Recommendation to request City Council to adopt support positions for Propositions 15, 16, 17, 18, and 25 on the November 3, 2020 ballot.
Thank you. Now, let's go ahead and move on to some other items. We will do 23 and then. And then the rest should go rather quickly. So why don't we go ahead and do 23 and then we'll go back and do all the rest. 23. Communication from Councilmember Richardson, Chair of the State Legislation Committee. Recommendation to request City Council to adopt support positions for Propositions 15, 16, 17, 18 and 25 on the November 3rd, 2020 ballot. Thank you. I have a motion in a second. I think there's a staff report on this item. So, Councilor Richardson, should we hear the staff report? Absolutely. All right, Mr. Monica. Thank you, Kevin Jackson and Tyler Kerley. We'll give the staff report. Yes. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor and City Council. I'd like to give a high level overview of the State Legislation Committee's recommendation from the September 3rd meeting to support Propositions 15, 16, 17, 18 and 25. Let me. Move the slide. So these propositions consider the issues of split rural taxation, affirmative action, voting rights for people on parole, voting rights for 17 year olds, and the cash bail system. Proposition 15 is commonly referred to as the Split Roll Initiative, and if approved by voters, it would implement a different tax structure for most commercial and industrial properties worth more than $3 million, leading to increased revenues for local governments and education. If voted down, these properties would continue to be taxed based on the existing system. The current property tax system ties taxable value to original purchase price and annual increases are capped. Properties are reassessed when there is a change in ownership or new construction. The initiative would begin in 2022 and be phased in over a three year period for properties that are occupied by a majority of small California businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Split rule would further exclude agricultural properties and does not apply if the property owner has $3 million or less worth of commercial land and buildings in California. Most owners of commercial land and buildings worth more than $3 million, would pay higher property taxes. Yeah. The state estimates split rule would increase property taxes for local governments in education between six and a half billion and 11 and a half billion annually. And that would be split 6040 among local governments and education. So for the city, we estimate a range between one and 1.3 million and 3 million, according to different estimate approaches . So we really are working based on the best information that's available without an official methodology beyond the State's estimate. So if we take the statewide estimate and the city's current assessed valuation based on our share of overall property taxes, we estimate between 1.3 and 2.4 million annually. And if we further estimate the city's current tax values and their potential reassessed value under the initiative, we could expect closer to 3 million. The third estimate of 32 million is from the Schools and Communities First Campaign sponsoring the proposition. But their methodology is unclear and likely overestimated because we don't know how they account for the exemptions in the initiative. It also appears to include the portion that would go to education and by comparison, the county's estimate for their general fund revenue increase is 394 million, which is significantly lower as well compared to the campaign's estimate for the county of 1.3 billion. So there are a number of uncertainties with these estimates. And it's, as I mentioned, based on the best information we have, all three of these approaches assume Long Beach will continue to receive an amount proportional to its current share of revenues under the existing tax structure. But that might change through reassessment. Furthermore, exemptions are not just based on a single jurisdiction but rather are statewide, so it's difficult to accurately estimate what exemptions apply locally and last. The timeline of implementation and revenue generation is also unclear due to the administrative work that would be required to reassess properties. The L.A. County assessor estimates it will take 5 to 10 years to get to full implementation. Proposition 16 asks voters whether to repeal Proposition 209 from 1996 and allow for the consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in decisions related to public employment, education and contracting, state and local government entities would still have to comply with federal law, which establishes a right to equal protection and limits consideration of characteristics as one of several factors not the decisive factor in decisions. Repealing 209 Proposition 2a9 would permit state and local governments to change current policies or programs. Therefore, the measure would not have direct fiscal effect unless the Council chose to change procurement and hiring practices and practices. Proposition 17 would amend the state constitution to grant individuals on parole for felony convictions the right to vote in California. The state estimates that Proposition 17 could cost counties hundreds of thousands of dollars to prepare voting information and resources for roughly 40,000 current parolees. The Los Angeles County clerk reports that this proposition could have minor impacts on county operations. The county public defender supports restoring voting rights for people who have completed prison sentences. The proposition could have a minimal cost increase to the city clerk's office related to revising voting materials and ensuring they are distributed to additional eligible voters. Proposition 18 would authorize eligible 17 year olds who are U.S. citizens and California residents to vote in a special or primary election if they will be at least 18 years old. By the next general election. The state estimates the proposition could require one time costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for infrastructure and Labor to update existing voter registration systems. The proposition would have minimal implications for city