March 28, 2006

SUBJECT: Ratification of Council Intergovernmental Committee Appointment

REPORT IN BRIEF

In January of each year, City Council fills a number of positions for intergovernmental assignments. Throughout the year, Councilmembers may be appointed to additional intergovernmental assignments. The following appointment has occurred since January:  the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County appointed Mayor Ron Swegles to the Board of Directors. This new appointment is being brought to Council for ratification.

The attached 2006 roster from the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County web site outlines the current members and officers of the Board of Directors (Attachment A). Attachment B is a list of the 2006 Council Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Committee Assignments, including this new assignment.

BACKGROUND

The City Council annually appoints members to a variety of intergovernmental agencies in order to represent the City’s interests and to influence policies and regulations of other agencies.  Specific intergovernmental appointments are sometimes made by other agencies, the appointments must then be ratified by Council.

EXISTING POLICY

Legislative/Management Sub Element, Goal 7.3C – Participate in intergovernmental activities, including national, state and regional groups, as a means to represent the City’s interests, influence policy and legislation, and enhance awareness.

Legislative/Management Sub Element, Policy 7.3.C.1 – Represent City policy in intergovernmental activities in accordance with adopted policy guidelines.

Council Policy 7.3.12 – City Council Appointments to Intergovernmental Agencies, City Council Subcommittees and Council or Mayor-Created Advisory Task Forces

DISCUSSION

A brief description of the agency and assignment follows, followed by a designation of staff support.

Housing Trust of Santa Clara County appointment to the Board of Directors

In 1999, representatives of the Community Foundation Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, the County Collaborative on Housing and Homelessness and Santa Clara County met to create the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County. The Trust was designed to serve as a rapid-response investment tool to aid the creation of new affordable housing developments and to help first-time homeowners buy affordable homes.

The Board of Directors speaks for the communities that the Trust serves. Representatives from all of the constituencies: government, employers and employer groups, real estate and development, housing advocacy and the public meet regularly to guide the Trust and ensure oversight for its programs.

Staff support for this assignment will be provided by Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, Community Development Department.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to this report.

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 in the Library and the City Clerk’s Office.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Council ratifies Mayor Ron Swegles to the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County Board of Directors.

2. Council takes no action at this time.

3. Other action as directed by Council.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative 1: Council ratifies Mayor Ron Swegles to the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County Board of Directors.

Reviewed by:

Robert Walker, Assistant City Manager

Prepared by: Coryn Campbell, Neighborhood and Community Resources Manager

Approved by:

Amy Chan

City Manager

Attachments

A. 2006 Board of Directors Roster from the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County (.pdf)

B. 2006 Council IGR Committee Assignments (.xls)