January 11, 2005
SUBJECT: Annual Membership Dues for Intergovernmental Associations
REPORT IN BRIEF
Invoices for 2005 membership dues have been received from the League of California Cities (LCC) (Attachment A), the National League of Cities (NLC) (Attachment B) and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) (Attachment C.) The LCC invoice is in the amount of $24,705, which is a $950 increase from the prior year. The NLC invoice is in the amount of $8,269, which is a $318 increase from the previous year. 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.
BACKGROUND
The League of California Cities (LCC) is a statewide organization representing the interests of city governments. LCC provides advocacy, conferences and training services, and publications such as: weekly legislative bulletins, League newsletters, and Western City magazine. LCC dues cover all League operations, including the grassroots network of regional representatives. The grassroots network was introduced in 2001 to improve both regional and statewide effectiveness and advocacy.
The National League of Cities (NLC) 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.
The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) is the official organization of the nation’s 1,183 United States cities with populations of 30,000 or more. Each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. The primary roles of the Conference are to promote the development of effective urban/suburban policy; strengthen federal-city relationships; ensure that federal policy meets urban needs; provide mayors with leadership and management tools; and create a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information.
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 (NLC)
- United States Conference of Mayors (USCM)
- League of California Cities (LCC)
- Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
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.
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. Mayor Dean J. Chu has served on the LCC Committee on Environmental Quality. Vice Mayor Ron Swegles has served on the LCC Housing & Community Development Policy Committee and Councilmember Julia Miller has served as the LCC Peninsula Division President, on the LCC Employee Relations Policy Committee and on the LCC Ethics & Education Task Force.
Historically, Sunnyvale Councilmembers have also been active in NLC committees. Councilmember Miller has served on the Human Development Steering Committee and Human Policy & Advocacy Committee and currently serves on the Women in Municipal Government Board of Directors.
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. 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 Dean J. Chu will serve on the USCM Transportation & Communications Committee and International Affairs Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT
No impact; funds for these dues are included in the FY 2004/2005 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, publication of the Council agenda in the San Jose Mercury News, and the availability of the report at the Library and the City Clerk’s Office.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Pay the 2005 membership dues for the League of California Cities, the National League of Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors.
2. Pay dues to one of the organizations, but not all.
3. Pay dues to two of the organizations, but not all.
4. Do not pay the 2005 membership dues.
5. Other action as directed by Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative #1, pay the 2005 membership dues for the League of California Cities, the National League of Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors.
Reviewed by:
Prepared by: Coryn Campbell
Manager, Intergovernmental Relations
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager
Attachments (pdf format)
A. Invoice from the League of California Cities for 2005 Membership dues & letter from LCC
B. Invoice from the National League of Cities for 2005 Membership dues & letter from NLC
C. Invoice from the United States Conference of Mayors for 2005 Membership dues