The purpose of the City’s Legislation Program is to intentionally promote the adoption of state and federal legislation that will:

·         Establish sound public policy for responsible governance;

·         Protect and enhance public health, safety and welfare; and,

·         Aid the City’s delivery of high quality services to its residents.

On an annual basis, the City Council adopts a Legislative Platform that reflects the interests common to cities throughout the state as well as the interests special or unique to the City of Santa Barbara.   Guided by the Legislative Platform, City staff monitors pending legislation.  On high priority issues, advocacy correspondence and briefing materials are prepared for the Mayor and Councilmembers for use in their communication with state and federal representatives such that the resultant legislation reflects the City’s interests.

When proposed legislation, or a significant public policy issue, comes to the attention of City officials that is not specifically addressed by the Legislative Platform, it is presented to the 3 member Council Committee on Legislation for review.  If the Council Committee on Legislation determines that the proposed legislation or policy issue is of such importance to the City, it will recommend to the full City Council that a formal position on the matter should be taken, which may involve adoption of a Council Resolution.

·         Legislative Platforms

Ø       2011 Legislative Platform

·         Council Committee on Legislation

Ø       Grant House, Chair

Ø       Harwood “Bendy” White

Ø       Dale Francisco

Please contact Nina Johnson, Assistant to the City Administrator (NJohnson@SantaBarbaraCA.gov) if you have questions or need additional information.