City of Sparks and the Shared Federal Framework (SFF)

On September 23, the City Council voted unanimously to support the concept of the Shared Federal Framework (SFF), a regional effort that began back in July with a focus to identify key legislation and federal programs that impact the region, and to deliver a united message for one region to our congressional delegation and key lawmakers in Washington, DC. SFF members will be traveling to DC for meetings on October 28-30. Mayor Martini, Councilman Smith and Adam Mayberry will represent the City. Other entities include:

1. City of Reno

2. County of Washoe

3. Desert Research Institute

4. Douglas County

5. Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada

6. Western Nevada Development District

7. Truckee River Flood Management Authority

8. Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County

9. Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority

10. Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

11. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

At the time this staff report was produced, the structure of the SFF is becoming clear, however, more work needs to be done prior to the October 28 Capitol Hill visits. The itinerary and final SFF plan remains fluid.

The SFF program does not diminish the role of our congressional delegation, but helps promote Northern Nevada before Congress and the Administration. Nor does the effort usurp what the City’s legislative program entails. We will continue to communicate and meet with members and staff of our federal delegation, and lobby on important matters facing the City. Additionally, our congressional delegation will be fully briefed on the SFF program, and in fact will be participating in the process.

The Shared Federal Framework compliments the City’s legislative programs and will focus on the following regional policy priorities. The policy priorities were identified and organized to mirror the congressional committees in both the Democratic controlled Senate, and the Republican controlled House of Representatives and the issues the respective committee’s address.

1. Transportation

2. Energy and Environment

3. Economic Development and Community Services

4. Public Safety

5. Federal Lands

6. Health and Human Services

Key legislation, program and projects where there is a short-term and immediate need will accompany each priority.

Transportation

• Advocate for reauthorization of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP 21)

• National Bus and Bus Facility Program

• Oppose cuts due to Sequestration and avoid short-term Continuing Resolutions

• Airport Improvement Program Funding

Energy and Environment

• Advocate for passage of Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)

• Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act

• Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

•Protecting Lakes Against Quaggas Mussels (PLAQ) HR 1823

Economic Development and Community Services

• Advocate for passage of Marketplace Fairness Act

• Support goals of the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) including obtaining funding from the Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration for Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies

• Advocate for funding for Community Assistance Center

• Advocate for Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program

• Advocate for Homeless Assistance Grants

• Advocate for Medicaid Legibility for Incarcerated individuals ($20 Million)

• Advocate for Child Welfare

• Advocate for Mental Health Funding

Public Safety

• Advocate for Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program and SAFER Program

• Advocate for Community Oriented Policing Strategies and Justice Assistance Grant Programs

• Emergency Management Performance Grant Program

Federal Lands

• Douglas County Lands Bill

Health and Human Services

• Under development

Possible Shared Federal Framework Outcomes:

• National exposure for Northern Nevada policy and project priorities

• Obtaining federal funding for the region

• Obtaining legislative and federal regulatory language that will benefit the region

• Prevent administrative or legislative policy and regulations that will negatively impact the region

• Relationship building with key members of the U.S. Congress

1) I move to continue to support the regional shared federal framework.

2) The City Council could decide to not take action and allow the Shared Federal Framework to continue to move forward.

3) The City Council could decide to direct staff accordingly.