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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.3 Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Tri-Valley Cities for Joint Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Advocacy ServicesCELEBRATING STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL DUBLIN CALIFORNIA Agenda Item 4.3 DATE: October 18, 2022 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Linda Smith, City Manager SU B.ECT : Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Tri-Valley Cities for Joint Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Advocacy Services Prepared by: John Stefanski, Assistant to the City Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will consider approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cities of Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and the Town of Danville in order to retain legislative advocacy services to implement the Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Framework. Advocacy services will assist the agencies in building consensus and employing a united approach in supporting solutions that will serve the residents and businesses of the region. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Pleasanton and the Town of Danville, City of Dublin, City of Livermore, and City of San Ramon for Joint Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Advocacy Services. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Professional Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. is for a five-year term beginning in September 2022 and shall not exceed $750,000. The City of Dublin's share of this cost will not exceed $30,000 annually, or $150,000 over the life of the agreement. The City of Pleasanton has agreed to be the fiduciary agent and initiate the Professional Services Agreement for legislative advocacy services firm and subsequently bill each City and Town their portion of the expense as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. Sufficient funds are included for this purpose in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 General Fund Budget. Page 1 of 2 30 DESCRIPTION: Since 2007, the Tri-Valley Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and the Town of Danville have joined together to work on federal legislative issues and for this purpose initially retained the legislative advocacy services firm Jordan & Associates. The expenses for the services were equally shared. In 2017, the Tri-Valley Cities (TVC) adopted a Legislative Framework with a strategic focus at four levels: federal, state, regional and local. This was a shift in strategic focus and the TVC determined that a Request for Proposals and Qualifications (RFP/Q) would be prepared to solicit legislative advocacy services. Through that process Townsend Public Affairs was selected to provide advocacy services for the TVC. An RFP for legislative advocacy services for the TVC was conducted in August 2022 through which Townsend was again selected for a professional service agreement with a five-year term (Attachment 3) to implement the TVC Legislative Framework (Attachment 4). Staff is seeking City Council approval of the Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the responsibilities of all parties and affirms the agreement to retain Townsend for legislative advocacy services (Attachment 2). STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: None. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: The City Council Agenda was posted. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Pleasanton and the Town of Danville, City of Dublin, City of Livermore, and City of San Ramon for Joint Tri- Valley Cities Legislative Advocacy Services 2) Exhibit A to the Resolution - Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Pleasanton and the Town of Danville, City of Dublin, City of Livermore, and City of San Ramon for Joint Tri- Valley Cities Legislative Advocacy Services 3) Professional Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $750,000 for a five-year term 4) Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Framework Page 2 of 2 31 Attachment I RESOLUTION NO. XX — 22 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF PLEASANTON AND THE TOWN OF DANVILLE, CITY OF DUBLIN, CITY OF LIVERMORE, AND CITY OF SAN RAMON FOR JOINT TRI-VALLEY CITIES LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES WHEREAS, The Tri-Valley Cities of Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon (Tri-Valley Cities) have joined together since 2007 to advocate regarding federal issues and legislation on behalf of the Tri-Valley region and have jointly contracted with a legislative advocacy firm, equally sharing costs to assist in these efforts; and WHEREAS, The Tri-Valley Cities desire to continue their collaborative efforts under a their Legislative Framework that will focus on advocacy efforts regarding issues and legislation on federal, state, regional, and local levels and to equally share costs of an advocacy firm to assist in these efforts; and WHEREAS, The Tri-Valley Cities, through a formal Request for Proposals, selected Townsend Public Affairs to serve as their advocacy firm and propose to enter into a five-year agreement, as described in the accompanying Staff Report to this Resolution; and WHEREAS, The Tri-Valley Cities desire to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A, to clarify the responsibilities of all parties in regards to Legislative Advocacy Services; and WHEREAS, the MOU outlines responsibilities of all parties and affirms the agreement to retain Townsend Public Affairs, Inc., to provide legislative advocacy services. The MOU further outlines financial responsibility of each City/Town and specifies a rotating schedule of responsibilities for the Tri-Valley Cities and Town; and WHEREAS, the City's share of this cost shall not exceed $150,000 over the five-year term of the MOU. