CC 03-18-2025 Item No. 2 Study session to reestablish Legislative Review Committee_Written Communications (2)CC 03-18-2025
Item No. 2
Study session to
consider reestablishing
the Legislative Review
Committee
Written Communications
From:Kitty Moore
To:City Clerk; Kirsten Squarcia; Lauren Sapudar
Subject:Written Communications Item 2 LRC
Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 12:08:08 PM
Attachments:2022-legislative-platform.pdf
CC Resolution No. 18-010 Establishing a Policy for Legislative Advocacy.pdf
CC Resolution No. 23-026 to repeal and replace Resolution No. 18-010 regarding the Legislative Review
Committee.pdf
Orig. Scope Pages from 22-024 Gonsalves and Son, State Legislative Advocacy Services.pdf
Modified Scope Pages from 22-024 Amendment #3 dated 12-12-23 State Legislative Advocacy Services.pdf
Dear City Clerk,
Please include this email and the content of the 5 attachments for Written Communications,
Agenda Item 2.
Attached please find the following:
Legislative Platform last approved by City Council in 2022.
Resolution 18-010 Forming the LRC (unanimously)
Resolution 23-026 Rescinding 18-010 and replacing the LRC with Staff
recommendations (not under Council direction) regarding legislation to support/oppose
etc. (3-2 vote).
2022 Lobbyist Contract Original Scope of Work (lobbyist primarily supporting City
Council)
2023 Lobbyist Contract Modified Scope of Work (lobbyist primarily supporting Staff)
Thank you,
Kitty Moore
Kitty Moore
Vice Mayor
City Council
KMoore@cupertino.gov
(408) 777-1389
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
1
The 2022 Legislative Platform is comprised of guiding principles that provide a framework for
the City of Cupertino’s regional, state, and federal legislative priorities. Adopted annually, the
City’s Legislative Platform serves as a reference guide for legislative positions and objectives that
provides direction for the City Council, the Legislative Review Committee, and staff throughout
the year. The Legislative Platform is the foundation of a focused advocacy strategy.
Guiding Principles
I. Fiscal Responsibility
The City of Cupertino has a fiduciary responsibility to its residents to ensure assets and resources
are properly safeguarded and deployed in a fair, prudent, and efficient manner. As such, the City
supports the protection of existing federal, state, and local funding sources and the authorities
that provide revenues to the City. Likewise, the City has an interest in the solvency of public
entities that provide resources to the City. The City opposes any new mandates that are unfunded
or inadequately funded, and supports efforts to eliminate, or provide funding for currently
unfunded mandates.
II. Local Control
The City supports local decision-making authority and opposes preemption of local control.
Cities are voluntarily created by the residents of a community to provide local self-government
and to make decisions at a local level to best meet the needs of the community. Each community
has unique needs and characteristics that are best met by policies set by its local governing body.
Efforts to remove the ability to set policy at the local level should be opposed, while promoting
legislation that incentivizes and allows flexibility in the City's effort to cost-effectively meet local
priorities.
III. Sustainability
The City of Cupertino is a leader in embracing sustainability efforts in response to current and
anticipated environmental challenges. The City continuously looks for innovative strategies to
reduce its carbon footprint and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The City supports
environmentally friendly legislation and urban sustainability consistent with our Climate Action
Plan (CAP). As such, the City supports environmentally friendly legislation and urban
sustainability consistent with our CAP goals.
IV. Infrastructure and Mobility
The City seeks to maintain existing infrastructure and enhance the safety and accessibility of
sustainable, alternative mobility options for our residents and businesses. The City can
accomplish this by supporting legislation that increases funding for transportation,
infrastructure, operations, and maintenance in Cupertino.
The City seeks to upgrade and maintain municipal facilities so that they operate at peak energy
and water efficiency. In addition, Cupertino seeks to enhance the provision of carbon-free
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
2
services, such as electric vehicles and buildings that are free of fossil fuels. Cupertino supports
legislation or rulemaking that enhances the City’s ability to procure and implement fuel-
switching, on-site renewable energy deployment, and low-carbon or carbon-free critical power
backup services.
V. Healthy, Safe and Resilient Community
One of the City’s primary goals is to provide a healthy and safe environment for our residents.
The City supports legislation that protects and enhances services to the City’s most vulnerable
populations, such as the economically disadvantaged, elderly, homeless, and disabled. In
addition, the City supports federal and state assistance for local law enforcement, as well as any
measures that would help contribute to local public safety and mental well-being, such as support
for parks and open spaces. In order to foster a resilient community, the City supports legislation
that strengthens local disaster preparedness, emergency planning and response activities, as well
as programs that invest in climate adaptation planning and deployment of adaptation strategies.
VI. Education
The City understands that access to quality education is a key factor in maintaining a strong and
vibrant community. The City supports state efforts to ensure that California schools have
adequate funding to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and all schools have
the personnel and materials needed to create an environment where children can succeed.
City of Cupertino - 2022 Federal Legislative Priorities
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG)
1. Support the preservation, or increase, of funding for the CDBG
program.
