WEBVTT 1 00:00:29.980 --> 00:00:31.765 Keelan, this is Councilor Smith. 2 00:00:31.876 --> 00:00:32.954 I'm online. 3 00:00:36.106 --> 00:00:41.405 Adam, can you let the clerk know that I'm online? 4 00:00:46.165 --> 00:00:47.774 Hi, Councilor Smith, this is Rebecca. 5 00:00:47.871 --> 00:00:50.268 I'll make sure Diana in Chambers knows you're here. 6 00:00:50.365 --> 00:00:51.024 Thank you. 7 00:00:51.732 --> 00:00:53.067 Perfect, thank you. 8 00:08:38.083 --> 00:08:39.394 Let's kick us off. 9 00:08:42.436 --> 00:08:43.148 Good morning. 10 00:08:43.407 --> 00:08:47.642 It is 9:34 on Tuesday, I believe, September 29th. 11 00:08:47.706 --> 00:08:57.365 We are opening this work session, and, uh, I am going to turn things immediately over to Councilor Kanal, who the council president has asked to run our work session today. 12 00:08:57.687 --> 00:08:58.619 Good morning, everybody. 13 00:08:58.956 --> 00:09:05.206 Um, colleagues, today is the first of 2 work sessions on our 2027 federal and state legislative agendas. 14 00:09:05.254 --> 00:09:11.375 Um, we're going to be hearing a presentation from from our Office of Government Relations, then moving into some questions. 15 00:09:11.552 --> 00:09:18.620 I wanna start by just thanking Director Chase, Evan, everyone from— Jack, everyone from OGR who's worked so diligently to prepare for today. 16 00:09:19.101 --> 00:09:32.326 We know that it is a difficult job to prepare a legislative agenda that has gotten more difficult as now you have to combine administration priorities, mayoral priorities, council priorities, and feedback from previous years and form one unified legislative agenda. 17 00:09:33.208 --> 00:09:39.845 Having said that, we also know that you did a really great job of it last year, got to a place where we could pass legislative agendas with a 12-0 vote. 18 00:09:40.341 --> 00:09:46.912 And I know we can come together this year once again to identify top priorities and advocate for port owners in both Salem and D.C. 19 00:09:47.857 --> 00:09:57.168 So the purpose of today's work session is to build towards focused strategic state and federal legislative agendas that reflect where there is shared interest across council, the mayor, and the administrative branch. 20 00:09:57.649 --> 00:10:05.389 So OGR is here with us today to first share more about the issues that were submitted through their call for issue sheets and other input and to share preliminary draft agendas. 21 00:10:05.903 --> 00:10:10.639 The goal is not to finalize every single detail of the legislative agendas today. 22 00:10:11.844 --> 00:10:24.014 In particular, on the federal side, we'll have more to wait on, but it is to continue narrowing and strengthening the agendas so that by the end of this process in December, we have a clear set of priorities we can take to both capitals with a strong and unified city voice. 23 00:10:24.705 --> 00:10:30.903 A few weeks ago, we had a work session on behavioral health to tee us up, and today is the beginning of that larger discussion. 24 00:10:31.655 --> 00:10:35.245 So we have, uh, OGR has a presentation that's about 30 minutes long. 25 00:10:35.501 --> 00:10:42.615 Um, the idea is to let them get through the full presentation, then open it up to questions and feedback, uh, in about 4 categories. 26 00:10:42.744 --> 00:10:50.419 First is technical Q&A, uh, then discussing the sort of underlying principles, I think operating principles, vetting criteria, things like that. 27 00:10:51.043 --> 00:10:55.530 Then we'll do the federal legislative agenda, which we expect to be relatively short, and I'll explain why in a moment. 28 00:10:55.770 --> 00:10:59.072 And then the bulk of our time will be on the state legislative agenda. 29 00:11:00.256 --> 00:11:02.965 Um, yeah, any questions on any of that before we get started? 30 00:11:03.957 --> 00:11:05.111 Director Chase, the floor is yours. 31 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:06.120 Thanks everybody for being here. 32 00:11:06.600 --> 00:11:07.289 Well, thanks so much. 33 00:11:07.466 --> 00:11:08.460 I'm Sam Chase. 34 00:11:08.508 --> 00:11:18.856 I'm the director for the Office of Government Relations, and, uh, we'll introduce Jack and Ev— and we've got Evan Mitchell and Jack Arriaga, who we will introduce, uh, further in a moment. 35 00:11:19.498 --> 00:11:21.467 And so I'm just going to kick it off here and get going. 36 00:11:21.804 --> 00:11:39.131 Um, I want to thank the council and the mayor and the administration and the subject matter experts in the city folks have been, you know, incredibly team-oriented as we've worked through so many of these difficult issues that are part of this legislative agenda. 37 00:11:39.355 --> 00:11:55.937 And you'll continue to hear the theme that you always hear from us, which is when we act collectively, when we act in a unified voice, we are so much stronger and more influential and powerful in our partnerships with the state legislature and federal partners. 38 00:11:56.001 --> 00:11:56.499 Thank you. 39 00:11:56.868 --> 00:11:57.623 Decision makers. 40 00:11:58.538 --> 00:12:04.062 So that work— okay, so just quick review of the agenda. 41 00:12:04.303 --> 00:12:06.086 Here's what we're going to be going through today. 42 00:12:06.889 --> 00:12:13.827 There are 3 areas where we hope to collect more of your input and context as we go through this process. 43 00:12:15.081 --> 00:12:17.360 One is just around government relations operations. 44 00:12:17.408 --> 00:12:21.360 How are we working together collaboratively on government relations? 45 00:12:21.423 --> 00:12:27.952 How are we processing your decision-making, how are we facilitating, how is that moving forward? 46 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:29.875 So that's one important bucket. 47 00:12:31.047 --> 00:12:33.386 And then we'll discuss federal legislative agenda. 48 00:12:34.476 --> 00:12:45.025 And that will probably be a little skinnier this work session because we wanna see how those results come forward in the election. 49 00:12:45.138 --> 00:12:48.008 And we'll have some updates and modifications. 50 00:12:48.264 --> 00:12:48.889 Thank you. 51 00:12:49.548 --> 00:12:51.282 In December, in our December work session. 52 00:12:51.330 --> 00:12:56.018 So we're really leaning more toward the state legislative stuff, which has a tighter timeline right now. 53 00:12:57.254 --> 00:13:04.254 But nevertheless, it's all open for dialogue and we want to engage in all of it. 54 00:13:04.817 --> 00:13:06.615 The work session goals are here. 55 00:13:07.466 --> 00:13:14.145 We really— the short version of our work session goals is to really understand, are we getting it right? 56 00:13:14.451 --> 00:13:27.664 Do the materials that we've put together for the federal and state legislative agenda look like they're capturing the areas where there's some consensus amongst council, the administration, the mayor's office. 57 00:13:28.099 --> 00:13:29.029 You know, are we aligned? 