The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2016-01-04-G01 Presentation_IA League of Cities Legislative Priorities AGENDA ITEM: CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION MEETING DATE: January 4, 2016 AGENDA ITEM: Iowa League of Cities 2016 legislative priorities FORMAT: Presentation SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: Robert Palmer with the Iowa League of Cities will present on that organization’s legislative priorities for the 2016 session. FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS: COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT: STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT: RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENTS: I. Iowa League of Cities 2016 Legislative Priorities PREPARED BY: Becky Schuett REVIEWED BY: PUBLIC NOTICE INFORMATION – NAME OF PUBLICATION: DATE OF PUBLICATION: Iowa League of Cities – 2016 Legislative Priorities Economic Development Increase funding levels for economic development programs and quality of life initiatives; preserve economic development policies, such as tax increment finance, as flexible tools for economic growth; and provide programs and policies that further develop our local workforce to attract economic development and close the skills gap. Financial Sustainability Eliminate unfunded mandates; diversify revenue options available to local governments and protect existing revenue options; and continue to ensure the commercial and industrial property tax backfill. Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Advocate for additional funding sources and flexible policies related to water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure development to meet the demands of increased environmental regulation for cities of all sizes, including the development of opportunities for partnership with the agricultural community to meet these requirements. Home Rule Advocate for and sustain Home Rule and the ability to make decisions at the local level – where decisions are made closest to the people they impact and can be t ailored to fit local conditions, needs, and concerns. Public Safety Ensure cities have the adequate resources to provide and fund public safety services, including addressing costs under the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI).