Lakewood's current legislative platform
2026 Legislative Platform
Purpose Statement
The Lakewood City Council recognizes the importance of an active state and federal legislative program to protect the City’s interests in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. The 2026 Legislative Platform establishes the framework for the City of Lakewood’s legislative advocacy efforts. Adopted annually, the Legislative Platform serves as the foundation for a focused advocacy strategy and as a reference guide for legislative positions and objectives, providing clear direction to the City Council and staff throughout the year.
Legislative Program
The primary objective of the Legislative Platform is to enable the City Council to adopt official City positions on clearly defined legislative issues. Establishing these positions streamlines the legislative approval process by reducing the need for repeated Council concurrence or direction on previously approved matters.
The Legislative Platform is developed and maintained based on the City Council’s goals and objectives; a review of legislative priorities from the League of California Cities, the League’s Los Angeles Division, the California Contract Cities Association, and other partner agencies; input from City Council and staff; research on existing law and pending legislation; and discussions with local legislative staff and the City’s legislative advocates.
Federal and state legislative proposals and policies that are consistent with the Legislative Platform may be supported by the City, while those that are inconsistent may be opposed. For proposed legislation that aligns with the Legislative Platform or with legislative positions previously adopted by the City, staff are authorized to prepare position letters with the Mayor’s approval. Legislative matters not addressed in the Platform may require additional direction from the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and/or the City Council.
Legislative priorities shall be limited to issues that directly relate to or impact the provision of municipal services. Generally, the City will not take positions on matters that are not pertinent to its local government responsibilities.
Organizations whose legislative programs the City follows:
Federal
- American Planning Association
- American Public Works Association
- American Water Works Association
- International Council of Shopping Centers
- National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA)
- National League of Cities
- National Recreation and Parks Association
- U.S. Conference of Mayors
State
- Association of California Water Agencies
- California Association of Environmental Professionals
- California Association of Local Economic Development
- California Building Officials
- California Chapter, American Planning Association
- California Contract Cities Association (CCCA)
- California Municipal Revenue and Tax Association
- California Municipal Utilities Association
- California Park & Recreation Society
- League of California Cities (CalCities)
Regional
- California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
- Central Basin Municipal Water District
- Coalition for Practical Regulation
- Gateway Cities Council of Governments (Gateway COG)
- Gateway Water Management Authority
- Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- Southern California Chapter of NATOA
- Southeast Los Angeles Workforce Development Board
- Southeast Water Coalition
- Southern California Association of Governments
Program Goals and Strategies
Program Goals:
I. Advocate the City’s legislative interests at the Federal, State and County levels.
II. 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.
III. Serve as an active participant with other local governments, the League of California Cities, regional agencies such as CCCA, Gateway COG and other local professional organizations on legislative/regulatory issues that are important to the City and region.
IV. Seek grant and funding assistance for City projects, services and programs to enhance infrastructure and services for the community.
Strategies:
I. Communicate legislative positions on proposed Federal, State and County legislation, measures, initiatives and governmental regulations.
Work collaboratively with City departments and legislative advocates to develop and evaluate positions on proposed legislative measures, incorporating analysis from the League of California Cities, input from legislative advocates, and guidance from other local government and professional associations.
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 the city’s legislative positions.
As necessary, participate in drafting and amending 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 projects, programs and services.
II. 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 grant applications that are being considered for federal, state and county funding.
III. 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 on the City’s advocacy efforts related to legislative issues and funding requests.