2. Support increased flexibility in how CDBG funds can be utilized.
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
1. Support amendments to the EB5 Visa Program to ensure that
investments are concentrated in target employment areas, such
as Qualified Opportunity Zones, that would most benefit from
economic development.
2. Support efforts to mitigate the economic impacts on the City,
and its businesses, from the coronavirus pandemic.
EDUCATION 1. Support education funding to include support for special needs
students.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
1. Support legislation that assists regional and local governments
in development and implementing energy efficiency, renewable
energy, and conservation strategies. Ensure that states and local
governments can continue, and not be preempted in, their efforts
to achieve economic improvements through increased energy
efficiency, renewable energy and conservation plans that seek to
decrease carbon emissions.
2. Advocate for funding for projects for potable water reuse
projects, nonpoint source pollution control, and watershed
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
3
City of Cupertino - 2022 State Legislative Priorities
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
1. The City embraces efforts to support legislation or obtain
funding for economic development initiatives, including
planning and implementation of regional transportation and
traffic congestion relief projects, the creation of affordable
housing, and social services.
2. Work with elected representatives to secure funding through the
State Budget for priority projects and programs in the City.
3. Support legislation that would provide workers with a living
wage.
4. Support legislation and funding for workforce development and
skills training programs, including those developed with
business and education partners.
management. Accelerate authorization for indirect and direct
potable reuse projects. Support legislation that generates
additional revenue for water infrastructure improvements,
provides for the funding of programs mandated for compliance,
and addresses drought resilience.
HEALTH AND PUBLIC
SAFETY
1. Support legislation to provide services to those experiencing
domestic violence, addiction, or mental health issues, including
mental health services for youth.
2. Support legislation to aid local governments in the preparation
for, and response to, public health emergencies.
3. Monitor legislation related to the public’s right to protest, as well as
legislation related to standards on appropriate law enforcement
response to public protests, including use of force levels.
LAND USE
1. Oppose legislation, and regulatory efforts, that would diminish
or eliminate the authority of cities to zone and plan for the
development of telecommunications infrastructure, including
the siting of cellular communications towers or transmission
sites.
LOCAL AUTHORITY
1. Oppose preemption of local authority.
2. Oppose new program mandates that are unfunded or
underfunded.
TRANSPORTATION &
INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Support adoption of a long-term federal transportation
authorization that provides a stable and reliable funding stream
for transportation with focus on maintenance and preservation,
and funding for roads, bridges, and transit.
2. Support legislation that generates funding to support all modes
of transportation, including transit, bicycles, and pedestrians.
3. Support legislation that generates funding for storm drain
capacity and maintenance projects.
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
4
5. Oppose legislation that would increase local costs related to
public employee retirement.
6. Oppose legislation that limits the City’s ability to collect
Transient Occupancy Taxes.
7. Oppose legislation that would burden local rate payers with
increased state utility costs and mandates.
8. Monitor legislation that would provide local governments with
additional tax-increment based economic development tools,
such as Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts or tax
increment financing districts.
9. Oppose legislation that would amend sales tax distribution
formulas in a manner that negatively affects the City.
10. Monitor legislation that would amend the definition of independent
contractors.
EDUCATION
1. The City understands that access to quality education is a key
factor in maintaining a strong and vibrant community. The City
supports state efforts to ensure that California schools have
adequate funding to ensure that every child has access to a
quality education and all schools have the personnel and
materials needed to create an environment where children can
succeed.
2. Support legislation that ensures full funding of the State’s
Proposition 98 guarantee.
3. Support legislation that would increase funding for schools for
programs and salaries.
4. Support legislation that would amend the Leroy F. Greene
School Facilities Act to ensure that facilities funding is sufficient
to cover all costs of new facilities, including the acquisition of
land.
5. Support legislation that provides students access to educational
resources and technology needed to be prepared for higher
education or the modern workforce.
6. Monitor legislation that clarifies square footage-based parcel
taxes.
ELECTIONS
1. The City supports legislation that encourages and expands civic
engagement and voter participation in elections.
2. Oppose legislation that weakens voters’ right to petition through
the initiative and referendum processes.
3. Support legislation that provides resources and support for
municipal elections.
4. Monitor legislation that affects the California Voting Rights Acts.
5. Monitor legislation that lowers the voting requirements for
passage of local special purpose agency funding propositions.
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
5
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
1. Support legislation that provides funding for local emergency
preparedness planning.
2. Support legislation that provides reimbursement for costs
associated with public safety power shutoffs and other
emergency response efforts.
3. Support legislation that provides or incentives for retrofitting,
and other seismic preparedness activities.
4. Support legislation that would ensure the City, as well as
businesses and residents, have access to communications during
emergency events.
5. Support specific funding opportunities to address natural
disaster mitigation and evacuation planning.
6. Monitor legislation regulating the use of drone aircraft by public
agencies for use in emergency response, or other capacities.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
1. The City supports legislation and policies that emphasize
sustainable development, improve environmental standards and
the regulatory process, and promote sustainable energy policies.