58 00:13:29.366 --> 00:13:31.470 Is the city aligned on these issues? 59 00:13:31.551 --> 00:13:39.772 And if so, we can continue to move those forward and start to work on some of these other areas where there's not as clear consensus. 60 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:42.629 So we'll talk a little bit more about that. 61 00:13:47.107 --> 00:14:01.839 And then about government relations operations, of course we put a document in your packets around how we operate and it's really more of a description of how we're currently operating. 62 00:14:02.192 --> 00:14:10.062 It's not a rule book, it's not a guidebook, it's what our understanding is of how we've collectively worked together on these issues. 63 00:14:10.270 --> 00:14:15.657 And it's kind of a right or wrong, that's how we're doing it and we wanna be transparent in showing you how we're doing it. 64 00:14:16.201 --> 00:14:22.222 And so, you know, Welcome and appreciate any communications there. 65 00:14:23.722 --> 00:14:29.114 So I wanna begin with a clear explanation of how OGR works with this body. 66 00:14:29.865 --> 00:14:31.365 Our role is not to set policy. 67 00:14:31.431 --> 00:14:31.888 We're not policymakers. 68 00:14:33.261 --> 00:14:40.585 Instead, we facilitate decision-making, support a balanced and transparent process, and communicate city priorities to our governmental partners. 69 00:14:41.086 --> 00:14:45.369 In fact, the more transparency, the better for us because then we know where We stand. 70 00:14:46.461 --> 00:15:02.921 I often say I just need to know what to tell the team to go do down in the legislature, not to have them problem solve the policymaking per se, but to give you choices on where and how we can move forward on those sticky issues that develop. 71 00:15:03.980 --> 00:15:11.945 We speak when we're working with the legislature by bringing folks down to testify, by engaging and communicating ourselves. 72 00:15:12.073 --> 00:15:14.615 We speak We speak on behalf of the city. 73 00:15:14.679 --> 00:15:16.480 We do not speak for the city. 74 00:15:17.356 --> 00:15:19.758 We speak on behalf of the city, and I think that's an important distinction. 75 00:15:22.072 --> 00:15:29.368 We continue to prioritize internal vetting, thoughtful issue development, consensus before taking external action. 76 00:15:29.947 --> 00:15:33.788 The city has significantly more influence when we have that unified voice. 77 00:15:34.886 --> 00:15:36.859 Transparency is essential. 78 00:15:37.827 --> 00:15:42.043 Early and frequent communication with us helps advance our shared priorities. 79 00:15:42.092 --> 00:15:42.254 Thank you. 80 00:15:43.119 --> 00:15:46.456 Avoid surprises and ensure you have the information that you need. 81 00:15:47.070 --> 00:16:00.846 And, you know, one of the things that we work hard to understand is your individual priorities and the priorities and interests of the bureaus, and so that we can track and monitor those things. 82 00:16:01.583 --> 00:16:11.756 But, you know, the way that we operate essentially is that OGR's resources are for the use of the city's collective action and unified action. 83 00:16:12.576 --> 00:16:32.860 And so that's a distinction that's different than working on individual issues that are emerging within parts of the city that may be building some momentum but don't yet have the consensus or haven't yet made the case for significance that would really affect the city's ability to deliver services. 84 00:16:32.924 --> 00:16:35.686 So that's a distinction that we work with. 85 00:16:35.782 --> 00:16:42.357 At the same time, we work to try to understand what those issues are and track and monitor. 86 00:16:42.422 --> 00:16:50.308 And I think we've been pretty effective in being able to stay in touch with folks about issues that we know that matter to them most. 87 00:16:50.452 --> 00:16:54.541 You know, one of the issues I bring up often is education. 88 00:16:55.245 --> 00:16:57.745 One might say it's the most important issue of the day. 89 00:16:58.371 --> 00:17:01.000 You know, people have different perspectives. 90 00:17:01.994 --> 00:17:05.568 That it is not— that it's not on our agenda is not to say that it's not. 91 00:17:05.616 --> 00:17:05.729 Right. 92 00:17:06.002 --> 00:17:08.192 The most important issue of the day, for example. 93 00:17:08.675 --> 00:17:19.298 It is to say it's the direct relationship to the city's core business and our— and focusing on our ability to deliver the services that the city provides. 94 00:17:19.846 --> 00:17:24.832 That's an example of where we work to try to prioritize with you. 95 00:17:31.001 --> 00:17:50.107 And I want to address kind of and get into something that's a little bit sensitive, which is there are times where there are strong perspectives about moving something forward that's not aligned with the city's agenda, and folks have independently elected officials. 96 00:17:50.542 --> 00:18:10.846 We do not have any authority or interest in monitoring that, but our request is to work collectively as a city and to work with us when those issues come up that are, You know, driving your interest potentially in going out externally. 97 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:14.472 Can we help inform you about that issue? 98 00:18:14.553 --> 00:18:23.250 Can we help make sure that you have an understanding of where the city lies on that issue, where the legislators lie on that issue? 99 00:18:23.861 --> 00:18:32.028 And, you know, we do it in a way that we feel like, we hope is really empowering your understanding of the issue and ability to work on it. 100 00:18:32.108 --> 00:18:32.189 Yeah. 101 00:18:32.767 --> 00:18:36.102 And it's our motivation to do that because we want you to keep coming to us. 102 00:18:36.951 --> 00:18:46.990 And so, you know, it's really important to us that we're not breaking some trust by you bringing us an issue early on that you maybe haven't worked out with the rest of the city at that point. 103 00:18:47.069 --> 00:18:51.367 So I'm trying to say that as directly as possible because I have that conversation a lot. 104 00:18:51.448 --> 00:18:59.209 And it's something where our staff are kind of sometimes in a tough position because we're trying to—. 105 00:18:59.209 --> 00:18:59.320 Yeah. 106 00:18:59.707 --> 00:19:03.800 To try to have everything work a well-oiled machine. 107 00:19:04.382 --> 00:19:20.534 And so when we have uncertainty about where the city as a whole lands on an issue and we're addressing an issue that's, you know, maybe part of the city or some are advocating, it gets difficult. 108 00:19:22.032 --> 00:19:23.516 And we're happy to do the work. 109 00:19:23.596 --> 00:19:25.991 You know, if there weren't challenges, we wouldn't have jobs. 110 00:19:27.473 --> 00:19:29.147 But I just wanna state that that's something we constantly wanna keep working on. 111 00:19:29.213 --> 00:19:29.313 Thank you. 112 00:19:31.349 --> 00:19:32.070 Working with you on. 113 00:19:32.423 --> 00:19:39.335 And the more we perfect that, the stronger and more effective we are down in the legislature and at the federal level. 114 00:19:40.746 --> 00:19:46.968 Okay, I'm going to move on to share a little bit about the process. 115 00:19:47.096 --> 00:19:50.848 The process is a really important part of the transparency for us. 116 00:19:51.506 --> 00:19:53.383 So it's really an ongoing process. 117 00:19:53.590 --> 00:19:58.032 Every year we start over again and they blend into each other. 118 00:19:58.080 --> 00:19:58.224 Thank you. 119 00:19:58.628 --> 00:20:05.298 But essentially we kick off the annual process in about May and we ask for issue sheets. 120 00:20:05.589 --> 00:20:07.645 We had more than 100 issue sheets submitted. 121 00:20:09.711 --> 00:20:11.201 And so that's what you're seeing. 122 00:20:11.411 --> 00:20:17.836 And those get vetted over each with its own kind of little way of getting vetted over the summer. 123 00:20:18.784 --> 00:20:24.028 And we try to be as collaborative and inclusive as we can with all the interested parties in the city. 124 00:20:24.797 --> 00:20:35.700 And go through that process and then develop this first set of recommendations that, and the behavioral health work session was a part of that process to really flush out a big priority. 125 00:20:36.278 --> 00:20:47.325 And so then we bring those and try to put those into the agendas in ways that provide a little bit of flexibility as these issues develop with legislative engagement over time. 126 00:20:48.095 --> 00:20:49.508 But we try to be inclusive and then—. 127 00:20:49.508 --> 00:20:49.717 Thank you. 128 00:20:50.103 --> 00:20:58.119 And then there are some issues that really don't filter onto this, haven't filtered onto this agenda. 129 00:20:58.200 --> 00:21:03.324 I think we're something in the area of 20 or so that aren't on there. 130 00:21:04.404 --> 00:21:05.921 And this is a tool. 131 00:21:06.373 --> 00:21:10.064 So, oh, let me just say, and then we're gonna be coming back. 132 00:21:11.481 --> 00:21:15.818 So today we wanna hear from you what's missing, what needs to be refined. 133 00:21:16.332 --> 00:21:17.182 What needs to be developed. 134 00:21:17.278 --> 00:21:22.092 We'll also be working with legislators to prepare for the legislature, and then we'll come back in December. 135 00:21:22.188 --> 00:21:41.664 I think it's December 2nd, another work session, and that will give us time, the 2 weeks' time necessary to then file the agenda for your approval before the end of December, preferably the last sort of council convening before end of December. 136 00:21:42.885 --> 00:21:45.583 And then we'll have a legislative breakfast and we'll be off and running. 137 00:21:46.161 --> 00:21:56.002 The issue evaluation criteria is— I think it emerged as a more and more important tool as we've gone through this process. 138 00:21:56.276 --> 00:22:08.455 I think it's really been helpful for us to have your clear sort of assess— guidance on how to evaluate the issues and what are the core principles. 139 00:22:08.536 --> 00:22:15.398 I won't go through all of these, but I think, you know, some of them are fairly self-explanatory. 140 00:22:15.448 --> 00:22:21.855 And of course, in your packet, there's a more descriptive review of these items. 141 00:22:23.011 --> 00:22:48.633 But, you know, is this— and this is intending to focus, narrow our agenda to the point where we are really focusing on maximizing the city's impact, maximizing the work that we do to defend our local authority, you know, protect us from unnecessary regulation, protect us from unfunded mandates, but to really drive those core things that we need. 142 00:22:48.698 --> 00:22:53.728 And the more focused we are, the more effective we can be in those really big priority areas. 143 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:58.147 And so we're constantly looking to try to refine and do that work. 144 00:23:00.009 --> 00:23:02.153 So, you know, these are some of the examples. 145 00:23:02.233 --> 00:23:03.825 Political viability is an important one. 146 00:23:04.909 --> 00:23:09.749 Yes, that may be the right thing, but how viable is it? 147 00:23:10.314 --> 00:23:24.549 Is it something we take to the legislature now, or is it something that we work on over time and get some wins along the way, or build a bigger coalition so that we can go in and really resolve and address that issue once and for all? 148 00:23:25.659 --> 00:23:35.644 Issues like tax reform are ones that are very significant, but political viability is gonna take some time to get there. 149 00:23:36.911 --> 00:23:42.297 City's ability to impact, is it something we are ready to actually go and move forward? 150 00:23:42.441 --> 00:23:49.125 Is it something that the city is going to go ask our partners in the legislature to give us authority to do something and we're ready to do it? 151 00:23:49.173 --> 00:23:58.469 They're gonna give us money, that's gonna be, the shovels are just waiting to hit the ground because of, but for their resources, those kinds of—. 152 00:23:58.469 --> 00:23:59.351 Yeah. 153 00:23:59.896 --> 00:24:01.085 Strategic evaluation. 154 00:24:01.133 --> 00:24:03.045 So certainly happy to talk more about that. 155 00:24:03.125 --> 00:24:08.730 But is there a clarifying question, Councilor, that we wanna address right now? 156 00:24:09.374 --> 00:24:10.402 Yeah, Councilor Koyama Lane. 157 00:24:10.674 --> 00:24:33.972 Yeah, I just wanted to clarify and make sure that it's crystal clear what you're hoping from us and that making sure that I heard it correctly, that if we are going to testify in Salem for or against something, that we make sure we reach out to you give you a heads up, and I've done that before, and usually you ask that I just say I'm speaking on behalf of myself. 158 00:24:34.583 --> 00:24:36.075 Is that what you're asking for? 159 00:24:36.428 --> 00:24:37.230 Just want to make sure I'm clear. 160 00:24:37.405 --> 00:24:41.192 Yes, yes, and thank you, and we've really appreciated it. 161 00:24:41.256 --> 00:24:47.721 I mean, I want to say that the council has been really— I mean, there are times where they're like not quite perfect, right? 162 00:24:47.992 --> 00:24:56.013 But honestly, it's been really quite good, and the partnership has felt so good with this council around that dialogue. 163 00:24:56.094 --> 00:24:57.778 And so yes, that is it. 164 00:24:58.002 --> 00:25:07.232 And And, you know, the sooner you can tell us you're going to go down and testify, the more information we're going to be able to get you and to share with you. 165 00:25:07.313 --> 00:25:17.055 And we might say, hey, this is going to be a challenge for us, you know, but that's information that you still— we respect your decision at the end of the day, whatever that decision is. 166 00:25:17.791 --> 00:25:22.102 And we really appreciate the opportunity to be able to give you our input beforehand. 167 00:25:22.150 --> 00:25:23.544 That's really what it is. 168 00:25:24.602 --> 00:25:25.083 I would go—. 169 00:25:25.578 --> 00:25:26.461 Hi, Evan Mitchell. 170 00:25:27.423 --> 00:25:37.003 I would go a level deeper and say that I often get text messages and phone calls and staff grabbing me in the Capitol saying like, hey, Councilor Koyama Lane is here, what's she doing today? 171 00:25:37.244 --> 00:25:43.607 And so when you catch us by surprise, we don't look as organized and coordinated as we do or as we could. 172 00:25:43.672 --> 00:25:47.249 Whereas I can say, oh, you know, she's planning on testifying on X, Y, and Z. 173 00:25:48.817 --> 00:25:56.993 And so it's really helpful for us because everyone has eyes on you all when you're down there and they're reporting to us and asking us questions about what you're hoping to accomplish. 174 00:25:59.284 --> 00:26:04.756 And is that even if we're down there like supporting with a proclamation, just not even speaking, just there? 175 00:26:04.820 --> 00:26:06.713 You want to know when we're going to be in that building? 176 00:26:07.211 --> 00:26:12.057 It's really helpful because it just, it shows that we know you're there. 177 00:26:12.186 --> 00:26:13.776 And then when people ask questions, we know. 178 00:26:14.031 --> 00:26:23.758 And then that shows that the city's coordinated and collaborative and it empowers and helps whatever council might be down there to have the staff knowing and doing that. 179 00:26:23.837 --> 00:26:36.075 And then also there may be even if it's a proclamation, I think it's less about what the technical issue of the legislation is, as about the public appearance and just being all on the same page. 180 00:26:36.896 --> 00:26:37.347 That's helpful. 181 00:26:37.395 --> 00:26:37.718 Thank you. 182 00:26:38.266 --> 00:26:44.128 Yeah, that's a great question, and thank you for asking because it's just an important part of how we all work together. 183 00:26:47.442 --> 00:26:50.240 Okay, we're going to move on to the federal. 184 00:26:50.353 --> 00:26:54.711 Before I jump, and to toss it off to Jack, I just want to share a little bit. 185 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:57.448 You'll hear some more from each of them about the challenges. 186 00:26:57.721 --> 00:27:01.911 We know that there are big challenges ahead in the state legislature. 187 00:27:02.395 --> 00:27:17.153 We know that there are enormous challenges with the HR 1, the so-called big beautiful bill, and the implications that have been delayed until January 1st so that they could get through the elections. 188 00:27:17.509 --> 00:27:20.006 Those are going to be you know, very significant. 189 00:27:20.054 --> 00:27:32.535 The wildfire funding that continues to, you know, be a drag, other significant and revenue issues. 190 00:27:33.565 --> 00:27:37.108 So a legislature that says no new program, we don't want new things. 191 00:27:38.690 --> 00:27:46.288 And so it's going to be, you know, I would say the most difficult legislative session for this body since the Great Recession. 192 00:27:47.188 --> 00:28:02.077 And so when we are developing an agenda that has new ideas, I think it's— and there always are, and that's understood, but it's going to be a challenge. 193 00:28:02.205 --> 00:28:15.796 And when we show that we are understanding the place where they are and that we're collaborators to help them problem solve by not bringing them a tremendous number of requests, but a targeted focused set of requests. 194 00:28:16.196 --> 00:28:20.921 They lean into that and they feel like that's a partnership that is valuable to them. 195 00:28:21.080 --> 00:28:31.490 And it gives us a lot of power because Portland, again, is in kind of a unique place, which is, you know, we're not always the best spokesperson even for our own issues. 196 00:28:31.587 --> 00:28:42.250 So there's kind of just, you know, strategically there are some, and partnership-wise and collaboratively, we have kind of a different way of approaching some of the work. 197 00:28:44.317 --> 00:28:50.586 And so, okay, with that, I'm going to turn it over to Jack Arriaga, our Federal Relations Manager. 198 00:28:51.468 --> 00:28:52.204 Are we just starting? 199 00:28:52.509 --> 00:28:53.103 And take it away. 200 00:28:53.632 --> 00:28:54.000 Thanks. 201 00:28:55.138 --> 00:28:56.244 Morning, Council. 202 00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:58.601 Again, for the record, Jack Arriaga, Federal Relations Manager. 203 00:28:59.739 --> 00:29:15.943 So in the face of a great deal of uncertainty at the federal level of the last 2 years, you know, we contend that the city has maintained a really strong posture of staying true to our values And mitigating, successfully mitigating some of the most harmful threats and impacts coming from the current administration. 204 00:29:17.017 --> 00:29:20.928 That includes both to the city as an organization and to the community we all serve. 205 00:29:21.840 --> 00:29:31.952 At the same time, we continue to engage proactively with our congressional delegation, federal agencies, and others to seek solutions to the city's most pressing policy and funding needs. 206 00:29:32.161 --> 00:29:36.663 So as we look ahead to 2027, I'm gonna stay on the last slide for a minute. 207 00:29:37.209 --> 00:29:38.234 Thanks, I'll let you know. 208 00:29:38.923 --> 00:29:54.646 So as we look ahead to 2027 with control of Congress potentially shifting in the upcoming election, we could see some additional engagement opportunities arising if the Portland area members of our delegation find themselves in the majority in either the House or the Senate next year. 209 00:29:55.817 --> 00:30:07.489 And if Democrats do take control of one or both chambers, they will almost certainly be focused on conducting oversight of the executive branch and trying to reclaim some of Congress's power of the purse in deciding how federal funding is distributed. 210 00:30:08.950 --> 00:30:23.762 But a caveat that with the Senate filibuster likely to remain in place and the Supreme Court largely aligned with the administration, Congress's willingness and ability to exercise checks and balances on the executive branch next year will probably remain limited under any electoral outcome. 211 00:30:24.373 --> 00:30:36.893 So for the city's 2027 federal agenda, we're proposing maintaining a balanced approach that's focused on defending the city's values and authorities while working to advance priorities when those opportunities arise. 212 00:30:37.425 --> 00:30:45.617 So I'll briefly summarize the main policies and funding needs proposed by the initial draft 2027 agenda and then underscore a few important highlights. 213 00:30:47.640 --> 00:31:01.056 So first, under the Prevent Federal Overreach and Protect Targeted Communities section, the city's gonna continue opposing any federal actions that infringe on the rights of those in our community, including immigrants, and defend the city's sanctuary status. 214 00:31:01.846 --> 00:31:09.488 As part of that, we're proposing expanded language underscoring the rights of all eligible voters to cast ballots without interference or intimidation. 215 00:31:10.567 --> 00:31:18.525 We also continue to prioritize bolstering privacy, discrimination protections, and other rights under the strengthened civil rights and racial justice section. 216 00:31:21.115 --> 00:31:26.065 Recognizing the challenging economic environment and increasing cost of living for residents. 217 00:31:27.116 --> 00:31:37.346 We propose ongoing advocacy to support economic stabilization and growth, including through workforce development, small business supports, investments in arts and culture, and other community initiatives. 218 00:31:40.349 --> 00:32:09.307 As we work to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability, a key strategy will be advocating for expanded federal funding that builds on this year's passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, And as we look to enhance community safety and behavioral health services, protecting the social safety net will almost certainly become a greater focus of our federal engagement in the coming year as the government implements those changes that Sam referenced to Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs affected by the enactment of H.R. 219 00:32:09.387 --> 00:32:09.579 1. 220 00:32:10.493 --> 00:32:18.681 As we turn to the final 3 priorities, we've updated the infrastructure investment section in our proposed draft agenda. 221 00:32:19.001 --> 00:32:28.750 To clarify that the city's priorities for the upcoming federal surface transportation reauthorization next year that is anticipated to advance in the coming session. 222 00:32:29.505 --> 00:32:46.068 We'll also continue to push— we'll also continue pushing to ensure climate and environmental justice despite heavy federal headwinds by engaging in federal rulemaking processes as we've been doing and leveraging what federal funding opportunities do remain available. 223 00:32:46.767 --> 00:32:52.627 Including some of the tax credits passed under the Inflation Reduction Act. 224 00:32:54.829 --> 00:33:08.795 So as always, we'll also keep defending the city's local autonomy to control revenue, maintain— manage our operations, regulate how public spaces are used, including emerging technologies like AI and autonomous vehicles. 225 00:33:10.108 --> 00:33:16.127 So on the final slide, we've identified what we see as some of the city's top opportunities for federal engagement in the coming year. 226 00:33:17.998 --> 00:33:24.561 As I mentioned at the outset, this list may expand following the election, but it is unlikely to change drastically. 227 00:33:25.621 --> 00:33:32.618 But no matter the outcome of the election, we'll remain focused on making progress and getting results where possible, despite the perennial challenges at the federal level. 228 00:33:33.678 --> 00:33:34.993 So with that, I'll hand it over to Evan. 229 00:33:36.294 --> 00:33:36.550 Great. 230 00:33:36.631 --> 00:33:37.079 Good morning. 231 00:33:37.433 --> 00:33:40.273 For the record, my name is Evan Mitchell, State Relations Manager. 232 00:33:41.349 --> 00:33:46.115 I want to spend a few minutes talking about the 2027 state legislative agenda. 233 00:33:46.501 --> 00:33:58.497 Sam talked a bit about the legislative landscape, but I'll briefly add that this is gonna be a long session, so we should expect a much broader range of issues than we saw during the short session. 234 00:33:59.074 --> 00:34:03.676 The state's budget guidance specifically directed agencies to assume no new revenue. 235 00:34:04.542 --> 00:34:11.871 And similarly, legislative leadership has directed rank-and-file members not to ask for new programs with new funding asks. 236 00:34:12.625 --> 00:34:16.938 These dynamics will make it especially important that we're clear about our needs. 237 00:34:17.371 --> 00:34:19.344 And of course, there's no shortage of needs. 238 00:34:19.938 --> 00:34:25.038 OGR received about 90 issue sheets from council, the mayor's office, and bureaus. 239 00:34:25.614 --> 00:34:43.079 This gave us a broad picture of what people want the city to engage on, and our job is to distill that down into a— distill that down into a focused, proactive, manageable agenda that gives us a framework to engage on the many, many other issues that will come up during legislative session. 240 00:34:43.143 --> 00:34:43.239 Thank you. 241 00:34:43.431 --> 00:34:44.668 During the legislative session. 242 00:34:45.456 --> 00:34:59.885 So in your packets, you'll see the draft agendas organized in 2 parts: top legislative priorities, where we expect the city to engage proactively, and areas of importance, which will guide our review of legislation introduced during session. 243 00:35:00.822 --> 00:35:01.534 Next slide, please. 244 00:35:04.336 --> 00:35:15.030 This slide shows sort of the, the top buckets of issues that we have laid out There's a lot more detail in the actual agenda document. 245 00:35:16.295 --> 00:35:22.371 I'm going to assume that not everyone had a chance to read it and kind of walk through what's in those buckets quickly. 246 00:35:23.782 --> 00:35:32.085 So first, as we did in 2026, we wanted to elevate local authority as a core priority and the foundation for the rest of the agenda. 247 00:35:32.822 --> 00:35:46.367 As the state faces continued fiscal pressure and difficult budget decisions, we want to be very clear about the city— about the importance of being able to protect the city's ability to govern, manage its services, and respond to local needs. 248 00:35:46.965 --> 00:35:52.369 That includes protecting our local authority and local revenue, as well as avoiding unfunded mandates. 249 00:35:52.931 --> 00:36:03.434 This section also includes several areas where we're asking for changes in state law, like fixing public meetings law and protecting these city— the city's ability to run small donor elections. 250 00:36:05.027 --> 00:36:08.907 This is also one of the places where we call out the need for property tax reform. 251 00:36:09.431 --> 00:36:15.657 The common thread here is making sure that the city has the authority and resources necessary to deliver its responsibilities. 252 00:36:17.052 --> 00:36:28.748 Next is transportation, with a central focus on predictable, sustainable funding for local roads, operations, maintenance, and preservation, as well as safety improvements and support for public transit. 253 00:36:29.791 --> 00:36:47.583 After the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, we know we need to continue emphasizing emphasizing the importance of the 50/30/20 state-county-city Highway Trust Fund distribution formula, particularly as legislators try to find creative ways to address ODOT's budget challenges. 254 00:36:48.802 --> 00:37:14.389 There are several other issues called out in this section, like adequately funding the maintenance of the state's properties and right-of-way within the city, creating a dedicated funding source for the disposal of abandoned RVs, Vision Zero and traffic safety, including changing laws to target extreme repeat speeding and protecting our local authority and prioritizing safety if legislators decide to take another run at deploying AVs. 255 00:37:16.393 --> 00:37:18.106 Next up is behavioral health. 256 00:37:18.969 --> 00:37:28.005 Um, this is another priority area based on council guidance and the discussion that we had a few weeks ago with Health Share, Multnomah County, and local providers. 257 00:37:28.829 --> 00:37:34.331 As we discussed then, the focus is on improving access and throughput within the system. 258 00:37:34.748 --> 00:37:45.860 So preserving and backfilling regional inpatient psychiatric capacity, adding psychiatric respite and subacute capacity, and addressing reimbursement for inpatient psychiatric care. 259 00:37:46.550 --> 00:37:54.065 This section also calls out our ongoing work with OHA to make Medicaid reimbursement available for Portland Street Response and CHAD. 260 00:37:55.445 --> 00:37:56.954 Next is housing and homelessness. 261 00:37:59.137 --> 00:38:07.306 There's been a lot of talk among state legislators around which elements of the housing and homelessness continuum the state should continue to fund. 262 00:38:07.884 --> 00:38:24.798 So here we try to emphasize maintaining the individual pieces and continuing to build capacity, particularly around eviction prevention, housing stabilization, shelter, affordable housing production and preservation, and the infrastructure needed to support housing production. 263 00:38:25.456 --> 00:38:31.530 We've also worked with local affordable housing providers to make sure the agenda reflects some of their current challenges and needs. 264 00:38:32.284 --> 00:38:42.668 And once again, we've called for the mortgage interest deduction reforms, essentially ending tax deductions for second home— second and vacation homes with the savings redirected to housing. 265 00:38:43.646 --> 00:39:01.030 There's also some Portland-specific asks in here, including final gap funding for the Broadway Corridor Housing Project, as well as policies supporting adaptive reuse land banking, and a statewide rental registry if that concept is revisited this session. 266 00:39:02.329 --> 00:39:11.788 The, the next up is the economic development section, which is framed around strengthening Portland's economic base and the revenues that support public services. 267 00:39:12.445 --> 00:39:26.963 The draft includes state investments or continued state investments in industrial site readiness and brownfield cleanup, workforce development, support for the arts and small business, including protections from predatory lending products emerging in Oregon. 268 00:39:28.121 --> 00:39:39.012 One theme we heard in different ways across the city was that the state's economic development tools need to be clear, implementable, and tied to measurable public benefits. 269 00:39:39.672 --> 00:39:42.097 This theme also comes up elsewhere in the agenda. 270 00:39:43.126 --> 00:39:45.760 Next is civil rights and access to essential services. 271 00:39:46.032 --> 00:39:59.815 This section brings together civil rights privacy, due process, election security, and continued work to protect access to sensitive places like schools, school buses, and courthouses amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement action. 272 00:40:00.650 --> 00:40:05.597 It also calls out sustaining state investment in legal aid for immigrants and refugees. 273 00:40:06.576 --> 00:40:16.759 The overarching goal is protecting our constitutional rights and the ability of the state and local government to respond to federal actions that conflict with Oregon's laws or constitutional protections. 274 00:40:18.639 --> 00:40:30.494 Large load development and data centers is a distinct priority this year because it was raised by many of you, and it's an area where the legislature is working on policy for 2027. 275 00:40:31.233 --> 00:40:47.476 The draft focuses on the major questions around these developments: transparency in negotiations and incentives, measurable community benefits, infrastructure, electricity and water capacity, Ratepayer impacts, and preservation of local land use authority. 276 00:40:48.440 --> 00:40:54.740 And finally, climate infrastructure and resilience brings together several areas where we need ongoing state partnership. 277 00:40:55.416 --> 00:41:11.208 This includes continued state focus on safety at the CEI hub, completion of the major flood safety work happening along the Columbia River, policies that address climate impacts like making large polluters contribute to their damages, and supporting distribu—. 278 00:41:11.208 --> 00:41:11.342 Thank you. 279 00:41:11.708 --> 00:41:23.403 Distributed solar technologies like balcony solar, amending the Recycling Modernization Act to defend its long-term effectiveness, as well as making progress toward an Oregon Transmission Authority. 280 00:41:23.998 --> 00:41:31.775 The common thread here is practical state partnership on risks and infrastructure that are too large or interconnected for the city to address alone. 281 00:41:32.552 --> 00:41:33.231 Next slide, please. 282 00:41:34.889 --> 00:41:46.637 Finally, the agenda includes areas of importance this section is intended to guide our bill review once session begins, when thousands of bills will be introduced that will need to be evaluated for their impact on the city. 283 00:41:47.405 --> 00:41:58.210 It captures many of the themes I already talked through, but also makes sure that we don't lose sight on other areas of municipal responsibility like community safety, government operations, and parks. 284 00:41:59.556 --> 00:42:04.829 I also want to be clear that not every issue we received is in the agenda at this point. 285 00:42:05.101 --> 00:42:15.070 We received about 90 issue sheets, and there are 20 that are not yet on the agenda because they either didn't meet the agenda development criteria Sam talked about or they need additional work. 286 00:42:15.760 --> 00:42:20.856 That should not be read as a decision that those issues are not important and shouldn't be included. 287 00:42:21.449 --> 00:42:28.405 Rather, this draft is a starting point for identifying where we currently have sufficient clarity and alignment to be proactive. 288 00:42:29.237 --> 00:42:35.746 Our goal today is to make sure we're heading in the right direction and are appropriately identifying the issues where there is consensus. 289 00:42:36.340 --> 00:42:42.233 We can keep working to develop the remaining issues as we work toward bringing you the next version in early December. 290 00:42:42.940 --> 00:42:45.268 With that, I'll hand it back over to Sam. 291 00:42:46.456 --> 00:42:46.744 Thank you. 292 00:42:47.130 --> 00:42:49.056 We are ready to get into discussion. 293 00:42:49.105 --> 00:42:57.422 I will just share, just clarification, we had 90 state issue sheets submitted and 15 federal, so we had just over 100 in total. 294 00:42:58.257 --> 00:43:10.797 And so now I'm going to open it up and here are some of the questions that we've put on the table, but would love to take any questions or comments, context, and really ready to open it up. 295 00:43:11.664 --> 00:43:15.083 And I'll let Councilor Kanal do the facilitation. 296 00:43:16.496 --> 00:43:17.106 Thanks, everybody. 297 00:43:17.780 --> 00:43:24.637 So we've got time for, across the multiple sections of this, everyone to have 8 or 9 minutes per councilor as we go. 298 00:43:24.748 --> 00:43:27.110 And there's a few folks absent, so it might end up being being higher. 299 00:43:27.721 --> 00:43:31.625 If we need to, we'll take a break, um, when we get to about 11 o'clock, give or take. 300 00:43:32.380 --> 00:43:44.286 Um, as I mentioned up at the top, the idea was to start with technical Q&A, and then we'll get into anything specific to the, um, the evaluation criteria, and then we'll do federal and then state. 301 00:43:44.688 --> 00:43:51.838 And the reason for that is because the state will take the longest, and so that was what was requested by, uh, staff on that, um, piece. 302 00:43:52.079 --> 00:43:54.875 Obviously the lines are not 100% clear on that. 303 00:43:54.938 --> 00:43:59.842 So just wanted to sort of lay that out before we get started. 304 00:44:00.199 --> 00:44:00.943 Point of information. 305 00:44:01.007 --> 00:44:03.909 Councilor, what do you mean by technical versus what? 306 00:44:05.260 --> 00:44:11.047 If there's something you'd like to see change in the agenda or like to give advice on the agenda, that wouldn't be considered technical Q&A. 307 00:44:11.306 --> 00:44:17.916 Councilor Koyama Lane's question earlier is a good example of technical in the sense of what's your ask of us or what does that mean? 308 00:44:17.981 --> 00:44:18.829 That's sort of thing. 309 00:44:19.210 --> 00:44:22.170 Um, if you'd like to, you know, if you have kind of a combination, it's okay to wait. 310 00:44:22.170 --> 00:44:25.059 We've got time today, so, um, we should be able to get through everything. 311 00:44:25.389 --> 00:44:26.949 Look, you look— I have a question as well. 312 00:44:26.949 --> 00:44:27.630 Thank you. 313 00:44:27.630 --> 00:44:31.929 So would you like us only in the queue if we have technical questions right now? 314 00:44:32.389 --> 00:44:33.590 Um, you can stay in the queue. 315 00:44:33.590 --> 00:44:36.469 I'll just come back to you, uh, if, if we can make it easier. 316 00:44:36.570 --> 00:44:37.440 I'll get out of the queue then. 317 00:44:37.769 --> 00:44:41.730 Okay, uh, we'll go to Councilor Clark and then we'll go to the next part. 318 00:44:41.730 --> 00:44:42.690 Uh, thank you. 319 00:44:42.760 --> 00:44:47.067 Uh, I'm sorry I was late morning I had a flat tire, uh, had to go to Les Schwab. 320 00:44:47.836 --> 00:44:54.159 Um, I'm not sure this is technical or not, but I was really around the, um, concept of prioritizing. 321 00:44:55.139 --> 00:45:01.958 And, uh, I, I know with 4,000 bills that you're going to be, uh, running around like chickens with your head cut off. 322 00:45:02.681 --> 00:45:33.559 Um, but it might be helpful for me— I don't know about other folks— to try to sort these issues between What are generic that are always going to be on our list, always, with, you know, other cities, the other 240 cities across the state, which would, to me, would be preemption, no mandates without funding, those kind of fundamental issues that will always be on our list, versus what are our current priorities right now? 323 00:45:34.168 --> 00:45:39.965 And I think we've talked as a group about Behavioral health being at the top of the list. 324 00:45:40.269 --> 00:45:58.610 Now we know that transportation is supposed to come back, so how we parse out those priorities and make clear that some are always going to be there, some are, you know, germane to what the legislature needs to pick up, like the transportation package, and some are unique to the times, which would be the behavioral health. 325 00:45:58.900 --> 00:46:05.907 So just how we sort through that, I'd just like to have you talk a little bit about that because it It's helpful. 326 00:46:07.581 --> 00:46:11.038 We're always going to have certain priorities, but some are just timely. 327 00:46:12.543 --> 00:46:13.731 Can you address that? 328 00:46:14.327 --> 00:46:17.751 So I'm going to hand it over to Evan and Jack for any comments on that. 329 00:46:17.831 --> 00:46:21.713 But I will say it is an area where there's some gray. 330 00:46:22.282 --> 00:46:24.576 I mean, it is not clear-cut. 331 00:46:24.625 --> 00:46:26.137 There's no playbook that's clear. 332 00:46:26.789 --> 00:46:34.045 And so what we try to do is every cycle kind of have this cycle where we're just setting the new Agenda and modernizing it. 333 00:46:34.175 --> 00:46:35.331 And that is our agenda. 334 00:46:35.637 --> 00:46:44.021 And some of the things may be a little more generic— transportation, you know, preemption in general. 335 00:46:44.373 --> 00:46:46.574 And so some of those things are developing. 336 00:46:46.639 --> 00:46:57.528 And so we have to know those are priorities that, hey, we need to stay very closely connected with you all around where are we going to go with that issue that emerges as it comes forward. 337 00:46:57.949 --> 00:47:02.677 There are some issues, as you say, we're aligned with a bunch of others and kind of always on there. 338 00:47:03.067 --> 00:47:12.407 If something comes up, a preemptive thing that comes up, we know those other coalition partners are going to be also on board with that. 339 00:47:13.190 --> 00:47:22.606 But when it comes to climate, when it comes to transportation, when it comes to homelessness and housing, yes, those are always going to be on our agenda, but we're refining about how. 340 00:47:23.710 --> 00:47:28.557 And where we focus in on those core areas. 341 00:47:29.110 --> 00:47:33.144 So will you be coming back with a resort of those, a resort of those? 342 00:47:33.500 --> 00:47:42.340 I don't know that we'll be coming out with a resort of the priorities, but we will, I mean, those are the buckets that we will be bringing in all of those areas. 343 00:47:42.387 --> 00:47:51.583 We will be bringing back, those will be focus areas that will be staff assigned specifically to making sure they're tracking and monitoring those areas. 344 00:47:52.898 --> 00:47:59.876 So, you know, that's— and then we're going to have our sort of regular cadence of engagement. 345 00:47:59.940 --> 00:48:10.994 We'll go to heads of staff meetings, we go to city leadership meetings, we will go to and have briefings as we've had in the past for council where we have regular briefings during session. 346 00:48:11.090 --> 00:48:19.994 It'll be much more frequent, but we want to do that even up leading to session so that we have opportunities to engage with you on these issues as they're emerging in real time. 347 00:48:20.572 --> 00:48:25.114 It's always a struggle because sometimes real time is like 24 hours. 348 00:48:25.708 --> 00:48:40.842 And so then we try to reach out as best we can to collaborate with it, but at least then we try to reach out in a way that is working with the trusted leaders in the city to help us identify a move forward quickly. 349 00:48:42.061 --> 00:48:46.219 If we feel that there is not consensus or we're not moving in a way that—. 350 00:48:46.219 --> 00:48:46.315 Yeah. 351 00:48:47.197 --> 00:48:51.835 Feels right, we'd take that extra step to reach out even further to council. 352 00:48:52.284 --> 00:48:55.974 So that's sort of an example of how we might tie into that. 353 00:48:56.039 --> 00:48:57.594 But I'm going to see if you guys have anything to add. 354 00:48:58.188 --> 00:49:02.713 Yeah, it's a great question, Councilor Clark, and we think about this a lot. 355 00:49:02.858 --> 00:49:09.099 I would be happy to sort the issues into some buckets for you so you can kind of see how they fall. 356 00:49:09.581 --> 00:49:14.123 Most of the issues on our agenda have some sort of coalition that has formed around them. 357 00:49:14.721 --> 00:49:19.465 And if not, like, we're— it's usually really hard to carry that ball forward. 358 00:49:20.936 --> 00:49:25.143 Each one, I would say, has certain elements that become Portland-specific. 359 00:49:25.547 --> 00:49:35.931 You know, for instance, we are really leading the charge in terms of conversations that we have with other cities around AVs because Waymo wants to start here. 360 00:49:36.626 --> 00:49:38.275 And so it's most urgent for us. 361 00:49:38.420 --> 00:49:46.965 And so we've been listening to you all and trying to figure out like, what direction you want us to have, and then also engaging other cities in that work. 362 00:49:48.269 --> 00:49:57.338 Behavioral health is another area where we've been really deeply involved with Health Share and the county trying to kind of figure out what we can all advance together. 363 00:49:59.369 --> 00:50:08.407 Public meetings law is another area where like LOC is technically leading the effort, but they need cities that are pushing forward and providing examples. 364 00:50:08.454 --> 00:50:08.617 Thank you. 365 00:50:09.396 --> 00:50:14.592 And so I've been really active and actively involved in that work for the last couple of years. 366 00:50:15.586 --> 00:50:23.766 There's other agenda items that are really specific to Portland, like right-of-way funding for ODOT in Portland. 367 00:50:24.327 --> 00:50:34.927 There are a couple— slowly we're seeing other cities starting to complain about kind of how this work gets done and how effectively it's done, but really it's been Portland out. 368 00:50:34.974 --> 00:50:35.135 Yeah. 369 00:50:35.376 --> 00:50:39.447 In front leading that charge for the last 5, 6 years. 370 00:50:40.666 --> 00:50:50.284 You know, other areas, I am very nervous about where the state is heading on shelter and rent assistance. 371 00:50:50.380 --> 00:50:53.105 We've already seen big cuts to rent assistance. 372 00:50:53.746 --> 00:50:59.099 The co-chairs are now saying shelter, we don't wanna fund it, it's not state business. 373 00:50:59.822 --> 00:51:06.699 And so, you know, those are areas where we're gonna— we're going to have coalition, but we're also gonna have kind of a unique voice. 374 00:51:06.811 --> 00:51:06.971 Yeah. 375 00:51:07.211 --> 00:51:13.414 Given how many shelter beds we operate, given the importance of rent assistance on moving people out of shelter. 376 00:51:13.735 --> 00:51:23.007 So those are just a few examples, but I'd be happy to sort of sort all the issues to make it clearer what's like supporting coalitions. 377 00:51:23.987 --> 00:51:36.826 For instance, you know, there's a big coalition growing around Make Polluters Pay, which is essentially asking polluter— asking large corporate polluters to contribute to the damages that they've done. 378 00:51:37.244 --> 00:51:38.449 We're not going to lead that effort. 379 00:51:38.610 --> 00:51:49.583 We'll show up and be supportive and help and mention it in meetings, but probably won't spend an extensive amount of work until the coalition tells us they need help with something. 380 00:51:49.969 --> 00:51:52.490 Our delegation isn't going to be the problem with, with that one. 381 00:51:52.940 --> 00:51:55.641 So happy to, to do some more sorting and talk about that with you. 382 00:51:55.721 --> 00:51:56.139 Thank you. 383 00:51:56.282 --> 00:51:56.748 Thanks, Evan. 384 00:51:57.182 --> 00:51:57.295 I—. 385 00:51:57.344 --> 00:52:18.693 Since you mentioned autonomous vehicles, I'm I'm just going to take the opportunity to note that on page 1 of your— the long form that you put together, you talk about preemption as a number one fundamental, but then under safe and predictable transportation system, you have a bullet that calls for the safe, predictable state policy for autonomous vehicles. 386 00:52:19.159 --> 00:52:28.983 I just want to flag that because the Public Works Committee is taking that issue up and to try to combat preemption, we're going to work on coming up with our own ordinance. 387 00:52:29.465 --> 00:52:34.795 I don't, I don't remember if we talked about that, but just so you know, there's sort of a conflict here. 388 00:52:35.710 --> 00:52:40.992 Uh, if, if we lose out, I think your bullet, you know, is, is, is well stated. 389 00:52:41.507 --> 00:52:43.224 But just a heads up that they're—. 390 00:52:43.273 --> 00:52:43.561 They'll—. 391 00:52:43.835 --> 00:52:45.088 We're working on that. 392 00:52:45.826 --> 00:53:06.934 Yeah, and we've been watching your, your committee meetings and, and definitely plan on tailoring that right now, my goal was to signal to Waymo that if they plan on bringing legislation back, that it better include some basic stuff like insurance standards and how these vehicles interact with emergency vehicles. 393 00:53:07.271 --> 00:53:07.657 Certainly. 394 00:53:08.010 --> 00:53:09.521 Maintaining our own infrastructure. 395 00:53:09.617 --> 00:53:16.157 But I definitely recognize there's a conversation happening here that we need to make sure the agenda reflects. 396 00:53:16.447 --> 00:53:21.289 I know I verged into the substantive from a technical, but just since you brought it up. 397 00:53:21.978 --> 00:53:39.090 Well, I just would add, I think that's a great example where some back and forth with our legislative allies also is helpful in having them see the work that you're doing and learning from how you're evaluating and processing your decision-making around Waymo or autonomous vehicles. 398 00:53:39.523 --> 00:53:51.668 And for them to be able to learn and benefit from that is going to help empower our team, but also empower the legislature to, to make better— to, to be well-informed in their decision-making. 399 00:53:51.942 --> 00:53:58.239 Well, then if we can actually succeed and prevent preemption on autonomous vehicles, we'll be the first in the country. 400 00:53:58.512 --> 00:53:59.889 So thank you. 401 00:54:00.514 --> 00:54:02.262