Legislative Platform

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Purpose Statement

The City of Vacaville's Legislative Platform outlines the City Council's priorities, principles, and policy positions to guide advocacy efforts and inform stakeholders of key resident needs. Adopted annually, it provides directions to departments, advocates, and the public on critical policy issues affecting municipal operations. The platform streamlines advocacy by enabling staff to act swiftly on legislative matters aligned with approved positions, with the City Manager’s Office preparing official correspondence for the Mayor’s signature when appropriate.

What is a Legislative Platform?

The Legislative Platform as a framework for regional, state, and federal priorities, developed and maintained using the goals and objectives of the City Council, a review of legislative priorities from the League of California Cities, League’s North Bay Division, input from City Council and staff, research of current law and pending legislation, as well as discussions with local legislative staff and the City’s legislative advocates. The platform advocates for supporting legislation aligned with its principles and opposing proposals that are inconsistent with them.

Throughout the legislative session, the City will review and take positions on various policy and budget items at the State and Federal levels. When a recommended position is consistent with existing City policy, as adopted in the Platform, the City Manager’s Office will prepare a position letter for the mayor’s signature. Items not addressed in the City’s Legislative Platform may require further direction from the Legislative Platform Committee and/or the City Council.

Program Goals and Strategies

Program Goals

Advocate the City’s legislative interests at the Federal, State and County levels.
Inform and share information with our Legislators, City Council and staff on the legislative process and key issues and legislation that could have a potential impact on the City.
Serve as an active participant with other local governments, the League of California Cities, regional agencies, and other local professional organizations on legislative/regulatory issues that are important to the City and our region.
Seek grant and funding assistance for City projects, services and programs to enhance services for the community.

Strategy #1: Communicate Legislative Positions

Communicate legislative positions on proposed Federal, State and County legislation, measures, initiatives and governmental regulations.

Work with City departments and our legislative advocates to develop positions on proposed legislative measures.
City staff will review the positions and analysis done by the League of California Cities, our legislative advocates’ feedback, and other local government/professional associations in formulating the City’s positions.
The City will take positions only on proposals that clearly impact the City or pose a threat to local control.
Actively track key bills through the legislative process, utilizing the City’s advocacy services, various legislative websites and other government and professional associations.
Work cooperatively with other cities, associations and the League of California Cities on advocating our legislative positions.
As necessary, participate in the drafting and amending of proposed federal and state measures that have the potential to significantly impact the City.
Meet with legislators and their representatives, as well as other federal, state and county government officials on a regular basis, to discuss local government issues, proposed legislation, requests for funding assistance and City programs and services.

Strategy #2: Seek Funding for City Projects, Services and Pograms

Seek federal, state and county funding through earmarks, grants and other discretionary funding for City projects, services and programs.

Identify City projects for potential submittal for federal earmark consideration. Develop a submittal packet for legislators that provides funding need and project information.
Provide information to City departments on potential grant funding opportunities and recognition programs.
Advocate and request letters of support for City projects and grant applications that are being considered for federal, state and county funding.

Strategy #3: Share Information on Legislative Issues

Share information with the City Council, staff and the community on legislative issues.

Work closely with department heads and staff to determine their legislative priorities and funding needs for the upcoming legislative session.
Provide updates on legislative issues to the Council and departments throughout the year.
Educate the community in the City’s advocacy efforts on legislative issues and funding requests.

Policy Statements

Community Development

Economic Development

Monitor and support efforts that encourage sustainable economic development for cities to create jobs and improve the economy, including retention of existing businesses, attraction of new businesses and encouraging the creation of quality jobs for all members of the community.

The City of Vacaville recognizes that a strong, resilient economy requires coordinated investment in infrastructure, workforce development, industry support, and quality of life amenities. The City will advocate for policies, programs, and funding that foster job creation, support strategic industries, enhance the local business climate, and ensure balanced growth.

Employee Relations

Fire/EMS/Disaster Preparedness

Government Administration & Budget/Finance

Information Technology and Cyber Security

Support legislative initiatives and pursue funding to promote data and technology to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve transportation and mobility, improve sustainability, enhance the municipal quality of life factors, and help solve civic challenges. The City supports harnessing the power of AI for strategic planning to promote fair housing and workforce opportunities through data analytics, while supporting and aligning with legislative protections against Generative AI bias, inaccuracy, ensuring adherence to responsible AI practices for the good of their citizens.

Housing/Homelessness

Monitor and support sustainable funding for various levels of housing to address California’s housing and homeless crisis; neighborhood revitalization programs; improve cumbersome state funding allocation process and requirements; increase local funding and opportunities for substance abuse and/or mental health related homelessness, seek additional funding through grants and other types of revenue sources that improve and sustain the quality of life for all Vacaville residents, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Parks and Recreation

Police Department/Criminal Justice Reform:

Monitor ongoing effects of Criminal Justice Reform including potential for available funding sources; 2016’s passage of Proposition 64; and seek funding for supported local law enforcement projects including the Vacaville Police Activities League. Support legislation that assists in preventing and reducing crime, such as drug prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and solutions for homelessness.

Public Works/ Transportation

Utilities

Secure funding and favorable administration to ensure infrastructure is built in a timely manner and projects are delivered. Ensure the provision of dependable and cost-effective water and wastewater services; secure funding and streamline program management to facilitate efficient infrastructure project delivery; and oversee science-based regulations, local decision-making, and resource reuse to sustain resilient water systems in California.

Travis Air Force Base/Travis Community Consortium

As the contracting agency for the Travis Community Consortium, support Travis Air Force Base (AFB) in maintaining funding and sustainability for key missions, while protecting the base from issues such as encroachment which would lessen the military value to the Department of Defense. Travis AFB relies on a complex network of roads, buildings, facilities, utilities, and land– both on and off base – to support critical training, power-projection platforms and the everyday needs of its Airmen and families. Priority efforts will focus on investment in infrastructure and programs that support Travis missions, Airmen and Families.

Legislative Process

The California state legislative calendar follows an annual cycle, beginning in January and ending in September, with distinct periods of heightened legislative activity. Here’s a summary of the cycle and when local government staff should be most active:

January - February: Bill Introduction and Initial Review
February - March: Advocacy Prioritization and Member Request Submission
April - May: Committee Hearings and Targeted Advocacy
June: Budget Finalization and Advocacy for Funding Requests
July - August: Legislative Recess and Final Advocacy Push
September: Bill Finalization and Governor's Review
October - December: Post-Session Reflection and Next Cycle Preparation

Actions Taken by the City

Search for bills dated prior to February 24, 2026 on the City’s Agendas & Minutes webpage.

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