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin hereby approve the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Pleasanton and the Town of Danville, City of Dublin, City of Livermore, and City of San Ramon for Joint Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Advocacy Services. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to execute the amendments to the agreements, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and make any necessary, non - substantive changes to carry out the intent of this Resolution. Reso. No. XX-22, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2022 Page 1 of 2 32 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of October 2022, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Reso. No. XX-22, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/22 Page 2 of 2 33 Attachment 2 EXHIBIT A TO THE RESOLUTION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF PLEASANTON AND THE TOWN OF DANVILLE, CITY OF DUBLIN, CITY OF LIVERMORE, AND CITY OF SAN RAMON FOR JOINT TRI-VALLEY CITIES LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into as of October 1, 2022, between the City of Pleasanton, and the Town of Danville, City of Dublin, City of Livermore, and City of San Ramon (collectively referred to as the Tri-Valley Cities). RECITALS a. The Tri-Valley Cities of Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon have joined together since 2007 to advocate regarding federal issues and legislation on behalf of the Tri-Valley region and have jointly contracted with a legislative advocacy firm, equally sharing costs to assist in these efforts. b. The Tri-Valley Cities of Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon desire to continue their collaborative efforts under a new Legislative Framework that will focus on advocacy efforts regarding issues and legislation on Federal, State, Regional, and Local levels and continue to equally share costs of an advocacy firm to assist in these efforts. c. The Tri-Valley Cities of Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon desire to enter into this MOU to clarify the responsibilities of all parties in regards to Legislative Advocacy Services. d. The term on this agreement is from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2027. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises herein, the parties agree as follows: 1. The Tri-Valley Cities agree to retain Townsend Public Affairs (Consultant) as the firm to provide Legislative Advocacy Services. 2. The City of Pleasanton is the fiduciary agent and entered an agreement with the Consultant for a term of five (5) years (October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2027). The Agreement amount will not exceed $150,000 annually. 3. Any amendments to the contract term, amount, or scope of work will be discussed and agreed upon by all Tri-Valley Cities. No party will authorize the Consultant to exceed the contracted costs without the consent of all Tri-Valley Cities. 1 34 Attachment 2 EXHIBIT A TO THE RESOLUTION 4. The Tri-Valley Cities agree to equally share the costs of Legislative Advocacy Services $30,000 each annually. 5. The City of Pleasanton will bill each of the Tri-Valley Cities for the expenses related to the Service Agreement as follows: October 2022 $30,000 (12 months of Service Agreement) October 2023 $30,000 (12 months of Service Agreement) October 2024 $30,000 (12 months of Service Agreement) October 2025 $30,000 (12 months of Service Agreement) October 2026 $30,000 (12 months of Service Agreement) The Tri-Valley Cities agree to pay the City of Pleasanton within 30 days of receiving an invoice from the City. 6. In the event that the contract is terminated, or the City of Pleasanton no longer wishes to serve as the fiduciary agent, all unspent funds will be returned, in equal portions to each of the Tri-Valley Cities. 7. Should any of the Cities or Town engage the Consultant to initiate a specific task unique to their organization, the financial obligation and project management for that specific task will be the sole responsibility of that agency and will not be covered under this MOU or the Service Agreement with Consultant. 