Agenda - Council Work Session - 01/26/2016

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LMC POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The City Policies document addresses more than 175 legislative issues that impact cities and serves as the foundation of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) advocacy efforts. City officials from across the state are recruited throughout the year to serve on one or more policy committee. In 2015, over 140 city officials participated in the policy committees. Policies are considered, discussed, and revised annually with considerable member input. Then, draft policies are published online for member comments before being considered for approval by the LMC Board of Directors. Guided by the City Policies, LMC member cities and staff actively advocate for city -friendly legislation. Below are some of the major events in the policy development process: January The Minnesota Legislature begins the first session of each two-year biennium in January of odd -numbered years. February The Legislature typically begins the second session of each biennium in February or March of even -numbered years. The February forecast will likely be released at the end of February or early March. March/April This year, the legislature convenes on March 8, 2016. From March 5-9, the National League of Cities hosts the Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. Due to the extensive reconstruction at the State Capitol, the Joint Legislative Conference will not be held this year. May Under the Minnesota Constitution, the deadline to end any legislative session is the first Monday following the third Saturday in May. The governor may call special legislative sessions when necessary. June At the LMC Annual Conference (St. Paul on June 14-17, 2016), members provide comments on City Policies throughout the conference and during the Legislative Update. July Policy committees hold their first of three meetings. The July meeting typically includes a review of the most recent legislative session, a preliminary discussion of emerging issues, and a review of member comments and board policies from the prior year. August Policy committees hold their second of three meetings to hear from subject - matter experts on existing and potential new policy topics. September Policy committees meet for a third time to finalize their work and make specific policy recommendations to the LMC Board of Directors. October Draft policies, as approved by the policy committees, are shared with members online for the comment period. Member input is also sought from city officials attending LMC Regional Meetings around the state each fall. November The LMC Board of Directors reviews member input, then considers and amends the policies for the following calendar year. The Board adopts policies on behalf of League members before the start of the next legislative session. League of Minnesota Cities 2016 City Policies Page x