Print Staff Summary Report

CITY OF FLAGSTAFF

STAFF SUMMARY REPORT

To:

The Honorable Mayor and Council

From:

Co-Submitter:

Sarah Langley

Co-Submitter:

Sarah Langley

Date:

04/16/2024

Meeting Date:

04/23/2024

TITLE:

Consideration and Approval: Congressionally Directed Spending Requests and Federal Lobbying Trip to DC Materials

STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the 2024 Federal Lobbying Packet and retroactively approve the Congressionally Directed Spending Requests.

Executive Summary:

Congressionally Directed Spending Requests provide limited amounts of funding for specific projects not funded through regular appropriations and are similar to small grants. Congressionally Directed Spending Requests are also open to Arizona local governments, universities, community colleges, and some state organizations with a very quick turnaround time for submission to our Congressional Representatives. The 2024 Federal Lobbying Packet for the trip to Washington, DC has been created through work with our Federal Lobbyists, City Staff, and City Leadership.

In connection with the Water Services Strategic Plan, City staff will plan to include a one-page overview of the Red Gap Ranch Regional Pipeline Project within the lobbying packet. During the lobbying trip, staff and council members will briefly mention ongoing water settlement efforts and bring their attention to the one-page document and the importance of the project to the City.

Financial Impact:

None.

Policy Impact:

None.

Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:

None.

Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:

None.

Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:

The Flagstaff City Council decided on the Key Community Priorities and Objectives as well as priorities for state and federal lobbying last year. The federal lobbying packet and the Congressionally Directed Spending Requests reflect those priorities and objectives.

Connection to Regional Plan:

None

Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:

Healthy Forests and Open Spaces

HF-1 Protect existing forests, resources, and meaningful open spaces.
HF-2 Restore and maintain the natural fire-adapted structure and pattern of the forests of the greater Flagstaff region through collaboration with partners.
HF-3 Educate the public on forest health and wildfire risk reduction.
HF-4 Support innovation in the forest health and wildland fire sectors.
HF-5 Encourage diverse native plant ecosystems in the built environment.
HF-6 Proactively manage for expected ecosystem transitions, including the potential threats to ponderosa pine forests.

Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:

Create housing options for households at all income levels and family sizes occupied by local residents.
Connect people to equitable housing solutions.
Preserve affordable housing.

Attachments:

Presentation

Draft DC Schedule

2024 Federal Lobbying Packet

Congressioanlly Directed Spending Requests