Consideration and Approval:  2016 Intergovernmental Relations Priorities

The City of Flagstaff's Intergovernmental Relations Program coordinates the City's dealings with the federal, state, tribal and other local governments, and seeks to foster constructive links between the City and these entities.  The program works to advocate for the Flagstaff community by fostering and maintaining relationships with individuals and entities that affect the City's interest.

Each year the City adopts state and federal legislative priorities to establish City positions on issues, policies and projects of legislative interest.  Council also adopts guiding principles to also direct the City's advocacy and intergovernmental efforts. 

On November 3, 2015, City Council provided staff input on state, federal and tribal relations priorities.  On November 10, 2015, Council reviewed the draft intergovernmental guiding principles and priorities that were developed based on the Council's input.  Additional input was provided to staff based on Council's review of the draft document.  Attached to the staff summary is a revised document that incorporates the most recent input from Council.  On November 17, 2015, the Council will consider for adoption the 2016 guiding principles and priorities for the City's Intergovernmental Relations Program.

Also included in the staff summary is a 2015 bill tracking overview and a summary of the Council communication and engagement strategies for the City's intergovernmental efforts. 

Staff continually evaluates financial impacts of legislation and regulatory policy changes at the local, state and federal level.

COUNCIL GOALS:
1) Invest in our employees and implement retention and attraction strategies
2) Ensure Flagstaff has a long-term water supply for current and future needs
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
4) Explore and adopt policies to lower the costs associated with housing to the end user
5) Develop and implement guiding principles that address public safety service levels through appropriate staffing levels
6) Relieve traffic congestion throughout Flagstaff
7) Address key issues and processes related to the implementation of the Regional Plan
8) Improve effectiveness of notification, communication, and engagement with residents, neighborhoods and businesses and about City services, programs, policies, projects and developments
9) Foster relationships and maintain economic development commitment to partners
10) Decrease the number of working poor
11) Ensure that we are as prepared as possible for extreme weather events

REGIONAL PLAN:
Historically, many of the Council's adopted legislative priorities support some of the Regional Plan's goals and policies.  Through advocacy, the City's contracted lobbyists help to deliver City services effectively and efficiently.

Goal PF.2: Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics.

On November 3 and 10, 2015, City Council provided staff input on state, federal and tribal relations priorities. 

Adopt the 2016 Intergovernmental Relations Program Priorities
Amend and adopt the 2016 Intergovernmental Relations Program Priorities