operations, as the majority of the cost burden would fall on counties for the development and processing of additional voting materials. And last we have Proposition 25, which would uphold Senate Bill ten of 2018 and change the existing cash bail system to a risk based system. A no vote on Proposition 25 would repeal SB ten, thereby retaining the current cash bail system. So in August 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB ten into law, and it was slated to go into effect in October 2019. If upheld through Proposition eight and Proposition 25, SB ten one reform current bill laws implementing a new pretrial detention and release system based on public safety and flight risk instead of cash bail risk would be assessed based on the likelihood of an individual not appearing in court and the likelihood of an individual committing a new crime if released. The risk based assessment would be determined by the Court in consultation with stakeholders, considering the following factors. Low risk individuals would be released for certain misdemeanors. Medium risk individuals could be released or provided supervised release with conditions necessary to ensure public safety and the person's return to court or courts could do a review to determine whether to detain those individuals until arraignment. And third, high risk individuals would not be granted release for serious or violent crimes. The state estimates that Proposition 25 could cost the state and local governments in the mid hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on how the system is implemented. And some of the state costs could be reduced by local programs that are directed towards assisting detainees and reducing recidivism. But this remains unclear at this point. The state estimates that county jail costs could also decrease by tens of millions of dollars annually from less crowded jails. And the direct impacts of this proposition to the city are also unclear. Counties would be responsible for implementing the transition from the current cash bail system to a risk assessment system. The implementation of SB ten would have a direct impact on the county jail system and would require significant changes to pretrial release operations. With that, I conclude my presentation. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Okay. Thank you very much. Councilmember. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, as the patient stated, our state legislation committee had a meeting. We received a staff report on each of these and had a healthy level of discussion on each of these. And we make recommend we recommend to the City Council that we take positions of support on these matters. Most of our justification are a couple of things. One, Proposition 16, 17, 18 and 25 are really about how they align with the work that we've done over the last few months with with our reconciliation process, thinking about the way systems have operated, perhaps disenfranchized populations, and that that's something that we want to be able to acknowledge and be and be support of and support efforts to sort of change course there. More specifically, Proposition 16, which is it repeals Prop 209 and allows for decisions and and procurement and targeting based on race and gender and other tactics across institutions, from educational institutions to public agencies like cities and counties. You can do things like set targets for procurement, set targets for hiring, and other things that used to be a program that worked really well in California and and based on Prop 209 was eliminated. And since then, we've seen dramatic, dramatic economic impacts and greater segregation. And so this is an opportunity for Long Beach to take a position in support. And we have stories like that on every single one of these from restoring voting rights and other and sort of other things. Proposition 15, Schools and communities first, this really was has bubbled up from our local community. Our local community has really been very, very vocal vocally supporting this. We know that the way that local government and schools are structured and funded, there needs to be some reform to it. We are we are structured in a way that it's a you know, it's very entrepreneurial. And what we've seen is with the pandemic, when sales tax goes away and it goes away and all those things go away, we are still responsible for providing services. So I think this is in alignment with reforming the way that local government is financed. So all of these things, these are you know, these are big issues. And we know that there are people on on all sides of these issues who may have some expertize or a specific concern about one or the other. But I think the good news is we're a big, diverse city and this is a big opportunity. And, you know, it's a big opportunity for us to do this. But, you know, one way or the other, it's ultimately up to the voters. So the way the city council goes, the way individuals support or talk about this in the community that belongs on the outside, I think is important for the public to know that the city is not. Once we take this position, we're not spending any of our local tax dollars or local proceeds advocating a position one way or the other. This is us taking a position of support those campaigns can use, can do whatever they want to do. But internally, we're not using any resources to advocate one position or the other. So I support all five of these. I came out of our committee and I strongly encourage the city council to consider a yes vote. Thank you. Councilor Maria Ringa. Thank you, Mayor. And I think Councilmember Richardson was on target with every comment that he made on every one of these propositions. In regards to Proposition 16, especially, I have a history with that one. Back in 1996, I was marching and protesting to oh nine at that time. So let it pass. But what these propositions do on the ballot is basically address what we all know to be systemic racism. And I think that putting these in the bill and if it passed, would be doing a big test and eliminating systemic racism from from our Constitution. So I support these items. And I think that if we could get the support of our colleagues in the city council