FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2023
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of November 2023.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) legislative affairs program includes advocating for OC San’s legislative interests; sponsoring legislation (where appropriate); and seeking Local, State, and Federal funding for projects and programs.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without a strong advocacy program, elected officials may not be aware of OC San’s mission, programs, and projects and how they could be impacted by proposed legislation.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Continue to work with Local, State, and Federal officials to advocate for OC San’s legislative interests. Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community. To assist in relationship building efforts, OC San will continue to reach out to elected officials through facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and trips to Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not work with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be passed that negatively affects OC San and the wastewater industry. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CASA State and Federal Annual Planning Meetings:
On December 4 and December 8, OC San’s Legislative Team will be virtually attending the annual CASA State/Federal Legislative Planning meetings along with other agencies and organizations. From this, CASA’s legislative committee will develop a plan to highlight the positions CASA proposes to take and if they are to carry any legislation.
Local Legislative Advocate Update:
In support of the recently adopted OC San Strategic Plan, OC San is issuing an RFP for a Local Lobbyist. The intended goal for the Local Lobbyist is to connect with cities and local governments to advocate and build relationships on matters affecting OC San and the cities OC San serves. The RFP is tentatively scheduled to be issued mid-December and the proposals will be due back to OC San in late January 2024.
OC San Legislative Platform:
The 2024 OC San Legislative and Regulatory Plan was approved at the November 15 Board of Directors Meeting. The 2024 Legislative and Regulatory Plan helps guide OC San on legislative and regulatory issues that could have an effect on OC San or the industry. The plan can be located at ocsan.gov and is attached to this agenda report.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Federal Legislative Update
• State Legislative Update
• 2024 Legislative and Regulatory Plan