Carlsbad officials outline legislative priorities, oppose state bill that would limit local control

District 1 Councilmember Melanie Burkholder and Jason Haber, the city's intergovernmental affairs director, briefed the City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Commission on June 16 on the city's legislative advocacy program, platform and funding priorities.

Burkholder said the legislative subcommittee's work centers on a city council policy and a council resolution that establish a legislative platform and direct the subcommittee's monthly work. She said the subcommittee coordinates departments, contract lobbyists and a contract grant writer to monitor state and federal proposals that could affect the city.

The presentation stressed preserving local control as a top principle. "SB 79 is coming through right now. It's a building and development bill that would actually take all the control away from cities and approve mid to high rise within a half mile of transit with ministerial approval," Burkholder said. "So I've definitely offered up going up to Sacramento to say absolutely not."

Why it matters: The subcommittee's platform is used to decide when the city should watch, support or oppose bills, seek amendments, sponsor legislation or pursue grants. That affects how the city can…