as well. Thank you. Councilmember Pearce. Thank you. Thank you to the committee for bringing these forward. I think these are all common sense propositions that really help the city not only balance the budget, but also ensure that every constituent has an access point to participate in their local democracy. Obviously, the voting age is something we've talked a lot about in the city of Long Beach. I think it makes a lot of sense to have that begin at 17 for the primary. I think Prop 15 is something that. Is long. Overdue and the way that it's presented today is well balanced and measured. And I would also say, including being able to allow people to vote that that might have already been spent time incarcerated is really critical to ensure that we are not further perpetuating structural racism as it might exist in our justice system. So I wholeheartedly support this and agree this is just the city going on record, being able to show our support for these items that will benefit all of our constituents in the city of Long Beach. So great work. Thank you, Councilmember Price. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I appreciate my council colleagues bringing this item forward. I'm going to be voting no on this. I've already taken a personal position unrelated to the city council as a whole on some of these. In fact, just yesterday I had an interview with some Polish students regarding my support for Propositions 15 and 16. So I've been pretty responsive in regards to my position on those two specific ones. This particular item has a very broad grouping of propositions in it, and at least one of them, Proposition 25 related to bail, has really changed a lot since that proposition was written. Well, the proposition hasn't changed, but the status of Bail House in regards to a Supreme Court ruling on the topic about two weeks ago, that really has changed the framework of our practical application of bail in the criminal justice system to accommodate for a lot of the things that are listed in Proposition 25. But above and beyond that, I think that this particular item calls for the council to weigh in on several diverse propositions together. In my opinion, these are voter issues which local government bodies probably should not be in the business of advocacy on their state election issues. And it's really best left to the proponents of the initiatives, in my opinion, to advocate for the items. But having said that, I do appreciate that being forward brought forward, and I appreciate the discussion tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilman Austin. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I'm also a member of the State Lands Committee. Unfortunately, I was not able to be at the meeting when these items were adopted. But I do think it is important for me to lend my voice to, at least to these issues that I believe and will impact the city of Long Beach should they pass. And and and I think each and every one of them are are relevant to to the discussion today in policy today that I will, again, like I said, impact and say in support of these items. And I understand that they're going to be pros and cons on both sides of this issue. But we have to look at where California is, where our state is today. Some of these these are at least a couple of these propositions seek to undo or. Or modify laws or change drastically change laws that have been on the books, some for 40 years, some for the last 20 years. And I can tell you that, you know, in terms of my involvement, you know, in in local government and in civic affairs, you know, one for one was was a very instrumental in getting me involved. And that was certainly of Prop 16 that is before us here today of, I do think, conversations around racial equity. You know, prior to 1996, affirmative action was an equity tool that sought to really balance affordability. So I do think from from educational institutions of, you know, job access, that is a very, very important proposition. And I know Prop 15 is one that is going to be debated pretty significantly over the next several weeks. But, you know, again, this was a a tax initiative that was put in place in 1978. I was ten years old at that time, and California was in a much different place. It was a much different state. And when we talk about equity and opportunity moving forward, these these are these these two particular initiatives, I think are very, very important for us to look at. And I think the conversation and debate is already moving forward, but I will be voting in support about the state legislature recommendations. Thanks. Thank you. Is there any further comment on these? Yes. Our first speakers, Jennifer Hing. I can. Yes. Hi, Mary. Hi. Dear Mayor Garcia and Long Beach council members Bobby Hughes deserve and support, care or support and care that allows them to overcome challenges, live full lives and thrive. You deserve to live, work and play in a community that provides dedicated investments and resources that allow them to reach their full potential. Youth across California are working every day to create healthy, whole communities where they can imagine and help build futures for us all. To My Girls in Action, Californians for Justice and Invest in Youth Coalition are here in support of the council's endorsement for profit teen, also known as schools and teachers. Our young people are leading the fight to ensure corporations pay their fair share of taxes. We have an exciting opportunity to double our impact with our local measure a ballot initiative that holds oil industry accountable to pay their fair share in taxes. These two ballot measures work in parallel to support an equitable and just future for our communities. U.S. corporations double and triple their profits during a global health crisis at the expense of low income, working class people and essential workers. While our communities suffer. When corporations pay outdated 1940 commercial property tax rates, they profit and our community loses. Cheating their way through tax loopholes is a form of divestment from our public education system. We need city leaders to support us and hold corporations accountable. Today, young people are often young people who are