City of Camarillo Legislative Platform Update

Summary

The City of Camarillo is updating its Legislative Platform, a comprehensive document guiding its advocacy efforts at local, state, and federal levels. The February 4, 2026 update, developed with contracted lobbyists Arc Strategies and Downs Government Affairs, incorporates responses to recent legislation and anticipates future policy trends.

Key revisions include:

• Fiscal Stability: Opposing unfunded mandates for data privacy, Human Resources reporting, water system operations, and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet requirements. The platform also supports expediting and fully funding federal and state water-infrastructure financing programs.
• Workforce & Technology: New sections support funding for workplace violence prevention, promote employee wellness, clarify the use of HR technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), strengthen local workforce pipelines, and seek liability protections for AI use. The platform also advocates for sustained funding for IT modernization and cybersecurity.
• Environmental & Energy Policy: Significant updates include supporting a transition to renewable, carbon-free energy while maintaining local control, and accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuel extraction. This involves limiting new oil and gas permits and strengthening health and safety protections, specifically supporting existing 3,200-foot setbacks between oil operations and sensitive sites, in light of the US Department of Justice's lawsuit challenging California's SB 1137. The platform also supports harmonizing state groundwater and water quality laws.

Citizen Impact

These updates will influence how the City advocates for funding for local services (like water infrastructure and IT), protects against unfunded state mandates that could strain local budgets, and shapes policies on climate change and public health. Residents may see a push for cleaner energy and stronger protections from nearby fossil fuel operations.

Confidence

high