2. Support legislation that provides incentives and financial
support for preservation of natural resources, organic waste
recycling, and landfill diversion.
3. Support sustainability efforts that are consistent with the City’s
Climate Action Plan.
4. Support legislation that assists local governments in the
development and implementation of energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and conservation strategies.
5. Oppose legislation that would preempt local government efforts
to achieve economic improvements through increased energy
efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation plans that seek to
decrease carbon emissions.
6. Support increased funding for green buildings, electric vehicle
charging stations, and related infrastructure, including
residential homes.
7. Support legislation to reduce plastic waste and single-use
plastics, such as plastic bags and containers.
8. Oppose legislation that weakens environmental review policy or
CEQA.
9. Support legislation that expands, promotes, or incentivizes
water conservation practices and programs, including the
expanded use of local water resources such as recycled water,
graywater, and rainwater harvesting.
1. The City supports government transparency, public access to
required meetings and records, and legislation that facilitates
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
6
GOVERNMENT
TRANSPARENCY
these principles while still allowing for necessary municipal
operations and services.
2. Oppose legislation that impacts the ability of special districts and
joint powers authorities to self-regulate.
3. Oppose legislation that expands the Public Records Act without
funding to carry out the new requirements.
4. Support legislation that improves the ability of local
governments to utilize digital communication and archiving.
HEALTH & PUBLIC
SAFETY
1. The City values public health and social services. The City
supports legislation and policies to access resources that provide
high quality police, fire, emergency management, and
emergency medical services.
2. Support legislation to provide services to those experiencing
domestic violence, addiction, or mental health issues, including
mental health services for youth.
3. Support legislation to provide funding and services for
vulnerable populations.
4. Support legislation that allows for local ordinances related to
commercial and recreational drone usage.
5. Support legislation to regulate vaping devices and other e-
cigarettes and their packaging, advertisement, and promotion to
youth.
6. Support legislation to regulate the potency, packaging, and
advertisement of recreational cannabis products.
7. Oppose legislation that restricts the ability for the City to adopt
ordinances regarding the purchase, distribution, consumption
and cultivation of cannabis.
8. Monitor legislation related to organized retail theft, as well as
modifications to the definition of petty theft and petty theft value
limits.
9. Monitor legislation related to standards on appropriate law
enforcement response to public protests, including use of force
levels.
HOMELESSNESS
1. Support legislation that provides funding to create pathways to
permanent housing and supportive services.
2. Support legislation and funding to help facilitate and promote
regional efforts to address homelessness.
3. Support legislation to address issues affecting the homeless
population, including mental health and substance abuse.
4. Support legislation that provides resources for job training,
financial counseling, and skills development for those
experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless.
1. The City acknowledges that California is currently facing
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
7
HOUSING &
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
dramatic job-housing imbalance, severe income disparity and
lack of transit options to affordable areas. The rising cost of
housing is one symptom of the deeper economic problem,
which can only be solved by addressing the excessive job
growth, housing affordability, and lack of transit options
together. The City supports legislation that addresses the root
causes of these problems and positively addresses housing
shortages in communities.
2. Oppose legislation that may reduce municipal authority, with
an emphasis on land use policy, local review, and design
standards.
3. Oppose efforts to erode local decision making over the
appropriate location, scale, and character of residential
development or that may reduce public hearing or oversight.
4. Support legislation that gives local municipalities credit and
incentives for actions under their direct control, including the
approval of housing developments.
5. Support legislation that provides state funding for the
construction of affordable housing, including Extremely Low
Income, Very Low Income, Low Income, and Moderate-Income
housing.
6. Oppose legislation that would impact the ability of a local
municipality to regulate ADUs.
7. Support legislation that promotes the construction of parks,
affordable housing, and other community facilities, instead of
allowing in-lieu fees in place of actual facilities.
8. Support legislation to address issues that lead to gentrification,
the displacement of long-time residents, the lack of housing for
full-time students, and homelessness.
9. Monitor legislation that would impact the rental market and
tenant protections.
10. Oppose legislation that provides for by-right up-zoning.
11. Support legislation that requires employers to contribute to the
funding of affordable housing to keep pace with job growth.
12. Support legislation to assert local authority to regulate the use
of public right of ways.
13. Oppose legislation that erodes the ability of cities to condition
and deny projects that inadequately mitigate impacts to the
community, including infrastructure, public safety, and
schools.
14. Support legislation that would incentivize community colleges
to provide housing to students and faculty.
15. Support legislation that would provide streamlined projects
with minimum density requirements.
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
8
16. Oppose legislation that provides the State with additional
powers to overturn local planning decisions.
17. Monitor legislation that modifies previously enacted
legislation, such as the Housing Accountability Act, Housing
Crisis Act, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, Density
Bonus Law, and SB 35 project streamlining.
QUALITY OF LIFE
1. The City values its ability and authority to make policies tailored
to diverse local needs, enable excellent public services, and
protect and enhance the quality of life for Cupertino residents
and businesses.
2. Support legislation that would provide local funding for
libraries, arts and cultural expression in Cupertino.
