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Federal Advocacy Trip
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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:
The talking points in the memo attached are intended to bring attention to key issues, and ways the federal government can substantially benefit the community. Focusing on these issues will help ensure the meetings are productive and produce results while deepening our partnerships with federal stakeholders. A general outline of the topics to be covered follows:
• CO Congressional Delegation and White House Intergovernmental
o Increasing federal transportation funding
§ Particularly for rail crossings, and strengthening quiet zone rules
o Continue funding the Arsenal Refuge
o Roll-back restrictive telecommunications regulations
§ FCC decisions have impacted local authority on telecom facility regulation
• US Fish and Wildlife Service
o Continue successful partnership built around the Arsenal
• Environmental Protection Agency
o Plans for Victory Crossing development
o PFAS
• Housing and Urban Development
o Increase CDBG funding
• Federal Highway Administration
o Increase funding and support for ongoing highway infrastructure projects
• Federal Railroad Administration
o Increased funding for rail crossings
o Strengthen quiet zone rules
o Promote solutions for blocked crossings
• Department of Defense
o Review partnership with Arsenal
o PFAS
o Discuss how City can be partner and advocate
NLC Conference:
The National League of Cities Congressional City Conference is a great opportunity for councilmembers to learn valuable skills, become informed on important issues, and network with leaders from across the country. Timing the advocacy trip to dovetail with the conference is a fiscally responsible decision that minimizes cost and maximizes benefits. A central part of the programming for the NLC CCC are the seminars and workshops; these programs allow councilmembers to develop professionally while learning about budgeting and finance, or racial diversity. Additional workshops cover topics such as homelessness, workforce development, and access to broadband, giving a forum for leaders to share best practices, lessons learned, and how federal and state policies can affect these topics. Additionally, CCC has several addresses delivered by leaders and public servants from around the world, all of whom are experts in their field. The chance to network with leaders from around the country and share information while developing skills and knowledge through programming, represents an invaluable development opportunity for councilmembers.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): DCM Troy Smith
Staff Member Presenting: DCM Troy Smith
Financial Impact:Travel costs budgeted in 2020
Funding Source: General Fund
Staff Recommendation: Provide Staff feedback on the proposed discussion topics
Suggested Motion: N/A