HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4393-01-2015 A Resolution
NO. 4393-01-2015
ADOPTING THE CITY OF FORT WORTH'S
2015FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the 114th Congress will convene in January, 2015; and
WHEREAS, during the month of November 2014, the Governmental Relations staff, in
conjunction with the City's federal legislative consultants, received input from various members
of the Fort Worth City Council, the City Manager's office, and department directors to identify
the City's programmatic and funding needs that could, potentially, be resolved by Congressional
or federal administrative actions; and
WHEREAS, based upon those recommendations, the Governmental Relations staff and
federal legislative consultants made a presentation to the Fort Worth City Council on December
2, 2014 for review of the recommendations; and
WHEREAS, following review of those recommendations, staff was directed to proceed
with a resolution for the City Council's approval;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH:
That the City Council:
1. Adopts the 2015 Federal Legislative Program as outlined in the attached document;
and
2. Authorizes and directs the City Manager to distribute copies of the City's 2015
Federal Legislative program to members of Congress, to other cities, and other interested parties;
and
3. Authorizes and directs the appropriate City officials to send letters of support or to
meet with federal officials to discuss the City's position on the attached initiatives; and
4. Authorizes and directs the City's Government Relations staff and the City's federal
legislative consultants to take the appropriate actions to advance the 2015 Federal Legislative
Program before Congress, the Administration, and corresponding federal agencies.
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Resolution No. 4393-01-2015
Adopted the 6'h day of January, 2015.
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ORT WO T
FORTWORTH
CITY OF FORT WORTH 2015 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITIES
Fighting for Transportation
Summary: TexRail and 1-35W North are essential to Fort Worth's current and
planned investments in economic growth and community development.
Opportunities to support the development of TexRail and the completion of 1-35W
North will be priorities in the 114th Congress.
Supporting Our Local Military
Summary: Fort Worth's continued growth and development is inextricably tied to
the health of our nation's military and defense industries. The Naval Air Station
Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) and Fort Worth's synergistic relationship with top
military contractors in the United States are models for the nation. Expanding
both the NASJRB and the growth of our defense contracting industries will be a
key priority.
Strengthening the Trinity River Vision
Summary: Fort Worth is the fastest growing large city in America today. The
Trinity River Vision (TRV) project is a key element in flood control and in
sustaining this enormous growth and capturing its full potential. The TRV will
drive new economic development downtown while providing much needed urban
renewal to the nearby North Side community. Sustaining and accelerating
funding for TRV will be a key priority.
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CITY OF FORT WORTH 2015 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATIVE PRIORITIES
Pursuing Community Development and Renewal
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/WAP)
• New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) (Funding opportunities and tax incentives
to help support innovative housing options)
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
• Second Chance Act
• HOME Grants
• Low Income Housing Tax Credits
• Education Opportunity Programs
• Support Passage of a Federal Employment Non Discrimination Act
Pursuing Community Development and Renewal
• Transportation Reauthorization
• HHS and Community Health
• Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR)
• Land and Water Conservation Fund Reauthorization
• Library and Arts Funding (IMLS)
• Energy/Sustainability Grants
• Flood Insurance Premiums
• Healthy Communities Initiative
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CITY OF FORT WORTH 2015 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATIVE PRIORITIES CONTINUED
Exploring Economic Development Opwo:#unities
• Alternative Asbestos Control Method (AACM) Wet demolition
• Municipal Debt Income Tax Exemption
• Municipal Debt Liquidity (HQLA)
• Clean Energy and Natural Gas Initiatives
• Marketplace Fairness Act
• Wet Weather Facility
• Land Water Conservation Fund
• Wireless Tax Authority
• Management and Collection for use on Local Rights of Way
• Municipal Disclosure Regime
Fighting for Public Safety Funding and Support
• Homeland Security Top 10 Re-Designation for Urban Areas
Security Initiative (UASI) funding
• CASA Funding (innovative weather satellite pilot)
• Emergency Management Preparedness Grants (EMPG)
• Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
• Broadband Spectrum for First Responders
• Opposition to Collective Bargaining Issues
• Opposing Excessive Limitations on Local Police Authority
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GENERAL LEGISLATIVE POLICY
As a general policy, the City of Fort Worth seeks to preserve its authority to
responsibly govern the city, its citizens, and its property. The City supports
any legislation viewed as advancing the City's Comprehensive Plan or the City's
Strategic Goals; or that improves the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens;
or that reduces the cost of governing the City.
In addition, the City will oppose any legislation viewed as detrimental to its
Comprehensive Plan or its Strategic Goals; or that is contrary to the health,
safety, and welfare of its citizens; or that mandates increased costs or
decreased revenues; or that would diminish the fundamental authority of the
City.
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