TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: 2021 Federal and State Legislative Programs.
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider adopting the District’s 2021 Federal and State Legislative Programs.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The annual state and federal advocacy programs help the District track state, regional and federal legislation to ensure alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan and the specific goal of having strong public and policymaker support. Policy decisions at all levels of government can positively or negatively affect District operations and, as such, are important to track and influence as needed.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Each year, the AC Transit Board of Directors adopts advocacy programs to provide guidance for the District's activities in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento to influence transit legislation, appropriations, and administrative matters. The attached programs for 2021 address on-going efforts and developing issues for the coming year.
Input was solicited from staff and executives in developing the attached Federal and State Legislative Advocacy Programs. The draft program was presented to the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on October 13th. Draft programs were also distributed to advocacy groups and the District's planning and funding partners to solicit feedback. Members of the AAC had clarifying questions and input that was incorporated to clarify some sections of the proposals. Limited feedback was received from our external partners, feedback from the City of Alameda was incorporated into the programs. The Board was presented with the draft 2021 Federal and State advocacy programs on October 28th. The attached federal and state programs reflect all feedback received to date and are proposed as final drafts for Board approval.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
This report is being provided to recommend areas of emphasis to guide Federal and State advocacy efforts.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
This report is being provided based on the District's current priorities.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report 20-412 Draft 2021 Federal and State Legislative Advocacy Programs
Staff Report 20-009 2020 Federal and State Legislative Advocacy Programs
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2021 Federal Legislative Advocacy Program
2. 2021 State Legislative Advocacy Program
Prepared by:
Steven Jones, External Affairs Representative
Approved/Reviewed by:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs & Community Relations
Beverly Greene, Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel
Claudia L. Allen, Chief Financial Officer