Fairfield adopts 2026 state and federal legislative platform; council hears lobbying update

The Fairfield City Council unanimously adopted the city's 2026 state and federal legislative platform (Resolution 2026-33), a framework staff said will guide the city's state and federal advocacy on priorities including affordable housing, homelessness resources, local land-use authority, wildfire resiliency, and tort reform.

Liz Apticar, assistant to the city manager, explained the platform is an annual policy framework that allows staff to take timely, council-directed positions during the legislative cycle. “This platform outlines Fairfield’s priorities, principles, and policy positions so our legislative partners clearly understand the most pressing needs of our residents,” Apticar said.

Jason Gonzalez, representing the city’s lobbying firm, provided context on Sacramento trends and the budget outlook. He said the Legislature introduced fewer bills this cycle (1,798 introduced compared with higher prior years) and highlighted continuing pressure on local land-use authority from bills on ADUs and townhomes. Gonzalez also summarized the governor’s budget presentation and projected deficits, noting staff will continue to track legislation that could affect Fairfield.

Council moved and seconded adoption without further amendment; the vote was unanimous among members present. The platform text delegates authority to the city manager’s office to enact timely position letters consistent with the adopted platform.

Next steps: staff will use the adopted platform to guide communications with legislative partners and will bring urgent legislative items back to council when they fall outside the platform’s guidance.