Three members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors attended the National Association of Counties Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. March 6-11 and actively advocated for county priorities as part of their ongoing effort to bring new resources to Sonoma County programs. Board chair Valerie Brown, supervisor Efren Carrillo, and supervisor Shirlee Zane participated in a series of meetings with administration and congressional leaders focusing on federal funding for health and human services, roads, public safety, and environmental protection. In addition, board members held policy discussions on issues ranging from sustainable communities, energy efficiency, and tribal issues.
Board chair and president of National Association of Counties Valerie Brown said, “Our county feels the impacts from state and federal funding decisions every day. Our face-to-face contact with administration and congressional leaders is one method to protect funding of our services and acquire new resources for services. In these critical times we have to do more than play defense when it comes to our programs. Sonoma County needs to be proactive and take the offense and ensure that Washington understands county programs and supports our efforts.”
Chair Brown attended a meeting at the White House with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shawn Donavan to discuss funding for the Sustainable Communities Initiative which will fund local planning efforts that coordinate transportation, land use planning, and energy efficiency programs. Success for the county in the Sustainable Communities Initiative could translate to $2 million in new funds for local planning.
Chairwoman Brown commented, “It was a very successful trip. We were able to able to work on policy, appropriations, and build strategic alliances that will benefit the entire county as we move forward.”
