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 Legislative Platform and Policies is the foundation of a focused advocacy strategy and is attached for Council approval.

The Legislative Platform and Policies allows the City and its representatives 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 legislative team in reporting to elected officials, along with monitoring and coordinating state legislative activities.

Having an approved legislative platform for the 2019 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 has been updated to reflect current city policies. There are 13 categories that cover a number of broad policy positions.

The City’s legislative team consisting of Mayor Ron Smith, Councilman Ed Lawson, City Manager Steve Driscoll, Assistant City Manager Neil Krutz and Legislative Liaison Kathy Clewett are not recommending any changes or revisions to the current document.

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

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

I move to approve the State Legislative Platform and Policies for the 2019 state legislative session.