3. Support legislation and initiatives that provide funding for
vibrant parks, trails, and visitor amenities.
4. Monitoring legislation that affects immigration and the rights
and benefits of immigrants.
5. Oppose legislation that includes unfunded or underfunded
mandates.
TRANSPORTATION &
INFRASTRUCTURE
REHABILITATION
1. The City supports legislation and policies that support and fund
transit solutions that increase the speed and frequency of
services.
2. Support new statewide funding opportunities for maintenance
and repair of local roads and highways.
3. Support investments in the maintenance and rehabilitation of
aging infrastructure and allow for system capacity expansion to
support smart growth principals.
4. Support legislation that allows for the planning of on-site parking
and other planning tools that can increase safety for pedestrians
and bicycles.
5. Support legislation that ensures cap and trade funds derived
from transportation fuels be used for transportation purposes.
6. Support legislation and initiatives to address regional
transportation congestion.
7. Support legislation that generates funding for wastewater
infrastructure, storm drain capacity and maintenance.
8. Oppose legislation that limits or reduces local impact fees that
fund local infrastructure, including those associated with lot
splits or the addition of a second unit on a parcel.
9. Oppose legislation that would impact local authority of cities to
zone and plan for the development of telecommunications
infrastructure.
10. Support legislation that enhances the City’s ability to procure and
implement fuel-switching, on-site renewable energy
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
9
deployment, and low-carbon or carbon-free critical power
backup services.
11. Oppose legislation that would reduce access to, or otherwise
condition the receipt of, local streets and roads funding.
12. Support legislation that would allow flexibility for public
contracting associated with routine public works projects.
13. Oppose legislation that would increase taxes on businesses and
residents without providing a direct tangible benefit to
Cupertino.
14. Support legislation and funding to provide free or reduced-price
access to public transit to low-income individuals.
RESOLUTION NO. 18-010
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
WHEREAS, the City Council has an interest in weighing in on state, federal, and regional
legislative issues that impact the City and its residents; and
WHEREAS, the Council established the Legislative Advocacy Committee to make
recommendations on legislative advocacy issues that could impact the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council annually takes action on numerous legislative proposals brought
forward throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor, Councilrnembers, and staff are often unable to respond to legislative
action alerts sent by various city associations in a timely manner given legislative positions are
currently considered by the full Council on a case by case basis; and
WHEREAS, establishing a Legislative Advocacy Policy and Annual Legislative Platform would
provide a streamlined process for responding to legislative proposals that may impact the City
and focus the City's limited advocacy resources;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Cupertino adopts
and approves the Policy on Legislative Advocacy attached and incorporated herein by this
reference, as the official legislative advocacy policy of the City of Cupertino.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this
6th day of February, 2018, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Members of the City Council
Paul, Sinks, Chang, Scharf, Vaidhyanathan
None
None
None
APPROVED:
Grace Schmidt, City Clerk Paul,~
City of Cupertino
Resolution No . 18-010
Page 2
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY POLICY
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines regarding City resources and support for
legislative priorities approved by the City Council.
II. BACKGROUND
A Legislative Platform identifies the City's broad advocacy positions on issues and legislation
with local impacts. Advocacy positions are short-term in nature, typically related to pending
legislation and current issues, and guide Council and staff on intergovernmental matters
directly related to service delivery, or otherwise contribute to the City's operational success
and/or health and well-being of its residents.
III. OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of establishing an annual Legislative Platform is for the City Council to
adopt official City positions on clearly stated legislative issues at the start of a legislative
session. By doing this, the legislative approval process is streamlined by receiving clear
direction at the beginning of the legislative session from the City Council on pertinent
legislative issues.
IV. POLICY STATEMENT
1. Each year the City Manager shall present for Council's consideration a draft
Legislative Platform. Once approved by the City Council, this "platform" informs
official City advocacy positions on pending legislative issues.
2. The Legislative Platform is utilized by staff throughout the year to determine, in
consultation with the Legislative Action Committee, City positions on legislation
and intergovernmental issues and minimizes the need for staff to request further
direction from Council on legislation and issues as they arise .
3. During the year, staff monitors and researches pending legislation to identify bills
that could significantly impact Cupertino. With authorization from the Legislative
Action Committee, City staff shall prepare position letters consistent with the
Council-approved Legislative Platform for the Mayor's signature.
4. Items not addressed in the City's Legislative Platform will require Council approval
prior to any legislative advocacy efforts.
5. Legislative priorities should focus on issues directly relevant to or impacting the
provision of municipal services. Generally, the City will not address matters that are
not pertinent to the City's local government services, such as international issues.
Resolution No. 18-010
Page3
V. Implementation
The City Manager shall monitor the provisions of this policy. Disagreements in interpretation of
the City's Legislative Platform shall be resolved by the City Council.
City departments are encouraged to monitor and be knowledgeable of any legislative issues
related to their discipline. However, any requests for the City to take positions on a legislative
matter must be directed to the City Manager's Office. City departments may not take positions
on legislative issues without City Manager's Office review and approval from the Legislative
Action Committee.
