The 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature begins on February 1, 2021. Before a state legislative session, City Council has traditionally approved a legislative platform. Because the legislative process moves quickly, there often is not time for the City Council to consider positions on individual bills in properly noticed meetings. Therefore, the Legislative Platform provides guidance regarding the City's positions on issues to the City's Legislative Team, enabling the Legislative Team to act quickly in response to bills before the Nevada Legislature. If approved, the proposed 2021 Legislative Platform will guide the City's advocacy during the Nevada Legislature's upcoming session.

The City of Sparks 2021 Legislative Platform is grouped into categories based on the City's six strategic goals: 

1. Managing Growth: Proactively plan, manage and maintain the City’s current “small town feel” by focusing development in existing areas while protecting open spaces and parks.
2. Connectivity: Support fast and efficient connections – transportation and communication systems – between neighborhoods, recreation, schools, shopping areas, and City facilities.
3. Community Facilities and Services: Deliver and maintain responsive community services and facilities that support the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.
4. Community Character: Ensure that Sparks’ physical environment, services and amenities make it a city of choice for residents and businesses.
5. Resiliency and Sustainability: Ensure the City’s ability to absorb disruptive change while retaining or restoring our environmental, social and economic health.
6. Housing and Affordability: Provide solutions to housing needs for all economic segments of the community, while promoting economic growth and ensuring financial sustainability.

The Legislative Platform explains that in order to advance these goals, the City will support legislation that achieves certain ends, including but not limited to:

• Improving the State's real property tax system to make City revenues less dependent on constant growth;
• Providing additional funding for parks and recreational facilities and programs;
• Encouraging redevelopment and affordable housing;
• Incentivizing effective and affordable communications services; 
• Maintaining local control over local issues and resources; and
• Increasing funding for mental health and substance abuse services.

Staff recommends City Council approve the 2021 Legislative Platform.

1. City Council may approve the City of Sparks 2021 Legislative Platform as presented by staff.

2. City Council may reject the City of Sparks 2021 Legislative Platform and give direction to the City Manager. Because the legislative session begins on February 1, however, if City Council is not inclined to approve the Legislative Platform as presented, the third alternative below is recommended.

3. City Council may approve the City of Sparks 2021 Legislative Platform with amendments specified by the City Council.

I move to approve the City of Sparks 2021 Legislative Platform as presented by staff.