Item B: Approval of Legislative Policies Document

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Adoption of 2009 Legislative Policies Document Meeting Date: October 29, 2008 Agenda Item Number: B Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Brenda Wilson www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-8441 ISSUE STATEMENT Every other year, in the odd number years, the Oregon Legislature convenes its session to introduce bills and enact laws for the State of Oregon. The City of Eugene has had a strong presence during these sessions to protect the interests of the City during the session. Action in support of or opposition to the various bills introduced during the session is partly guided by the legislative policies document adopted by the City Council. The Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations (IGR Committee) works with staff to develop the framework for these guiding policies and principles. The IGR Committee, which is composed of councilors Taylor, Ortiz, and Poling, has reviewed the document and now presents it to the full council for consideration and adoption. BACKGROUND The City Council has biennially approved iterations of a legislative policies document that is inclusive of emerging legislative issues and possessing general principles that can be applied to unforeseen events in a legislative session. The 2009 legislative session may bring new challenges and issues depending upon the outcome of the November election. The City will continue to insist that the legislature avoids attempts to erode or devalue local control and will also be steadfast in opposing shifting of costs to local governments by reducing shared revenues or restricting local revenue options. RELATED CITY POLICIES The Legislative Policies document will apprise legislators and intergovernmental partners of the policy outcomes favorable or unfavorable to City interests and goals, and highlight recommendations that achieve these outcomes. When appropriate and possible, the document references and uses adopted City Council and City policy as guiding principles. The document is iterative and is based in past practice and policies. COUNCIL OPTIONS The City Council may adopt the 2009 Legislative Policies document and forward the document to the printing process for distribution within the Oregon State Legislature and with intergovernmental partners. The 2009 session of the Oregon State Legislature will convene January 12, 2009. Z:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M081029\S081029B.doc