Each year the Council is asked to approve payment of dues to the League of California Cities (LCC) and other organizations representing city interests. The League is the statewide organization representing city governments before the State legislature. In addition, the League provides a number of conferences, and trade publications such as: weekly Legislative Bulletins, League Newsletters, and Western City Magazine as well as information and training. The League also has loaned materials to the City from its library reference files. The League provides us with an electronic resource for our legislative tracking and analysis through CITYLINK 2000, which also allows for communication between cities, using the Internet. The League also is the parent organization to the Peninsula Division, which hosts events for city officials in the region.

The League of California Cities (LCC) has submitted an invoice for the 2000 membership dues in the amount of $13,852 (Attachment A), which is a 5% increase over last year. The League is asking for a larger increase this year in order to increase Legislative effectiveness as noted in Attachment B. Staff recommends that Council approve payment of the dues.

General Plan Goal 7.3.C: Participate in intergovernmental activities, including national, state, and regional groups, in order to represent the City’s interest, influence policy and regulations, and enhance awareness.

City Council Policy 7.3.12: Each year the Council will assess the benefit of City membership in the following organizations which have traditionally been identified as providing support and service to local governments:

The City of Sunnyvale has been actively involved with the League for many years. Councilmembers are currently serving in the following capacities:

• Fred Fowler – Public Safety Committee, Member

• Julia Miller – Employee Relations Committee, Member;
  Disability Policy Committee, Member

• Jim Roberts – Legislative Delegate

• Pat Vorreiter – Housing, Community & Economic Development
  Committee, Vice Chair

• Jack Walker – LCC Peninsula Division President

In addition, Councilmembers and staff often have participated as speakers on Annual Conference panels. Several City directors have served on policy committees and have worked closely with the League on a variety of projects.

Every city in California is eligible to be a member of the League. Continued City support and involvement is a component of the League’s ability to succeed.

Dues for the City of Sunnyvale’s membership in the LCC are $13,852; there are sufficient funds included in the 1999-00 Resource Allocation Plan to cover the membership dues.

Publication of the agenda and posting of the report on the Internet.

1. Approve payment of the LCC 2000 membership dues.
2. Do not approve the dues request.
3. Take no action at this time.

Staff recommends alternative #1, approve payment of the LCC 2000 membership dues.

Prepared by:

Daniel Rich
Assistant to the City Manager

Reviewed by:

Amy Chan
Assistant City Manager

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager