The City of Sparks recognizes the need for an active state legislative program to ensure that the interests of its residents are protected and/or enhanced.  The City’s State Legislative Platform is the foundation of a focused advocacy strategy and is attached for Council approval.

The Legislative Platform also allows the City to respond quickly in support of, or opposition to, issues that could directly impact the City.

Since 2006, the City of Sparks has utilized a government affairs program in reporting to elected officials, along with monitoring and coordinating state legislative activities.

Having an approved legislative platform for the 2017 Nevada Legislature will equip the City’s Legislative Team with an important tool as we move forward in preparations for advocacy on City issues.

This agenda item allows the Mayor and City Council to publicly discuss and possibly revise and/or approve the current state legislative platform and policies.

The document attached to this staff report represents the City’s current State Legislative Platform and Policies which was effective during the 2013 session.

Additionally, the document establishes City Council policies and procedures on state legislative issues and the government affairs functions.  The current document has been revised and edited over the years.  There are 13 categories that are associated with a number of broad policy positions.

The City’s legislative team consisting of Mayor Geno Martini, Councilwoman Julia Ratti, Manager Driscoll and staff are not recommending any changes or revisions to the current document.

1. The Council may approve the State Legislative Platform as presented and provide further direction to staff.

2. The Council may not approve the State Legislative Platform as presented and provide further direction to staff.

I move to approve the State Legislative Platform for the 2017 session.