not of age to vote are doing their part this election season. They are on the ground, hosting voter education events and are mobilizing new voters and community members on issues that impact their future. We need to value their work and ensure their voices are heard. You're asking city leaders to do your part and support issues like Prop 15 that invest in youth. Voting yes on 15 would bring $12 billion for new schools and communities to increase resources and support for youth and their families. With an estimated 49.7 million coming to Long Beach, reinvesting in rebuilding public education and creating a public education system that reflects our communities, takes all of us leading together. Millions of students in California attend a school with police officers, but no counselor or nurse. Those communities are facing big gaps now in meeting the health and wellness needs of students in the era of COVID, including Long Beach. Long Beach needs to commit to investing in youth and endorsed property. It is a step in the right direction and will pave the way for more equitable and just funding that centers our highest needs , youth and community members. This crisis is causing you to be bold and courageously alongside our youth leaders. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Patrick Swimmer. Wow. Well, it doesn't work. Patrick Swimmer. Yeah. Hello, Mayor Darcy and council members, thank you for the time to speak tonight. My name is Patrick Schwimmer and I'm speaking on behalf of the Long Beach Young Democrats. Our organization has endorsed all of these propositions and we urge the city to do the same. These five propositions can have an incredible impact on achieving the parity and equity we all want to see in the city. That has been the focus over these budget conversations the last few months. However, in addition to supporting these propositions, I also urge the city to take proactive steps to ensure that if passed, they will achieve their desired effects and avoid any unintended consequences. For example, Prop 15 would help provide crucially needed resources to our underfunded education system. However, the city must be sure to develop assistance resources for small businesses who are already experiencing hardships due to the pandemic, particularly those with triple net leases who will see their overhead skyrocket. Prop 16 would give the city the tool of affirmative action back to bring new economic opportunities to disadvantaged communities. But that will only be helpful to full review of the city's practices, particularly with contractors, to ensure the tool will be used effectively. But 17 and 18 would enfranchise many members of our community, but will be useless without effective outreach to ensure everyone who has been enfranchised understands their renewed rights. And Prop 25 would do away with the incredibly harmful cash bail system that has plagued lower income communities and communities of color for generations. But the city must work proactively with the state and county to ensure that the new risk assessment tools do not simply perpetuate discrimination under a different name. These five impact propositions can have an incredible impact on a city, but we need to take the steps necessary to ensure that they do only good and no harm. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Troy Peters. Can you guys hear me? Yes. Please begin. Okay. You remember Garcia and Long Beach council members? My name is Troy Peters and I am a youth ambassador for the city's Youth Strategic Plan and a youth empowerment coach for our exciting new ballot measure us. I am here as a I'm also here as a youth ambassador for the Investing Youth Coalition. I'm here to support and invest your endorsement on Prop 15. School should be a positive place to learn and a community resource that leads to opportunities and success. Despite being one of the wealthiest states. California ranks 39 out of 50 in education spending. And in 2016, 7000 students attending the U.S. reported being homeless. Things will get worse if we do not act now. We hope when we hold wealthy corporations accountable to pay their fair share in commercial property taxes, we secure revenue for our schools, communities, and for our schools and communities that have struggled through decades of deep investment. Great schools bring value to our communities, protect teachers, students and schools from corporate greed. By endorsing Prop 15, schools across the state closed down in response to the spread of COVID 19. Students and families lost access to schools as critical hubs of community resources. This current crisis shines a new light on the complicated, overlapping reasons that California public schools have yet to live up to their promise of providing equal education for all, especially for students of color, English language learners, LGBTQ students, rural students and low income students. COVID 19 also presents a new opportunity for students, their families and educators to become architects and a new path forward. Now more than ever, we must build a network of public schools that are beacons of light and provide hope, opportunity and pathways to health and success. This is an exciting opportunity to reverse a longstanding pattern of divestment from our schools and communities. We hope you will join us in endorsing Prop 15. Thank you very much. And thank you at roll call vote, please. District one. I district to. I'm district three. Nay district for. District four. District five. I. District five. Nay, they confirm. Yes, we can hear you. Thank you. Thank you. District six. Or. District seven? District eight. By. District nine. All right. Just before is a name. Thank you. Motion carries. Thank you. And, Vice Mayor, stay away from the next item. Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. Item six. Item six. Item six. Just one moment. Report from City Clerk recommendation to receive and file a presentation from the Los Angeles Registrar Recorder County Clerk relative to the November 3rd, 2020. General Municipal Elections Citywide. A Vice Mayor here to assist us with the presenting information on the November general election is Monica Flores, government and legislative affairs manager for the