July 13, 2004

SUBJECT:  Annual Membership Dues for the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)

REPORT IN BRIEF
An invoice for FY04-05 membership dues has been received from the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) in the amount of $17,488 (Attachment A), which is a $28 decrease from FY03-04.  Staff recommends payment of the ABAG dues.

BACKGROUND
Formed in 1961, ABAG is one of more than 560 regional planning agencies across the nation working to help solve problems in areas such as land use, housing, environmental quality, and economic development. Its mission is to strengthen cooperation and coordination among local governments. In doing so, ABAG addresses social, environmental, and economic issues that transcend local borders.  It is the official comprehensive planning agency for the San Francisco Bay region.

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 June 2003, Council approved the FY03-04 dues payment to ABAG in the amount of $17,516.  The City of Sunnyvale has been actively involved with ABAG for many years.  Currently, there are three Councilmembers who serve on ABAG committees:

• Councilmember Hamilton
  - General Assembly Representative
• Councilmember Lee
  - General Assembly Alternate
• Councilmember Miller
  - Administrative Committee
  - Executive Board
  - Legislation and Governmental Organization Committee
  - Regional Airport Planning Committee
  - Regional Planning Committee
  - San Francisco Bay Trail Board of Directors
  - Inter-regional Partnership
  - Finance and Personnel Committee Chair
  - Earthquake and Transportation Information Review Committee Chair

FISCAL IMPACT
No impact; funds for these dues are included in the Program 739 - City Council FY04/05 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 ABAG FY04-05 membership dues.
2. Do not pay the ABAG FY04-05 membership dues.
3. Other action as directed by Council.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative #1, pay the ABAG FY04-05 membership dues.

Prepared by:
Coryn Campbell
Neighborhood and Community Services Manager

Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager

Attachments

A. Invoice from ABAG for FY04-05 membership dues. (pdf format)