SR-01-08-2013-3LCity Council Meeting: January 8, 2013
Agenda Item: 2 "" L
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Rod Gould, City Manager
Subject: Membership in US Conference of Mayors
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City's membership in the U.S.
Conference of Mayors for an amount not to exceed $2,634 for the remainder of FY12-
13.
Executive Summary
Staff recommends that the City rejoin the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM)
to enhance collaboration with other cities on national issues of importance to the City,
including prevention of homelessness and gun control advocacy efforts. The annual
membership dues will be prorated to be $2,634 for the January 2013 — June 2013
period.
Background
The USCM is a non - partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. It
is made up of representatives from over 1,200 cities across the nation (link).
The primary roles of The U.S. Conference of Mayors are to:
• Promote the development of effective national urban policy;
• Strengthen federal -city relationships;
• Ensure that federal policy meets urban needs;
• Provide cities with leadership and management tools; and
• Create a forum in which cities can share ideas and information.
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Discussion
The City was a member of the USCM in previous years. Both Councilmembers and staff
participated in the organization on policy, advocacy and best practice formulation. The
range of policy issues included human services, transportation, the environment, public
safety, youth development and education. Currently, the organization is focused on
issues of importance to the City of Santa Monica, including measures to end
homelessness and enact strong gun control laws. Participation in the organization at
this time would enable collaboration with cities across the county on these issues. In
addition, all other member cities of the Westside Council of Governments are also
members of the USCM. A membership in the organization would enable mutual
advocacy of issues of importance to the Westside Cities.
The USCM would prorate the annual membership for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Once Santa Monica joins, the Mayor will be able attend the 2013 winter conference.
Registration fees will be waived as part of a promotion to increase membership. Annual
membership in the U.S. Conference of Mayors will be included in the FYI 3-15 proposed
budget.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
Membership in the U.S. Conference of Mayors for the remainder of FY12 -13 will not
exceed $2,634. Funds are available in the FY 2012 -13 budget in division 01202. Dues
will be charged to account 01202.522900. Budget authority for subsequent budget
years will be requested in each budget for Council approval. Future funding is
contingent upon Council approval and budget adoption.
Prepared by: Kathryn Vernez, Deputy City Manager, Special Projects
Approved:
r
f Kathryn Vernez
Deputy City Manager
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Forwarded to Council:
Rod Gould
City Manager