Title
Federal Advocacy Trip
Body
Summary and Background Information:
At council’s direction, staff has been working to plan council’s federal advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. March 3-6. This is an annual trip that has previously been successful in allowing council to advocate their positions to their congressional delegation, as well as to members of the federal government responsible for oversight and regulation. Staff coordinates the trip, including the talking points, in conjunction with our federal advocate, Mike Dino, of Squire Patton Boggs. This communication outlines the importance of this trip, as well as talking points for each of the meetings during the trip. Staff requests council provide direction regarding any changes that should be made to these talking points, including adding or removing certain items.
Background
The federal advocacy trip provides council an opportunity to meet with federal rule-makers and advocate for positions that will directly benefit the community. Meetings are scheduled for March 3-6, 2020 in the Washington, D.C. area. These meetings, typically with high-level members of the various administrations and departments, allow council to inform their federal government representatives on issues important to the community, share successes, suggest improvements to policies, and advocate for federal grant funding. These meetings are also of use to federal officials, who have the opportunity to hear from the people directly impacted by their policies and adjust policy and funding priorities appropriately. In the past, Commerce City’s self-advocacy at the federal level has resulted in important achievements such as the FRA enacting policy changes allowing for the first quiet rail crossing in Colorado at Highway 2 and 104th Avenue. Finally, this trip occurs immediately before the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, giving councilmembers the opportunity to attend that conference as well.
Discussion Topics:
T...
Click here for full text