SunnyvaleRTC

January 27, 2004

SUBJECT: Annual Membership Dues for Intergovernmental Associations

An invoice for the year 2004 membership dues has been received from the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) (Attachment A.) The USCM invoice is in the amount of $5,438. This is a reduced rate, as the USCM has agreed to give the City of Sunnyvale 50% off the regular annual membership rate for 2004 and 2005. Staff recommends that Council approve payment of these dues, funds for which are available in Program 739.

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.

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:

National League of Cities
United States Conference of Mayors
League of California Cities
Association of Bay Area Governments

DISCUSSION

Traditionally, the City Council has approved annual membership dues payments to organizations which provide support and service to local governments.

USCM sponsors and analyzes city-related federal policies and regulations, provides information on current issues of interest to cities, lobbies on behalf of cities, acts as the clearinghouse for judicial, executive and legislative information, and provides technical assistance and training for mayors and their staff. As indicated in Attachment B, USCM lobbying efforts before Congress on behalf of local governments are broad-based. A bi-weekly newsletter, The Mayor, also is provided to members. While USCM tends to be more influenced by larger cities and cities with directly-elected mayors, Sunnyvale mayors have been active on USCM committees. This year, Mayor John Howe will serve on the USCM Criminal & Social Justice Standing Committee.

FISCAL IMPACT

Funds for these dues are included in the FY 2003/2004 budget.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Council approves payment of USCM membership dues for 2004

2. Council does not approve payment of USCM membership dues for 2004

3. Other action as directed by Council

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends alternative #1.

Prepared by:

Coryn Campbell
IGR Manager

Reviewed by:

Amy Chan
Acting City Manager

Attachments

A. Invoice from USCM for 2004 membership dues (pdf format)
B. Letter to Mayor Howe from Tom Cochran, USCM Executive Director (pdf format)