8. Project management for the Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Advocacy work will be rotated annually. The scheduled rotation is as follows: July 2022 to June 2023 — Town of Danville July 2023 to June 2024 — City of Dublin July 2024 to June 2025 — City of Livermore July 2025 to June 2026 — City of Pleasanton July 2026 to June 2027 — City of San Ramon THIS AGREEMENT executed the date and year first above written. TOWN OF DANVILLE CITY OF DUBLIN Joseph A. Calabrigo, Town Manager Linda Smith, City Manager CITY OF LIVERMORE CITY OF PLEASANTON Marianna Marysheva, City Manager Gerry Beaudin, City Manager 2 35 Attachment 2 EXHIBIT A TO THE RESOLUTION CITY OF SAN RAMON Joseph Gorton, City Manager APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST: Daniel G. Sodergren, City Attorney Jocelyn Kwong, City Clerk 3 36 Attachment 3 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into this 1 day of October 2019, between the CITY OF PLEASANTON, a municipal corporation ("City"), and Townsend Public Affairs, a corporation whose address is 1401 Dove Street, Suite 330, Newport Beach, California 92660 and telephone number is 510.835.9050, ("Consultant"). RECITALS A. Consultant is qualified to and experienced in providing, Legislative Advocacy Services for the purposes specified in this Agreement. B. City finds it necessary and advisable to use the services of the Consultant for the purposes provided in this Agreement. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions in this Agreement, City and Consultant agree as follows: 1. Consultant's Services. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Consultant shall provide to City the services described in Exhibit A. Consultant shall provide said services at that time, place and in the manner specified in Exhibit A. 2. City Assistance, Facilities, Equipment and Clerical Support. Except as set forth in Exhibit A, Consultant shall, at its sole cost and expense, furnish all facilities and equipment that may be required for furnishing services pursuant to this Agreement. City shall furnish to Consultant only the facilities and equipment listed in Exhibit A according to the terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit A. 3. Terms. This contract shall commence on the date written above and shall expire on September 30, 2027. 4. Compensation. City shall pay Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement as described more particularly in Exhibit A. The payments shall be made on a monthly basis upon receipt and approval of Consultant's invoice. Total compensation for services and reimbursement for costs shall not exceed $750,000. a. Invoices submitted to City must contain a brief description of work performed, time used and City reference number. Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of Consultant's invoice and approved by City. b. Upon completion of work and acceptance by City, Consultant shall have sixty (60) days in which to submit final invoicing for payment. An extension may be granted by City upon receiving a written request thirty (30) days in advance of said time limitation. The City shall have no obligation or liability to pay any invoice for work 11Page 37 performed which the Consultant fails or neglects to submit within sixty (60) days, or any extension thereof granted by the City, after the work is accepted by the City. 5. Sufficiency of Consultant's Work. All reports, drawings, designs, plan review comments and work product shall be adequate and sufficient to meet the purposes for which they are prepared. 6. Ownership of Work. All reports, drawings, designs, plan review comments, work product, and all other documents completed or partially completed by CONSULTANT in the performance of this Agreement shall become the property of the CITY. All materials shall be delivered to the City upon completion or termination of the work under this Agreement. If any materials are lost, damaged or destroyed before final delivery to the City, the Consultant shall replace them at its own expense. Any and all copyrightable subject matter in all materials is hereby assigned to the City and the Consultant agrees to execute any additional documents that may be necessary to evidence such assignment. Consultant shall keep materials confidential. Materials shall not be used for purposes other than performance of services under this Agreement and shall not be disclosed to anyone not connected with these services, unless the City provides prior written consent. 7. Changes. City may request changes in the scope of services to be provided by Consultant. Any changes and related fees shall be mutually agreed upon between the parties and subject to a written amendment to this Agreement. 8. Consultant's Status. In performing the obligations set forth in this Agreement, Consultant shall have the status of an independent contractor and Consultant shall not be considered to be an employee of the City for any purpose. All persons working for or under the direction of Consultant are its agents and employees and are not agents or employees of City. 9. Termination for Convenience of City. The City may terminate this Agreement at any time by mailing a notice in writing to Consultant. The Agreement shall then be deemed terminated, and no further work shall be performed by Consultant. If the Agreement is so terminated, the Consultant shall be paid for that percentage of the work actually completed at the time the notice of termination is received. 10. Non -Assignability. The Consultant shall not assign, sublet, or transfer this Agreement or any interest or obligation in the Agreement without the prior written consent of the City, and then only upon such terms and conditions as City may set forth in writing. Consultant shall be solely responsible for reimbursing subcontractors. 11. Indemnity and Hold Harmless. Consultant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, the City and its officers, agents and employees from and against all claims, losses, damage, injury, and liability for damages arising from, or alleged to have arisen from, errors, omissions, negligent or wrongful acts of the Consultant in the performance of its services under this Agreement, regardless of whether the City has reviewed or approved the work or services which has given rise to the claim, loss, damage, injury or liability for damages. This indemnification shall extend for a reasonable period of time after completion of the project as well as during the 2IPage 38 period of actual performance of services under this Agreement. The City's acceptance of the insurance certificates required under this Agreement does not relieve the Consultant from its obligation under this paragraph. 12. Insurance. During the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall maintain in full force and effect at its own cost and expense the following minimum insurance coverage, or such greater or broader coverage if available in Consultant's policies, with insures with an A.M. Best's rating of no less than A:VII: a. General Liability and Bodily Injury Insurance. Commercial general liability insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 combined limit for bodily injury and property damage that provides that the City, its officers, employees and agents are named as additional insureds under the policy as evidenced by an additional insured endorsement satisfactory to the City Attorney. The policy shall state in writing either on the Certificate of Insurance or attached rider that this insurance will operate as primary insurance for work performed by Consultant and its subconsultants, and that no other insurance effected by City or other named insured will be called on to cover a loss. b. Automobile Liability Insurance. Automobile liability insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 per person/per occurrence. c. Workers' Compensation Insurance. Workers' Compensation Insurance for all of Consultant's employees, in strict compliance with State laws, including a waiver of subrogation and Employer's Liability Insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000. c. Professional Liability Insurance. Professional liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000. d. Certificate of Insurance. Consultant shall file a certificate of insurance with the City prior to the City's execution of this Agreement, and prior to engaging in any operation or activity set forth in this Agreement. The Certificate of Insurance shall provide in writing that the insurance afforded by this Certificate shall not be suspended, voided, canceled, reduced in coverage or in limits without providing notice to the City in accordance with California Insurance Code section 677.2 which requires the notice of cancellation to: 1) include the effective date of the cancellation; 2) include the reasons for the cancellation; and 3) be given at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the cancellation, except that in the case of cancellation for nonpayment of premiums or for fraud, the notice shall be given no less than 10 days prior to the effective date of the cancellation. Notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. In addition, the insured shall provide thirty (30) days prior written notice to the City of any cancellation, suspension, reduction of coverage or in limits, or voiding of the insurance coverage required by this agreement. The City reserves the right to require complete certified copies of policies. 3 'Page 39 e. Waiver of Subrogation. The insurer agrees to waive all rights of subrogation against the City, its officers, employees and agents. f. Defense Costs. Coverage shall be provided on a "pay on behalf of" basis, with defense costs payable in addition to policy limits. There shall be no cross liability exclusions. g. Subcontractors. Consultant shall include all subcontractors as insured under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor. All coverages for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated in this Agreement, including but not limited naming additional insureds. 13. Notices. All notices herein required shall be in writing and shall be sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: To Consultant:Christopher Townsend Townsend Public Affairs 1401 Dove Street, Suite 330 Newport Beach , CA 92660 To City: City Manager City of Pleasanton P.O. Box 520 Pleasanton, CA 94566 14. Conformance to Applicable Laws. Consultant shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and Municipal laws, rules, and ordinances. Consultant shall not discriminate in the employment of persons or in the provision of services under this Agreement on the basis of any legally protected classification, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex or religion of such person. 15. Licenses, Certifications and Permits. Prior to the City's execution of this Agreement and prior to the Consultant's engaging in any operation or activity set forth in this Agreement, Consultant shall obtain a City of Pleasanton business license, which must be kept in effect during the term of this Agreement. Consultant covenants that it has obtained all certificates, licenses, permits and the like required to perform the services under this Agreement. 