Staff previews updates to Newport Beach legislative platform; council to consider resolution next meeting

City staff briefed the Newport Beach City Council on proposed revisions to the city's legislative platform at the April 14 meeting, describing the platform as a framework for when the mayor and city will take positions on state and federal legislation.

"The legislative platform serves two primary purposes. It establishes the city's policy positions to guide legislative advocacy efforts, and it authorizes the mayor to take positions on legislation that align with the city's adopted priorities," a staff presenter identified in council remarks as Laura said. Staff noted the platform was last updated in 2023 and that proposed edits range from grammar and clarifications to the addition of two new sections covering technology, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, and communications.

Staff provided both a redline and a clean version for council and public review and said it would return with a formal resolution for consideration at the next council meeting. No council member requested immediate changes; staff indicated they will incorporate feedback and bring the item back.

Public comment included a request from Jim Mosher that the city better publicize a web page that lists letters sent under the legislative platform, so residents can see positions the city communicates on behalf of the council. Mosher said residents may interpret such letters as representing citywide resident views and therefore should be more visible.

The council did not take final action on the platform at the April 14 meeting and directed staff to return with a resolution after the public comment period and further review.