DEPARTMENT: Government and Public Affairs
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT: Federal Legislative Program for the 115th U.S. Congress
SUMMARY:
Ordinance to approve the City of San Antonio’s Federal Legislative Program for the 115th Congress, which begins January 3, 2017 and extends through January 3, 2019.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Development of the City’s federal initiatives began in August 2016 in collaboration with City Departments and the City’s Federal Consultant team. The proposed 115th Federal Legislative Program focuses on three City legislative priorities and twelve legislative and federal agency initiatives.
A. Priorities
The City’s Federal Priorities include federal funding and/or legislative action for the following initiatives:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization: The City seeks a nonstop flight to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the U.S. and is the largest medium-hub market located outside the DCA perimeter that is not served by a non-stop flight to DCA. Non-stop access to DCA for markets beyond the perimeter is an important economic driver for business and tourism growth. A non-stop route serving the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to DCA is a key link for the federal government due to the significant presence of civilian and military agencies in San Antonio.
Military Protection: Protecting, enhancing, and growing the military missions in San Antonio is a priority of our City. Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is comprised of four primary locations in the San Antonio region and is home to several high-priority missions. These include the 24th Air Force “Cyber Command,” basic training for all enlisted Air Force personnel, the Medical Education and Training Campus, and instructor pilot and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) training. San Antonio’s military supports 266 military service mission partners, more than 80,000 personnel, and the region is home to more than 250,000 veterans. We support funding and programs that allow for the protection of our current missions and the acquisition of new ones.
Transportation Funding: The City seeks funding that will support the infrastructure needs associated with the significant population growth expected over the next 25 years.
In anticipation of this growth the City developed a multimodal transportation plan which takes into account all modes of transportation including; auto, freight, rail transit, biking, and walking. The plan will serve as a tool to prioritize and meet the community’s transportation infrastructure goals.
B. Legislative & Agency Initiatives
Legislative and agency initiatives focus on issues that align with City priorities and enhance the City’s continued commitment to leverage national resources and partnerships. The City’s federal legislative efforts include the protection of municipal interests, identification of federal funding to support local investments, and advocacy to ensure that federal resources continue to be available for San Antonio.
The following legislative and agency initiatives are being recommended:
• Public Safety Enhancements - Support full and expanded funding to support state and local law enforcement and public safety
• Municipal Bond Tax Exemption - Oppose changes to the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds
• Employment Tax Credits - Support the extension and expansion of tax credits for businesses that hire in economically distressed areas
• Historic Tax Credits & Downtown National Register District - Obtain a historic designation for San Antonio’s urban core, leverage tax incentives to preserve and protect the area, and obtain federal grants and technical assistance for historic preservation
• San Antonio Missions/National Park Funding - Support a federal funding increase for operations and maintenance of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
• Marketplace Fairness Act - Support passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act to bring uncollected sales taxes to the state
• Public, Education & Government Access - Support the expansion of allowable uses of PEG funds to improve public access channel operations
• Teen Pregnancy Prevention - Support funding restoration to proven teen pregnancy prevention programs
• Workforce, Education & Training - Support programs which assist the development of highly skilled and in demand occupations
• Smart Cities Implementation - Support funding for technology integration initiatives which will improve City services
• San Antonio Tricentennial - Engage with national leaders to gain support, participation, and funding for events and activities highlighting the San Antonio Tricentennial
• Homeless Services for Individuals with Mental Illness - Support programs and resources for the development of effective systems to address the chronically homeless population
• Air Quality - Support policies, programs, and resources which allow the region to improve its air quality, reduce the health impacts of pollution, and meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
ISSUE:
A new session of Congress begins on January 3, 2017. The legislative program establishes the City’s federal priorities for 2017-2019.
Adoption of the Federal Legislative Program is in line with Council policy and will not preclude the submission of other initiatives that may be legislative and/or regulatory in nature. As funding opportunities develop further and the possibility of additional grant opportunities develop during the 115th Congress, City staff will brief Council and obtain direction.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to adopt a Federal Legislative Program for the 115th U.S. Congress. This would be inconsistent with previous public policy set by City Council and fail to provide timely City Council guidance to staff. Council could alternatively provide direction on an issue by issue basis throughout the two year Congressional period.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the approval of this item. The City seeks funding that will support the infrastructure needs associated with the significant population growth expected over the next 25 years.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the City’s 115th U.S. Congress Federal Legislative Program.