FISR committee reports legislative positions; recommends city not act as CDS pass-through

Liz Rogers, representing the Financial, Infrastructure and Strategic Resources committee, reported the committee took positions on federal and state legislation and discussed the city's role regarding congressionally directed spending (CDS) for fiscal year 2026.

Rogers said the committee supported one federal measure and three state bills identified in the committee packet, and opposed another state bill. Specifically, the committee recorded a support position for Senate Bill 963 and for house legislation described in the packet as "02/1942 to establish the Space National Guard," and support for state House Bill 1290 (transit workers assault and funding for training) and House Bill 1276 (court actions related to failure to appear). The committee recorded opposition to House Bill 1206 (extreme indifference offenses not causing death), per the packet.

Rogers also updated council on congressionally directed spending: because a continuing resolution affected fiscal 2025, staff said there are no FY25 CDS awards to reassign and that requests can be resubmitted for FY26. Staff sought direction in the event nonprofits remain barred from applying for CDS and whether the city should serve as a pass-through recipient for nonprofit projects. "Staff did recommend not to be a pass through for, some legal concerns, some challenges with our own funding, not maybe not being as secured, and the vetting process," Rogers told the committee; the committee approved that recommendation.

Council did not take additional action in study session; the committee recommendation will guide staff work and any future requests that come before the council for approval.