Memorandum

City of Lawrence

TO:	Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM:	David L. Corliss, Interim City Manager
CC:	Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager
Date:	September 7, 2006
RE:	Federal Legislative Issues for October Trip to Washington, D.C.

Last week, the City Commission established October 15-17 as the planned dates for travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with legislative staff and available members of our Congressional delegation. Douglas County and Chamber of Commerce officials have indicated their availability on these dates, and staff is proceeding to make preliminary travel plans. We will brief the Commission more fully as information is available.

Staff seeks direction on the preparation of items to discuss with our federal officials. Staff has identified the following issues for possible consideration:

° Surface transportation funding

° Transit system funding

° Airport improvement funding

° CDBG and HOME funding

° Appealing the Census Bureau population estimates

° National Heritage Area Designation under the National Park Service

° Homeland Security funding

° Internet and Catalog sales tax collections

° Right-of-way management and franchise fee collections with the telecommunications

Industry

Based on Commission direction and input, staff will be working to finalize a document with County and Chamber participants to reflect the community’s interest to our Congressional delegation.