities | Legislative Framework