16. Records and Audits. Consultant shall maintain all records regarding this Agreement and the services performed for a period of three years from the date that final payment is made. At any time during normal business hours, the records shall be made available to the City to inspect and audit. 17. Confidentiality. Consultant shall exercise reasonable precautions to prevent the unauthorized disclosure and use of City reports, information or conclusions. 18. Conflicts of Interest. Consultant covenants that other than this Agreement, Consultant has no financial interest with any official, employee or other representative of the City. Consultant and its principals do not have any financial interest in real property, sources of income or investment that would be affected in any manner of degree by the performance of Consultant's 4IPage 40 services under this Agreement. If such an interest arises, Consultant will immediately notify the City. 19. Waiver. In the event either City or Consultant at any time waive any breach of this Agreement by the other, such waiver shall not constitute a waiver of any other or succeeding breach of this Agreement, whether of the same or of any other covenant, condition or obligation. 20. Governing Law. California law shall govern any legal action pursuant to this Agreement with venue in the applicable court or forum for Alameda County. 21. No Personal Liability. No official or employee of City shall be personally liable to Consultant in the event of any default or breach by the City or for any amount due Consultant. 22. Exhibits. All exhibits referred to herein are attached hereto and are by this reference incorporated herein. 23. Scope of Agreement. This writing constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties. Any modification to the Agreement shall be in writing and signed by both parties. THIS AGREEMENT executed the date and year first above written. CITY OF PLEASANTON CONSULTANT By: Its: Gerry Beaudin, City Manager ATTEST: Jocelyn Kwong, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Daniel G. Sodergren, City Attorney 5IPage 41 EXHIBIT A COSTS AND SCOPE OF SERVICES LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR TRI-VALLEY CITIES October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2027 Contract Cost: Annual Cost of agreement will be $150,000. Cost will be $12,500 monthly to be equally split between the four Cities and one Town in the amount of $2,500 each. The five year agreement will not exceed $750,000. Scope: Throughout the length of the Professional Services Agreement (Agreement), the Consultant will work directly with the TVC to establish scheduled meetings in person, by phone, and/or video conferences. Task 1 — Develop Legislative Strategy Each year Consultant will coordinate with the TVC to develop and draft an official legislative platform and strategy that represents the coalition's priorities in Sacramento and Washington, DC. This framework will be shared with key stakeholders in Federal and State Legislatures and California Governor's Administration. Task 2 — Implementation of Legislative Strategy Consultant will advocate for the TVC coalition's legislative agenda utilizing the following methods: o Build and Strengthen Relevant Relationships. o Leverage Relationships for Strategic Advocacy Action Plan: Consultant will engage various techniques to leverage their network of key relationships on behalf of the TVC coalition: • Schedule meetings for the TVC to discuss relevant legislation • Prepare all briefing materials and talking points for the TVC • Brief legislative offices and stakeholders on the TVC coalition's legislative agenda • Follow-up on meetings to ensure commitments and deliverables are being met Wage 42 o Track Legislation: Consultant will identify, analyze, and monitor all bill introductions and amendments relevant to the TVC Coalition's legislative framework and assess their potential impact on the coalition. o Craft Testimony and Position Letters: Consultant will prepare and submit written and verbal testimony regarding legislation relevant to the TVC coalition. Consultant will also draft and deliver position letters to legislators and key officials on specific bill language. o Draft Bill Language: Consultant will draft language and amendments for relevant legislation, as required to protect and promote the TVC Coalition's agenda. o Apprise of State and Federal Funding Opportunities: The Consultant will provide information on a variety of funding opportunities such as grants and State and Federal Earmarks. o Applications/Request for Directed Funding: The Consultant will prepare letters and conduct advocacy efforts on behalf of the TVC for state budget district funding opportunities. The Consultant will prepare, submit and conduct advocacy efforts on behalf of the TVC for federal community project opportunities (earmarks). o Attendance at Meetings: The Consultant will be available to the TVC for conference calls, in -person briefings, and meetings to further the TVC's advocacy efforts. o Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports: The Consultant will prepare and file, on behalf of