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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5474 RESOLUTION NO. 5474 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, ENDORSING THE SOUND CITIES ASSOCIATION 2020 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA WHEREAS, the actions of the Washington State Legislature in respect to local government issues, services, and funding have a profound effect on the City's ability to provide local services to its residents; and WHEREAS, the City is a member of the Sound Cities Association, which represents 38 cities in King County, and provides a voice for over one million people; and, WHEREAS, the Auburn City Council believes that it is appropriate to communicate its support for the Sound Cities Association's legislative agenda. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, RESOLVES as follows: Section 1. The City Council endorses the Sound Cities Association 2020 Legislative Agenda as set forth in Exhibit A. Section 2. The Mayor shall cause a copy of this Resolution to be sent to the City's State Legislative District representatives and to other regional government entities. Resolution No. 5474 December 2, 2019 Page 1 of 2 Rev.2019 Section 3. This Resolution will take effect and be in full force on passage and signatures. Dated and Signed: 7VVt )2IV it tq CITY OF AUBURN ANCY B A%US, MAYOR ATTEST: APPR•_ D A S TO FORM: Shawn Campbell, MMC, City Clerk Steven L. Gross, City Attorney Resolution No. 5474 December 2, 2019 Page 2 of 2 Rev.2019 SOUND t: .S t.S5 )(:It:?i )N DRAFT SCA 2020 Legislative Agenda Address the Affordable Housing and Homelessness Crisis The state and cities must partner to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing as, well as address behavioral health needs and other root causes of homelessness. Sound Cities Association urges the Legislature to: • Allow cities to create and preserve affordable housing through optional local tools, including extending the timeline to approve a "qualifying local tax"provided under HB 1406 adopted in the 2019 legislative session • Continue to expand investment in the Housing Trust Fund • Address other underlying causes of homelessness by providing support to cities to implement innovative local solutions and increasing investments in our state's behavioral health system Invest in Transportation Infrastructure and Mobility The economic vitality of our state demands that we invest in our existing transportation infrastructure and prioritize new investments that improve the movement of people and goods. Cities have increased investments in local transportation systems, but still face an annual funding gap for maintenance and operation of those systems of$1 billion statewide. Sound Cities Association urges the Legislature to: • Partner with cities to develop a comprehensive transportation bill that provides new resources and options for local government to address transportation and mobility needs Fully Fund the Public Works Trust Fund and Provide Options for Local Infrastructure Needs Today's cities are building the infrastructure necessary to accommodate a growing population and economy. Investments in infrastructure keep communities vibrant, protect the environment, and attract economic development. Cities need tools to lower the cost of providing local infrastructure and to avoid further exacerbating the housing affordability crisis. Sound Cities Association urges the Legislature to: • Fully fund the Public Works Trust Fund • Support economic development tools that help maintain and expand local infrastructure, such as Tax Increment Financing and similar tools Preserve Local Decision-Making Authority Cities possess strong local knowledge and authority to keep communities safe, healthy, and improve quality of life. It is critical cities maintain the authority to provide the necessary services and retain local control over land use planning that will help communities thrive. Provide the Tools for Cities to Address Local Priorities City revenue streams are limited and are not structured to sustainably keep-up with rising costs. Cities need flexible local funding tools, fewer unfunded mandates, and continued support from the state for shared responsibilities. Sound Cities Association urges the Legislature to: • Replace the arbitrary 1%cap on annual property tax increases with a limit tied to inflation plus population growth • Meet the state's commitment to revenues intended to be shared with cities to serve our shared constituents • Continue streamlined sales tax mitigation to affected cities