Santa Rosa adopts 2026 federal legislative platform, staff outlines $38.6M in allocated funds and pending requests

Mesti Wood, the city’s government‑relations officer, briefed the Council on the proposed 2026 Federal Legislative Platform and summarized the city’s recent federal funding picture. Staff reported $38.6 million distributed to the city through formulas and competitive grants and forecasted that total could rise toward $41–42 million with pending awards. "Hoy día se han distribuido para la ciudad 38.6 1000000 de dólares... y esto realmente va a subir a 41000000 o incluso cerca de 42," one presenter said.

The platform keeps priorities consistent with 2025 while adding updated language on disaster prevention and resilience, transportation authorization, water‑system conservation and other program areas. Staff highlighted projects in the pipeline, including resilience and water‑energy projects, transit and bus infrastructure proposals, and previously secured funding for Fire Station 5 and multiple housing projects supported by federal CDBG‑DR awards.

Councilmember Bañuelos moved adoption of the federal platform by resolution and Councilmember Álvarez seconded. The resolution passed with recorded affirmative votes from Councilmembers Fleming, Bañuelos, Álvarez, Ocraptis and Mayor Stav; Councilmembers Rogers and McDonald's were absent.

What it means: Adoption memorializes the city’s federal priorities for advocacy and staff engagement with congressional delegations and federal agencies. Staff said some awards remain pending and that the platform will guide continued outreach and grant pursuits.

Provenance: staff presentation and adoption motion (presentation beginning at SEG 1995; final vote recorded at SEG 2556–2561).