each City/Town within the TVC Coalition, all applicable state and federal lobbying disclosure reports. Task 3 — Meeting attendance, presentations/meeting facilitation for TVC, City/Town Councils • Weekly meeting with TVC Staff Liaisons. • Present TVC coalition efforts to each City/Town Councils once annually. • Quarterly meetings with Mayors, City Managers, and Liaisons. • Quarterly dinner meeting and presentation with Tri-Valley City Councils. • Consultant will be present and accompany Mayors at scheduled advocacy meetings. Task 4 — Reports • Provide Progress Reports: Consultant will confer regularly with the TVC coalition on Consultant's activities. o Consultant will provide a weekly email providing updates on the status of legislative activity, such as bill language, amendments, and committee analyses and other matters of interest to the coalition. o Consultant will provide an annual report summarizing the accomplishments of the legislative session. 7IPage 43 Attachment 1 TRI-VALLEY CITIES Legislative Framework M! H` Girt [:F ❑UBLIN L1\TEI 1 L RE �'-E:�S,._,F .�NTON 2022 44 TRI-VALLEY CITIES VALUES STATEMENT The Tri-Valley Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and the Town of Danville value regional leadership, innovation, collaboration, and problem solving to maintain and improve the quality of life for Tri-Valley residents and provide a vibrant climate for businesses, and enable continued opportunities for public and private investment within the region. Each City and Town provides a unique perspective on how to meet the needs of their residents and businesses. The Cities and Town agree to respect the individuality of each community and are committed to open and honest communication with a goal of building consensus and a united approach to advocacy for solutions that will serve the residents and businesses of the Tri-Valley. TRI-VALLEY CITIES LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK The Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Framework seeks to inform all levels of governmental interaction (e.g., federal, state, regional, local) regarding legislation, policies, and programs that have a direct impact on the region. The TVC has defined Legislative Focus Areas which have an overarching objective to retain and promote local control and decision - making as it relates to the implementation of laws and regulations and to have the ability to integrate them in a manner that meets the unique needs of each community. The TVC will advocate together to achieve outcomes benefiting the region in each of these Focus Areas. Transportation Residents of the Tri-Valley region are subject to some of the heaviest commutes in the Bay Area and are impacted by the heavy flow of traffic along the region's freeways, which often spills over onto the local surface streets as commuters pursue alternatives to their commute through the Tri-Valley. A key objective of the region is to reduce congestion on the regions freeways and to increase mobility of goods and people through the Tri-Valley with continued financial investment in transportation infrastructure: developing alternative modes of transportation, modernization of transportation corridors, and creation, modernization, and expansion of rail systems. Climate and the Environment The TVC seeks to work collaboratively with federal, state and regional partners to address the new landscape of year-round wildfires, public safety power shut offs, water quality (including PFAS/PFOS contaminants) and supply issues as well as waste and recycling mandates. The TVC will advocate for increasing financial and technical support in these areas as well as an investment in key infrastructure at all levels of government. Wage 45 pLEASANTON sPit DUBLIN LIVE li R — --:,.:;_, 211,. 2022 Economic Development The Tri-Valley region is an innovation hub that spurs job growth, sustains a healthy economy and provides a great quality of life for our residents and business. Key objectives are developing a healthy workforce, supporting innovation, capacity building, economic stimulus and growth in the region. Affordable Housing The TVC supports balanced solutions which consider housing, jobs, and transportation together and seeks to support, promote and protect affordability in the region's housing stock. Key objectives are to work with federal, state, and regional partners to provide funding for affordable housing through a variety of programs and options and to work to address barriers to building affordable housing. Mental Health The TVC recognizes that social services are vital to supporting residents and providing crucial safety net services in our region. While the TVC cities do not provide direct delivery of social services we seek to work together to support our local non -profits and organizations that do provide these services and advocate together for these vital resources and services from all levels of government. Mental health is an emerging need in our region and the TVC seeks to advocate for the needed resources to meet the needs of all of our residents. Fiscal Sustainability Fiscal Sustainability is an important role for all levels of government. The TVC seeks to advocate against the imposition of unfunded mandates and the removal of funding streams from local governments. Wage 46