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Ukiah council adopts updated advocacy platform with equity language and limited edits
Summary
The Ukiah City Council approved an updated legislative advocacy platform that staff said clarifies priorities and preserves local control; council members requested small edits emphasizing equity and avoiding language that would narrow the platform's scope.
The Ukiah City Council on Feb. 5 approved an updated advocacy platform intended to guide the city’s positions on state and federal legislation and grant requests. Staff described the document as a routine, annually reviewed set of positions meant to allow staff to respond quickly to policy developments that affect the city.
Council members debated two suggested edits. One member proposed adding wording to "promote renewable and carbon free energy policies in municipal, commercial, and residential buildings." Staff and other council members raised concerns that narrowly specifying buildings could unintentionally limit the city’s ability to weigh transportation or other broader climate policy actions. The council also discussed adding the phrase "to all segments of our population" to emphasize equity in public health and safety language.
City Manager and staff said the advocacy platform is designed to be consistent with the city’s general plan, strategic plan and the League of California Cities priorities, and that the platform is intended to be broad so staff can act on items that fall within the platform without taking separate council action. One council member noted that the California building code and energy code are comprehensive and cautioned against overlaying local requirements that could conflict with state law.
After discussion the council approved the platform with the equity insertion — referencing "all segments of our population" — and retained broader language on renewable and carbon‑free policies so the platform would cover transportation and building measures without narrowing the scope. The motion to approve the advocacy platform as modified passed by roll call vote; Council Members Roden, Chris, Orozco, Vice Mayor Schurr and Mayor Crane voted yes.
Staff said a redlined version showing changes between the 2024 and 2025 drafts was provided to the council and that the city will continue to align the platform with the League of California Cities.
