Title
2017 Federal Legislative Agenda (B)
This is a request for the City Commission to approve the Federal Legislative Agenda. **ESTIMATED STAFF PRESENTATION 5 MINUTES**
Explanation
The City Commission annually adopts the Federal Legislative Agenda. The legislative agenda is a compilation of the City’s main priority needs for the upcoming legislative session and provides delegation members with comprehensive information in order for them to focus their efforts on specific legislative priorities and initiatives related to the City. The Omnibus Act signed by President Obama set the final details for funding.
This year’s Federal Agenda will list the top priorities relevant to the City’s federal funding objectives and interests -- from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Community Development to Transportation, Commerce and the Economic Development Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, Energy, Labor and Education and Job Training, and Mental Health and Welfare.
Unlike earlier bills, which have brought almost $30 million to Gainesville-area projects, the bill includes no site-specific earmarks/project authorizations, as they no longer exist. Congressional members and their staff are working with our Federal Lobbyist and Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator to produce precise language that, if adopted, will provide special recognition and potential discretionary funding to City projects that reflect a unique level of public-private collaboration.
Fiscal Note
There is no fiscal repercussion for discussing this item.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1)discuss and prioritize the projects listed in the draft 2017 Legislative agenda; and 2) and approve the 2017 Federal Legislative Agenda for presentation in Washington, D.C.