EXHIBIT A-1
EXHIBIT A-1
Scope of Work
Consultant shall maintain and abide by the following strategic and comprehensive approach to
provide state government relations and lobbying services to the City of Cupertino:
1. Annual Orientation/Introduction (December-February)
Utilize a comprehensive orientation process that includes meetings with various relevant
members of City leadership and key City departments to help understand the needs of the City.
This process will also inform the City about the States current political climate and funding
environment.
a) This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
Conduct meetings with the City Manager’s Office, City
Attorney, and Department Heads where Consultant will provide:
Summary of past legislative year/session
Intro and forecast of upcoming legislative year/session
Basic overview of legislative process, as needed, primarily for new staff
List and contact information of local legislators
Schedule of Legislative session and important dates
b) Gather information from City staff on legislative interests and priorities from the
various Departments.
2. Engage with Legislature and Advocate (January – September)
Consultant will advocate for the City’s legislative agenda and implement the City’s
advocacy plan.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Hold monthly meetings with City Manager’s Office Staff to provide updates
and ensure a high level of legislative and administrative success in
Sacramento.
b) Consultant will use every asset available and engage various techniques to
leverage our network of relationships with key stakeholders and decision
makers on behalf of the City to further the City’s legislative agenda.
Strategies for advocacy and lobbying will vary depending upon the issues
i.e. bill position, grant funding, state requirements, etc.) as well as
Sacramento's ever changing political climate. Consultant will use the
following strategies:
Identify potential Legislators who can support City priorities
Meet with the members of the Legislature, their staff, and the
Governor’s Office
EXHIBIT A-1
Meet with the pertinent committee consultants
Identify and meet with interest groups, lobbying firms and/or
coalitions who can be supportive
Identify and meet with interest groups, lobbying firms and/or
coalitions who may be in opposition.
Assuming legislation is necessary, meet with each Member of the
various committees the legislation will be referred to in an effort to
secure their support for City legislative position prior to each hearing.
Schedule meetings for the City to discuss relevant legislation including
briefing materials and talking points for the City and briefing legislative
offices and stakeholders on the City’s legislative agenda
c) Coordinate Advocacy Trips on an as needed basis: Consultant will work with
the City to coordinate advocacy trips to Sacramento to meet with the City’s
legislative delegation, as well as legislators that serve on committees relevant
to the City’s agenda. Furthermore, Consultant will also schedule site visits by
legislators to the City, as needed.
d) Track Legislation: Contractor will identify, analyze, and monitor all bill
introductions and amendments relevant to the City’s priorities and assess their
potential impact on the City and provide updates to staff at each monthly
meeting. Recommend positions the City can take and any amendments the
City should request, if any.
e) Legislative Updates: Provide a weekly report, to be sent out every Thursday or
Friday, depending upon the legislative calendar. Provide the City with
monthly written or oral reports of legislative activity.
f) Craft Testimony and Position Letters: With City review and/or approval,
Consultant will prepare and submit written and verbal testimony regarding
legislation relevant to the City’s positions. Consultant will also draft and
deliver, with City approval, position letters to legislators and key officials on
specific bill language.
g) Draft Bill Language: Consultant will draft language and amendments for
relevant legislation, as required to protect and promote the City’s agenda.
3. Provide Support to City Staff and City Council (January – December)
Consultant will provide support and be available to City staff for consultation on an as-
needed basis. The Consultant will also present and provide updates, reports, and materials
for all monthly staff meetings and as needed for City Council meetings.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Provide electronic reports, such as summaries, analysis, bill language,
amendments, matrices, and committee analysis prior to the meeting(s).
b) Attend monthly meetings and present reports to the City Manager’s Office
and answer questions.
c) When Council is considering legislation (Spring/Summer), Consultant will
EXHIBIT A-1
prepare reports and materials for upcoming Council meeting, attend meeting
in person or via zoom as agreed to) and be available for questions.
d) If Council adopts positions on legislation, Consultant will create draft bill
position letters with input from the City within 30 calendar days following the
City Council meeting.
e) Consultant will deliver the signed bill position letter to relevant Legislators and
stakeholders
f) To support City bill position, consultant will meet with the Author's office, the
Committee Consultants (both Democrat and Republican), Legislative
Leadership, all pertinent stakeholders, and provide testimony in each
Committee in order to ensure City's position is known and ultimately
supported.
4. Funding Opportunities (January-December)
The Consultant will present and provide updates, reports, and materials regarding funding
opportunities for all monthly staff meetings and as needed for City Council meetings.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Proactively identify any/all funding opportunities for the City
b) Assist in developing project proposals for each potential grant application.
c) Set-up a series of “action days” in Sacramento for the City and Consultant to
meet with the various State Agencies overseeing the desired funding in an
effort to craft a competitive proposal.
d) Meet with Legislator’s and Legislative Committees to seek their input and
support on any funding the City is seeking. Likewise, this will provide an
opportunity for the City to receive information and provide input on any
funding opportunities that may be available or coming available.
