January 13, 2004
SUBJECT: Annual Membership Dues for Intergovernmental Associations
REPORT IN BRIEF
Invoices for 2004 membership dues have been received from the League of California Cities (LCC) and the National League of Cities (NLC) (Attachments A & B.) The LCC invoice is in the amount of $23,755, which is a $443 increase from the prior year. The NLC invoice is in the amount of $7,951, with no increase from the previous year. Staff recommends payment of the LCC and NLC dues for the year 2004.
BACKGROUND
The League of California Cities (LCC) is the statewide organization representing the interests of city governments before the State legislature. LCC provides a number of conferences, training services and publications such as: weekly legislative bulletins, League newsletters, Western City magazine, and employee relations information and training.
The National League of Cities represents municipal governments throughout the United States and has 1,700 member cities. The League provides a powerful network for information sharing and for speaking on behalf of America's cities in Washington, D.C. and all state capitols. It has worked on a wide range of issues including sales and use tax on goods and services purchased over the Internet, and funding for transportation and Community Development Block Grants
EXISTING POLICY
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.
DISCUSSION
Traditionally, the City Council has approved annual membership dues payments to organizations which have been identified as providing support and service to local governments. In December 2002, Council approved the 2003 dues payment to the LCC in the amount of $23,312 and in January 2003, Council approved the 2003 dues payment to the NLC in the amount of $7,951.
The City of Sunnyvale has been actively involved with the LCC for many years. Councilmembers and staff have participated as speakers on the LCC Annual Conference panels, served on policy committees, and have worked closely with the LCC on a variety of projects including transportation funding for cities, fiscal reform, and binding arbitration for public safety officers. Councilmember Julia Miller currently serves as the LCC Peninsula Division President and on the LCC Employee Relations Policy Committee. Vice Mayor Dean Chu serves on the LCC Environmental Quality Policy Committee and Councilmember Ron Swegles serves on the LCC Housing, Community & Economic Development Policy Committee.
Historically, Sunnyvale Councilmembers have also been active on NLC committees. Councilmember Miller has served on the Women in Municipal Government Board of Directors, the Human Development Steering Committee, and the Human Development Policy Committee. Additionally, most Councilmembers have attended NLC conferences, and staff use publications provided by NLC.
FISCAL IMPACT
No impact; funds for these dues are included in the FY2003/04 budget.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda in public places, on the City’s web page, and the publication of the general business/public hearing items in the San Jose Mercury News.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Pay the 2004 membership dues for the League of California Cities and the National League of Cities.
2. Pay dues to one of the organizations, but not both.
3. Do not pay the 2004 membership dues.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative #1, pay the 2004 membership dues to the LCC and NLC.
Prepared by:
Coryn Campbell
Neighborhood and Community Services Manager
Approved by:
Amy Chan
Acting City Manager
Attachments
A. League of California Cites 2004 Membership Dues Invoice & letter from the LCC (pdf format)
B. National League of Cities 2004 Membership Dues Invoice & letter from the NLC (pdf format)