AgdaPkt 2020-01-27 Joint - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

8.A. - Page 2 of 13 A voluntary expenditure limit provides for candidates for elective office to voluntarily subject themselves to restrictions on the amount of money that their campaign will spend. Incentives are typically provided for candidates if the voluntary expenditure limit is accepted. The City of Redwood City does not currently regulate campaign contributions or expenditure limits for City elective office. Over the course of 2019, the Governance Sub -committee considered campaign finance reform measures, including a campaign contribution limit and a voluntary expenditure limit. On July 17, 2019 and August 26, 2019, the Governance Sub -committee provided direction to staff on establishing a campaign contribution limit and voluntary expenditure limits. On November 18, 2019 and December 17, 2019, the Sub -committee provided further direction on the elements of both components, and is now recommending approval of the proposed ordinance. ANALYSIS The Governance Sub -committee and staff reviewed regulations from several other cities that have established either contribution limits or voluntary expenditure limits. A summary of those regulations is set forth in the table below. The Sub -Committee discussed the approaches taken in other communities and how they would apply in Redwood City, particularly in light of district -based elections. After comprehensive discussion, the Sub - Committee recommended the proposed ordinance, which would accomplish two main objectives: the imposition of mandatory contribution limits and the creation of voluntary expenditure limits, both for elective City offices. Page 2 of 5 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore Contribution Limit Voluntary Expenditure Limit Belmont $500 -- Mountain View -- $25,539 (2018) Oakland $200/ $400 (persons/committees) $1.50 - 0.50 per resident $95,000 - $472,000 (2019) (depending on office) Santa Cruz (City) $350 $0.60 per resident $39,872.40 (2018) San Mateo (City) $500 (individuals) $1000 (organizations) -- Santa Clara (City) $290 $40,500 The Sub -Committee discussed the approaches taken in other communities and how they would apply in Redwood City, particularly in light of district -based elections. After comprehensive discussion, the Sub - Committee recommended the proposed ordinance, which would accomplish two main objectives: the imposition of mandatory contribution limits and the creation of voluntary expenditure limits, both for elective City offices. Page 2 of 5 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore