Accept the City of Portland 2023 Federal Legislative and Regulatory Agenda

The purpose of the 2023 Federal Legislative and Regulatory Agenda is to advance the City’s legislative priorities with the Oregon congressional delegation, the Executive Branch, and other relevant members of congress and congressional committees. The Office of Government Relations (OGR) opened the federal legislative agenda building process in August 2022. One work session was held with Council on November 29th, 2022. This report will provide guidance for lobbying and advocacy efforts in 2023 that address the most pressing needs for the City and its residents.

The outcome of lobbying and advocacy efforts on several items in the Report on the 2023 Federal Legislative and Regulatory Agenda could have a direct or indirect impact on City finances, including the potential for infrastructure investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and climate investments through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The Report does not amend the budget, change expenses, or change current or future revenues or staffing levels.

The Office of Government Relations (OGR) initiated the legislative agenda building process in August 2022. Issue proposals were solicited from all City bureaus and Council offices. OGR worked with council offices, bureau liaisons, bureau subject matter experts, and the Office of Equity and Human Rights to research and vet concepts for inclusion in the 2023 Agenda. Bureaus were required to submit a racial equity analysis as part of issue proposals, assess the nexus of issue proposals with the City’s adopted core values, and engage with bureau equity managers and/or equity practitioners. The City of Portland’s 2023 Federal Legislative and Regulatory Agenda is structured to reflect the shared priorities of the Portland City Council: developing new models for community safety and behavioral health, addressing homelessness and housing stability, and supporting economic recovery and development. The Agenda also addresses racial justice and civil rights, climate and environmental justice, infrastructure investment, and maintaining local authority and opposing preemption. Successful implementation of the 2023 Federal Legislative and Regulatory Agenda will impact Portland residents by providing additional resources for improving access to affordable and stable housing, providing for addiction and mental health services, ensuring safe communities, pursuing racial justice, protecting a healthy environment, making investments in infrastructure, and protecting local authority. OGR engaged the Coalition for Communities of Color, Verde, Oregon Environmental Council, Oregon’s Congressional delegation, Multnomah County, Metro, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, Mayors & CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment, and other external partners in the formulation of the 2023 Federal Legislative and Regulatory Agenda.