5. State Agencies (January-December)
State Agencies within the State of California have continued to grow as the
Legislature has provided many of them with new powers and responsibilities. Moreover,
recent state budget investments and legislation have resulted in unprecedented amounts of
funding for various projects. Consultant will monitor, analyze, participate and influence
agencies with administrative actions of interest to the City.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Regulations and funding guidelines will be handled in the same manner as
legislative matters outlined in Item 2 “Engage with Legislature and Advocate”,
including tasks a) through g) as applicable to State Agencies.
b) Will work closely with the City to establish policy direction and will take the
necessary steps to best represent the City before the State Agencies.
6. Legislative Wrap-Up (October-December)
EXHIBIT A-1
Prepare a wrap-up report on outcomes achieved on an annual basis.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Present wrap-up report to City Staff in November
b) Create engaging ideas to provide Legislative wrap-up information to Council
and community for a City Council meeting in December.
7. Community Engagement and Education (As needed)
Consultant will assist the City in hosting engagement opportunities in order to inform
the public about the legislative process and relevant bill information.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Make presentations at Council meetings, as needed.
b) Participate in public meetings, workshops, or town halls, as needed.
c) Schedule public meetings with legislators, as needed.
8. Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports
Contractor will prepare and file, on behalf of the City, all applicable lobbying disclosure
reports.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Complete and send all applicable disclosure reports to City for signing
b) Finalize and send reports to necessary agencies
EXHIBIT B-1
Exhibit B-1
Schedule of Performance
Project Deliverables and Timeline Overview
Tasks Timeline
Annual Orientation/Introduction December – February
Engage with Legislators and Advocate January – September
Provide Support to City Staff and Council January – December
Review Funding Opportunities January – December
Engage with State Agencies January – December
Legislative Wrap-up October = December
Community Engagement and Education As Needed
Lobbying Disclosure Reports Quarterly and As Needed
EXHIBIT C-3
Exhibit C-3
Compensation
Costs for State Legislative Advocacy Services as described in Exhibit A-1 are not to exceed
147,500 for services rendered from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Legislative Sessions. The
compensation is broken down as follows in a monthly not-to-exceed amount:
Compensation for Compensation for Compensation for
2022 Legislative Session 2023 Legislative Session 2024 Legislative Session
Month Cost Month Cost Month Cost
March 2022 $4,000 January 2023 $4,000 December 2023 $4,500
April 2022 $4,000 February 2023 $4,000 January 2024 $4,500
May 2022 $4,000 March 2023 $4,000 February 2024 $4,500
June 2022 $4,000 April 2023 $4,000 March 2024 $4,500
July 2022 $4,000 May 2023 $4,000 April 2024 $4,500
August 2022 $4,000 June 2023 $4,000 May 2024 $4,500
September 2022 $4,000 July 2023 $4,500 June 2024 $4,500
October 2022 $4,000 August 2023 $4,500 July 2024 $5,000
November 2022 $4,000 September 2023 $4,500 August 2024 $5,000
December 2022 $4,000 October 2023 $4,500 September 2024 $5,000
Total $40,000 November 2023 $4,500 October 2024 $5,000
Total $51,000 November 2024 $5,000
Total $56,500
This amount includes work done in Sacramento and travel to the City of Cupertino on an as
needed basis or as defined in the Scope of Work. Invoices shall include a description of the
services being invoiced and provide any supporting documentation, if applicable.
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
Scope of Work
Contractor shall maintain and abide by the following strategic and comprehensive approach to
provide state government relations and lobbying services to the City of Cupertino:
Annual Orientation/Introduction
Utilize a comprehensive orientation process that includes extensive meetings with various
relevant members of City leadership and key City departments to help develop and
update the City’s Legislative Platform that is carefully tailored to satisfy the needs of the
City, as well as designed for maximum success in the current political climate and funding
environment.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Conduct meetings with individual Councilmembers and Department Heads
where Consultant will provide:
a. Summary of past legislative year/session
b. Intro and forecast of upcoming legislative year/session
c. Basic overview of legislative process, as needed, primarily for new
councilmembers
d. List and contact information of local legislators
e. Schedule of Legislative session and important dates
2. Gather informationon legislative interests/priorities from Departments and
Councilmembers.
Update and Finalize the Legislative Platform
Utilizing the information gathered during the orientation process, Consultant will
coordinate with the City to develop/update the Legislative Platform, that represents the
City’s priorities in Sacramento. This Platform will be adopted by the City Council and
shared with key stakeholders in the State Legislature and Governor’s Administration.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Gather information from Council and Departments at orientation meetings
and create anupdated Platform with redlines
2. Present Legislative Platform to the Legislative Review Committee and make
any revisionsnecessary
3. Present Legislative Platform to the City Council and make any revisions
necessary
Engage with Legislature and Advocate
Consultant will advocate for the City’s legislative agenda and implement the City’s
advocacy plan.
EXHIBIT A
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Work cooperatively with Staff, City Council and Legislative Review
Committee to ensure a high level of legislative and administrative success in
Sacramento. Will utilize every asset available and will personally meet with
each Member of the Legislature, their Staff and the Governor's office to
ensure such success. Strategies will vary depending upon the issues as well
as Sacramento's ever changing political climate.
2. Consultant will engage various techniques to leverage our network of
relationships with key stakeholders and decisionmakers on behalf of the
City:
Identify potential Legislators whom can support our cause
Meet with the members of the Legislature
Meet with the pertinent committee consultants
Identify and meet with interest groups, lobbying firms and/or
coalitions who can be supportive
Identify and meet with interest groups, lobbying firms and/or
coalitions who may be in opposition.
Assuming legislation is necessary, meet with each Member of the
various committees the legislation will be referred to in an effort to
secure their support for our position prior to each hearing.
Schedule meetings for the City to discuss relevant legislation including
briefing materials and talking points for the City and briefing legislative
offices and stakeholders on the City’s legislative agenda
3. Coordinate Advocacy Trips: Consultant will work with the City to coordinate
advocacy trips to Sacramento to meet with the City’s legislative delegation, as
well as legislators that serve on committees relevant to the City’s agenda.
Furthermore, Consultant will also schedule site visits by legislators to the
City, as needed.
4. Track Legislation: Contractor will identify, analyze, and monitor all bill
introductions and amendments relevant to the City’s Legislative Platform in a
timely fashion and assess their potential impact on the City. Recommend what
position the City should take and any amendments the City should request, if
any.
5. Legislative Updates: Provide a weekly report, to be sent out every Thursday or
Friday, depending upon the legislative calendar. Provide the City with
monthly written or oral reports of legislative activity, as requested.
6. Craft Testimony and Position Letters: With consent of the City, Consultant
will prepareand submit written and verbal testimony regarding legislation
relevant to the City’s positions. Consultant will also draft and deliver, with
consent of the City, position letters to legislators and key officials on specific
bill language.
7. Draft Bill Language: Consultant will draft language and amendments for
relevant legislation, as required to protect and promote the City’s agenda.
EXHIBIT A
Provide Support to Legislative Review Committee and City Council
The Consultant will present and provide updates, reports, and materials for all Legislative
Review Committee meetings and as needed for City Council meetings.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Provide timely electronic reports, such as summaries, analysis, bill language,
amendments, matrices, and committee analysis
2. Attend and present reports to the LRC and answer questions from committee
and thepublic
3. Provide dates for upcoming meetings so that the LRC can meet in
accordance with theLegislative Session
4. Shortly following the meeting, create draft bill position letters with input from
the City
5. Once letter is signed, deliver the letter to relevant Legislators and stakeholders
6. Once position is taken and letter is sent, consultant will meet with the Author's
office, the Committee Consultants (both Democrat and Republican), Legislative
Leadership, all pertinent stakeholders, and provide testimony in each
Committee in order to ensure City's position is known and ultimately
supported.
Funding Opportunities
The Consultant will present and provide updates, reports, and materials for all Legislative
Review Committee meetings and as needed for City Council meetings.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Proactively identify any/all funding opportunities for the City
2. Assist in developing project proposals for each potential grant application.
3. Set-up a series of “action days" in Sacramento to meet with the various State
Agencies overseeing the desired funding in an effort to craft a competitive
proposal.
4. Meet with Legislator's and Legislative Committees to seek their input and
support on any funding the City is seeking. Likewise, this will provide an
opportunity for the City to receive information and provide input on any
funding opportunities that may be available or coming available.
State Agencies
State Agencies within the State of California have continued to grow as the
Legislature has provided many of them with new powers and responsibilities. Moreover,
recent state budget investments and legislation have resulted in unprecedented amounts of
funding for various projects. Consultant will monitor, analyze, participate and influence
agencies with administrative actions of interest to the City.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
EXHIBIT A
1. Regulations and funding guidelines will be handled in the same manner as
legislative matters.
2. Will work closely with the City to establish policy direction and will take the
necessary steps to best represent the City before the State Agencies.
Legislative Wrap-Up
Prepare a wrap-up report on outcomes achieved on an annual basis, to be presented as
needed.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Present wrap-up report to LRC
2. Create engaging ideas to provide information to Council and community.
Community Engagement and Education
Consultant will assist the City in hosting engagement opportunities in order to inform
the public about the legislative process and relevant bill information.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Make presentations at Council meetings, as needed.
2. Participate in workshops or town halls, as needed.
3. Schedule public meetings with legislators, as needed.
Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports
Contractor will prepare and file, on behalf of the City, all applicable lobbying disclosure
reports.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Complete and send all applicable disclosure reports to City for signing
2. Finalize and send reports to necessary agencies
EXHIBIT B
Exhibit B
Schedule of Performance
Project Deliverables and Timeline Overview
Tasks Timeline
Annual Orientation/Introduction November/December
Update and Finalize Legislative Platform December/January
Engage with Legislators and Advocate Ongoing
Provide Support to LRC Ongoing
Review Funding Opportunities Ongoing
Engage with State Agencies Ongoing
Legislative Wrap-up October
Community Engagement and Education Ongoing
Lobbying Disclosure Reports As Needed
EXHIBIT C
Exhibit C
Compensation
Costs for State Legislative Advocacy Services as described in Exhibit A are not to exceed
4,000 per month. This amount should be sufficient to cover the costs of State Legislative
Advocacy Services for the City. This amount includes work done in Sacramento and
occasional travel to the City of Cupertino on an as needed basis.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL
REVISITING THE CITY OF CUPERTINO LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
POLICY
WHEREAS, the City Council has an interest in weighing in on state, federal,
and regional legislative issues that impact the City and its residents; and
WHEREAS, the City receives legislative action alerts sent by various city
associations that need to be reviewed on a case by case basis; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has historically approved City positions on
proposed legislation by majority vote of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, in addition to allowing for City Council action, Cupertino
City Council Resolution No. 18-010 established a Legislative Advocacy Policy
that delegated Council power to the Legislative Review Committee to take
positions on proposed legislation where the position was within the judgment of
the Committee consistent with the City’s adopted Legislative Advocacy Policy;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this delegation of authority is
inconsistent with Municipal Code section 2.17.031, which provides that the
authority of the City Council “cannot be delegated to individual Council
members, nor to committees composed of council members consisting of less
than a quorum of the City Council”; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to revise the Legislative Advocacy Policy to
ensure consistency with the Municipal Code and to allow the City Manager to take
direction from the full Council, consistent with the requirements of the Municipal
Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The City Council hereby adopts the Legislative Advocacy Policy
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Resolution No. 23-026
Page 2
2. Resolution No. 18-010 and any other procedures, polices, or rules
adopted by the Council that are inconsistent with this Resolution are
hereby repealed and rescinded.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Cupertino this 21st day of February, 2023, by the following vote:
Members of the City Council
AYES: Wei, Mohan, Fruen
NOES: Chao, Moore
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SIGNED:
Hung Wei, Mayor
City of Cupertino
Date
ATTEST:
Kirsten Squarcia, City Clerk Date
2/24/2023
2/28/23
Resolution No. 23-026
Page 3
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY POLICY
I.PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines regarding City legislative
advocacy by the City Council.
II.BACKGROUND
The City has actively taken positions on legislation for many years through
direction of the full Council and the Legislative Review Committee. On January
25, 2023, the City Council voted to dissolve the Legislative Review Committee
and consider taking positions on pending legislation as a full Council.
III.POLICY STATEMENT
1.Each year staff will monitor and research pending legislation to
identify bills that could significantly impact Cupertino. Staff will bring
these identified bills to Council for consideration at a City Council
meeting. With authorization from the full Council, City staff shall
prepare position letters for the Mayor’s signature. This work can be
additionally supported by a contracted lobbyist, as needed.
2.In circumstances where Council review is impracticable, the City
Manager can authorize staff to prepare position letters for the Mayor’s
signature on urgent matters. Positions must align with a policy
adopted by the City Council or other clear direction provided by vote
of the full Council that supports the position taken on legislation.
3.Legislative advocacy should focus on issues directly relevant to or
impacting the provision of municipal services. Generally, the City will
not address matters that are not pertinent to the City’s local
government services, such as international issues.
IV.IMPLEMENTATION
The City Manager shall monitor the provisions of this policy. City departments
are encouraged to monitor and be knowledgeable of any legislative issues related
to their discipline. However, any requests for the City to take positions on a
legislative matter must be directed to the City Attorney’s Office. City
Exhibit A
Resolution No. 23-026
Page 4
departments may not take positions on legislative issues without City Manager’s
Office review, and approval from the full Council when required by this policy.
From:Jennifer Griffin
To:City Council; City Clerk
Cc:grenna5000@yahoo.com
Subject:Reintroduction of Legislative Review Committee
Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 9:17:42 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless
you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
(Please add this as public comment on the Study Session for Legislative Review Committee on
the City Council Meeting on 3/18/25)
Dear City Council:
I am very glad you are having a Study Session on the potential return of the Legislative Review
Committee. This has always been one of the most important committees in Cupertino and I am
So excited it may be returning. I always get so much information from the Legislative
Review Committee and it helps me as a member of the Cupertino public to learn valuable
Information about bills and other legislative information coming down the pipeline.
There are many bills that affect our daily lives and the Legislative Review Committee saves me a great
Deal of time in being able to digest and understand the often very complicated bill legislation
That is coming out of Sacramento. I don't always have the time to fully comprehend all the new
Bills and how they may affect me so I appreciate having the Committee to help me learn about new
Legislation.
Also, it is very helpful to have the Sacramento based Legislative Consultants explain the ramifications
Of the new legislation and I think it would be really nice to have our government legislators
Come and make appearances at the Legislative Review Committee. We can get to know the
Legislators, see what they are doing and they can get to see our needs and concerns.
Bringing back the Legislative Review Committee is a very exciting prospect and makes me very
Happy. I think it will be a wonderful asset to our city experience!
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Jennifer Griffin