TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Malisa Files |
425-556-2166 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Executive |
Amy Tsai |
Chief Policy Advisor |
TITLE:
title
2024 Legislative Session Debrief
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
This presentation is an overview of the 2024 state legislative session, co-presented by Briahna Murray, the City’s state lobbyist. The overview will highlight session outcomes for the City’s top priorities and additional policy issues of interest.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
2024 City of Redmond State Legislative Agenda
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
On November 6, 2023, the Council adopted the City’s 2024 state legislative agenda (Attachment A). The 2024 legislative session was the second session of the 2023-2025 biennium. It was a 60-day short session. It began on January 8, concluded on March 7, and Governor vetoes were concluded by March 30.
Democrats this session continued to hold strong majorities in the House and Senate. All of the House and about half of the Senate positions are up for re-election this November. Although Climate Commitment Act revenues were higher than anticipated, Initiative 2117 to repeal the act has made it to the November ballot, which had to be taken into account during session. CCA funds have been allocated contingent on rejection of I-2117.
The City had successes this session on four fronts. Rep. Walen and Sen. Dhingra sponsored our Idylwood Park funding request, which received $215,000 of $500,000 requested. Sen. Kuderer and Rep. Slatter sponsored our electric fire engine funding request with the support of the rest of our delegation; we received the requested $250,000 but contingent on voter rejection of I-2117 in November. Mid-session, the legislature transitioned state funding for a permanent supportive housing project to Redmond, and also identified additional funding to fully cover a gap caused by loss of federal funding that couldn’t be transitioned, for a total of $7.4 million. The legislature also moved up the phased appropriation for the 148th Bike/Ped SR520 Overpass project, allocating $750,000 in 2023-2025 continent on voters rejecting I-2117.
Efforts around the affordable housing crisis continued. Some bills that had momentum from last session, including transit-oriented development (HB 2160) and a new version of extended producer responsibility for plastic packaging (HB 2049) did not pass. Increasing the 1% property tax cap to 3% (SB 5770) also did not pass. The presentation will cover themes from issue areas of interest, including housing, environment, planning, transportation, general government, behavioral health, and public safety.
OUTCOMES:
The Council will be updated on how the City fared on its 2024 state legislative agenda. Staff will return for discussion on the draft 2025 legislative agenda in September.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
N/A
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
N/A
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
11/6/2023 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
9/10/2024 |
Study Session |
Provide Direction |
Time Constraints:
This debrief sets the stage for future discussion on the 2025 state legislative agenda.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: 2024 State Legislative Agenda
Attachment B: 2024 Legislative Session Debrief presentation 042324
Attachment C: 2024 End of Session Report