The Shared Federal Framework (SFF) is an effort to collaborate at the regional level in the articulation of federal policy and funding needs. In an era of unprecedented economic and political change, leaders of the local, regional, state, and not-for-profit agencies in Northern Nevada are collaborating with a common vision to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of the region. One region. One voice.

The SFF includes development of a report that compiles the federal priorities of participating entities as well as the scheduling of meetings with key members of Congress in Washington D.C. The meetings will be held the week of October 28, 2013. Participation in the SFF is voluntary and no costs will be incurred by participants unless they desire to do so. The initial objectives of the SFF were focused on economic development and infrastructure investments that support short- and long-term job growth and regional sustainability. Current SFF participants are predominantly associated with the Washoe County area and the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The SFF is a dynamic group and the number of participating entities is expected to grow over time. It is anticipated that additional county and city governments in Northern Nevada will join the SFF discussions as well as members of the private sector. Participants to date are listed below:

• City of Reno • City of Sparks • County of Washoe • Desert Research Institute • Flood Management Authority • Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County • Tahoe Regional Planning Agency • Douglas County • Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority • Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority • Consolidated Municipality of Carson City • Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada • Nevada Association of Counties • Nevada League of Cities • Office of Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval • Tahoe Transportation District • Truckee Meadows Community College • Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency • Truckee Meadows Water Authority • University of Nevada, Reno • Western Nevada Development District

The SFF integrates and builds on the efforts of other regional collaborations, including the following: - Trans-Sierra Coalition – The Trans-Sierra Coalition recognizes that transportation and mobility improvements have the capacity to positively impact public safety and the local economy. The Coalition supports working with regional partners to pursue a well-funded investment program for transportation infrastructure. Members of the Coalition include the Tahoe Transportation District, Douglas County, Washoe County, and the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County. - Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) through the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) – The purpose of the program is to help people in rural communities work together as a Regional Team to develop and implement an economic development plan. The program developed goals for business services, energy, mining, agriculture, defense, manufacturing, biomedical, transportation and logistics, arts, entertainment, and recreation.

The City's Legislative Affairs Team, which includes Mayor Martini and Councilwoman Ratti, have agreed to support the Shared Federal Framework (SFF) concept. The City of Sparks Federal Priorities generally remain the same for the last fiscal year and would be incorporated into the SFF. It is important to note that this program, in no way, would usurp the City's ability in continuing to maintain and build relationships with congressional and administration officals, or continue to pursue federal matters on its own. The SFF would merely supplement and reinforce the City's federal legislative efforts. Additionally, participation in the SFF will not cost the City additional lobbying expenses. The City would only incur travel expenses. Attached is an early draft of the SFF and the City's current federal priorities.