FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2024
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month November 2024.
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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 and 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
Activities in November:
• Per the direction of the Administration Committee, staff and our State Lobbyist are researching the possibility of carrying a bill on Bid Advertising Reform. Currently, OC San is required to advertise construction bids in print newspapers, which can cost several hundred thousand dollars annually without evidence of increased bidder participation. OC San ran a bill in 2018, AB 2003 (Daly), to try to expand the allowable public notification methods for construction bids. AB 2003 died in the Assembly Local Government Committee. The legislative climate around the issue has changed since 2018.
• Current OC San Board members Stephen Faessel (Anaheim), Bruce Whitaker (Fullerton), Farrah Khan (Irvine), Brad Avery (Newport Beach), Schelly Sustarsic (Seal Beach), and Robbie Pitts (Villa Park) will be concluding their service on their respective City Councils and the OC San Board of Directors.
Activities in December:
• As the legislature reconvenes, we can expect bills to be introduced in late December and throughout January and February. OC San staff and lobbyists will evaluate these bills as they are introduced to determine whether a position is needed and will bring to the Administration Committee for comments and guidance.
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
• Federal Matrix
• State Legislative Update
• Local Legislative Update
• Presentation