HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4537-11-2015 A Resolution
NO. 4537-11-2015
ADOPTING THE CITY OF FORT WORTH'S
2016 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the 114th Congress convened in January 2015 and will continue
throughout 2016; and
WHEREAS, during the month of October 2015, the Governmental Relations staff,
in conjunction with the City's federal legislative consultants, received input from various
niembers of the Fort Worth City Council, the City Manager's office, and department
directors to identify the City's progranrinatic and funding needs that could, potentially, be
resolved by Congressional or federal administrative actions; and
WHEREAS, based upon those reconiniendations, the Governmental Relations staff
and federal legislative consultants made a presentation to the Fort Worth City Council's
Legislative and IntergovernTnental Al hairs ('()injyi.ittee on October 20, 2015 for review of
the recornmendations; and
WHEREAS, following the Cornmittee's approval of the proposed program, the
proposal, was presented t o t he full City Council on November 10, 201.5; and
WHEREAS, following that presentation., 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 2016 Federal Legislative Program as outlined in the attactied
document; and
2. Authorizes and directs the City Manager to distribute copies of the City's
2016 Federal Legislative program to members of Congress, to other cities, and to 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 Govertiment Relations staff and the City"s
federal legislative consultants to take the appropriate actions to advance the 2016 Federal
Legislative Program before Congress, the Administration and corresponding federal
agencies.
Adopted the J7 day of Novem.b.cr, 2015.
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By:
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Mary. J. se City Secretary
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FORTWORTH
CITY OF FORT WORTH 2016 FEDERAL
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
CONGRESSIONAL
PRIORITIES
Fighting for Mass Transit
Summary: Traditional and alternative forms of mass transit are essential to Fort
Worth's current and planned investments in economic growth and community
development. Support for ongoing highway improvements (I-35W North, I-30, 1-
20, and HWY 199), robust passenger rail, and alternative transit opportunities,
including bike trails, will be continuing priorities in the 114th Congress.
Supporting Our Local Military
Summary: Fort Worth's economic growth and development are inextricably tied
to the health of America'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 many cities across our
nation. Continuing support for NASJRB and sustaining the growth of our defense
contracting industries will be key priorities. Additionally, Fort Worth is home to a
large and growing population of active duty and reservist military personnel as
well as veterans of all ages. Supporting those who have served and continue to
serve our country will be a top priority in the 114th Congress.
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orting the Trinitv River Vision
Summary: Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing large cities in America. The
Trinity River Vision (TRV) project is a key element in flood control, recreational
river access, and sustaining our enormous growth and capturing its full potential.
The TRV will drive new economic development north and east of our current
downtown while providing much needed urban renewal to these communities.
Ongoing support for TRV will remain a key priority.
Sunnort,for Educational Deve!onment
Summary: Fort Worth's continued growth and economic success depend in large
part on our city's ability to deliver quality educational opportunities for our future
workforce. Families in our community deserve access to programs that provide a
diverse continuum of educational resources with a particular emphasis on
workforce development. Supporting high school programs that encourage
workforce preparedness, better equipping students for the needs of today's job
market, will be a priority in our Washington, DC engagement in 2016.
Additionally, early childhood education programs are critical to the long-term
success of Fort Worth's school aged children. Identifying opportunities to enhance
and create programs that increase quality and access to early childhood education,
including quality pre-kindergarten programs in Fort Worth, will be a key priority in
the 114th Congress.
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CITY OF FORT WORTH 2016 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATIVE PRIORITIES
Pursuing Community Development and Renewal
❑ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
❑ Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
❑ New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC)
❑ Second Chance Act
❑ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/WAP)
❑ HOME Grants
❑ Low Income Housing Tax Credits
❑ Education Opportunity Programs
❑ Healthy Communities Initiative
Pursuing Community Development and Renewal continued
I Long-term Transportation Reauthorization/"Highway Trust Fund"
❑ HHS and Community Health
❑ Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR)
❑ Land and Water Conservation Fund Reauthorization
❑ Library and Arts Funding (IMLS)
El Energy/Sustainability Grants
❑ Flood Insurance Premiums
❑ Employment Non-discrimination Initiatives
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CITY OF FORT WORTH 2015 FEDERAL
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATIVE PRIORITIES
CONTINUED
Exploring Economic Development Opportunities
❑ Mixed Income Community Development Funding
❑ Municipal Debt Income Tax Exemption
❑ Municipal Debt Liquidity (HQLA)
❑ Clean Energy and Natural Gas Initiatives
❑ Marketplace Fairness Act
❑ Wireless Tax Authority
❑ Management and Collection for use on Local Rights of Way
❑ Wet Weather Facility
❑ Alternative Asbestos Control Method (AACM) Wet demolition
Fighting for Public Saf& Funding and
Sum rt
❑ Emergency Management Preparedness Grants (EMPG)
❑ Homeland Security Top 10 Re-Designation for Urban Areas Security Initiative
(UASI) funding
❑ CASA Funding (innovative weather satellite pilot)
❑ Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
❑ Broadband Spectrum for First Responders
❑ Opposition to Collective Bargaining Issues
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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 supljorts
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 292ose 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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