Annual Conference and Expo Preview

Overview

Annual Conference and Expo Preview

Article Features Doug Levy, with David Oro, Brian Baker, and Alexa Davis

Harnessing AI’s power for cities while combating misinformation

Generative artificial intelligence can both enhance city services and cause great harm. This is where policies matter. You need to know exactly what data your AI tool uses and carefully review AI-generated content before publishing it.

Article Solutions for Cities By Amy Wade

Meet the 2024 Annual Conference and Expo exhibitors

Over 240 exhibitors will showcase their products, solutions, and services to League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo attendees, Oct. 16-18. Get to know the exhibitors before you arrive.

Article Features By Bernard Molloy II

How your city can help secure residents the best possible fire insurance rates

Californians are struggling with skyrocketing fire insurance premiums and canceled policies. And it’s not clear if regulatory efforts to lower prices will have their intended effect. Fire departments can play a key role in lowering rates both now and in the future.

Article Legal Notes By Mrunal Shah

Which public finance strategies are right for your city’s economic development goals?

Boosting infrastructure and public services is a part of making cities more attractive to businesses. Each area comes with its own unique set of financing options.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence By Erin Olsen

Pismo Beach transforms an iconic neighborhood

Shell Beach Road is Pismo Beach’s oldest road — and one of its most important downtown connectors. What began as a community concept to make it a safe, efficient, and enjoyable street for all its users turned into one of the largest projects ever completed by the city.

Article Solutions for Cities By Amy Wade

Meet the 2023 Annual Conference and Expo exhibitors

Over 220 exhibitors are scheduled to showcase their products, solutions, and services to League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo attendees Sept. 20-22. Get to know the exhibitors

Issue

September 2023

Article Features By Teri Black, Maxine Gullo, Reina Schwartz, and Tony Winney

Investing in diversity may make you a better employer

Retirements, generational shifts, and changing attitudes about work-life balance have shifted employee loyalties and tenures. Many of us are wondering how to stop the churn and make our organizations places where people want to work for long stretches of their careers. One solution is to invest in diversity recruitment and retention.

Article News from the Institute for Local Government By Erica L. Manuel

A new training helps cities turn ‘down the fires of contempt’

The rise in incivility, partisanship, and polarization is making it difficult for agencies to maintain the basic decorum needed to carry out their missions. ILG’s partnership and training with Braver Angels seeks to bridge the partisan divide and rebuild the social fabric.

Article Executive Director's Message By League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman

The biggest wins don’t happen overnight

Cal Cities has had many successes over its 125-year history. While the outcomes may not be resolved in one legislative cycle, our accomplishments will be felt by California residents for years to come. The key to Cal Cities’ effectiveness is the generations of city leaders committed to uplifting California’s communities.

Article Solutions for Cities By Taylor Budrow, CFA

Do you know your investments? Why proactive credit research matters

The Public Trust Advisors Credit Team helps California CLASS evaluate the credit profile of investable entities and determine their suitability as counterparties. But what does that mean for cities reviewing their investment options?

Article Features By Jason Roberts

Community preparedness helps mitigate the worst disasters

Even many well-funded cities are unprepared for large-scale emergencies. This lack of preparedness can cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars. These crises will only grow worse and more frequent. The best way to mitigate this is to put time and effort into community preparedness.

Article Solutions for Cities By Laura Glenn

Cal Cities sponsors new investment pool for public agencies

California CLASS provides an investment option for daily liquidity and strategic reserve investments that prioritizes safety, liquidity, and yield, as well as transparency and diversification. 

Article Local Works By Matthew Tate

Four steps to beef up your rural retail development strategy

Retail development is a critical part of creating communities where people can grow and prosper. However, rural markets are often overlooked during initial retail expansion plans. The rural communities of Blythe, Clearlake, and Fortuna have each invested in proactive retail attraction strategies that raise their profile, creating tangible, positive results in the process.

Article Executive Director's Message By League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman

Inspiring keynote speakers, policy experts, and solutions for top city issues — all at the 2022 annual conference

The annual conference will showcase the creativity and innovation of cities, recognize city leaders who are moving their communities forward, and celebrate the success of our advocacy. We’ll also hear from two powerhouse keynote speakers about leading with courage and the economic future of the Golden State.

Article Solutions for Cities

Meet the 2022 Annual Conference and Expo exhibitors

Over 200 exhibitors are scheduled to showcase their products, solutions, and services to League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo attendees. The Expo is open on Sept. 7 and 8. 

Article News from the Institute for Local Government By Erica L. Manuel

ILG explores housing, ethics, climate, and equity at the Annual Conference and Expo

The Institute for Local Government will host sessions on a number of timely topics, including housing, climate change, and equity, at this year’s annual conference. 

Article Features By Ken Striplin

How to respond to harassment and incivility without sacrificing civic debate

Peaceful protests are a staple of American democracy. However, public discourse has become increasingly abusive and violent. When this happens, it is vital that municipalities respond with solutions that build greater community trust and equip city leaders with strategies to protect themselves and their families.

Article Solutions for Cities By Christen McKay

Benicia leverages forecasting software and federal financing tool to pay down and plan for pension liabilities

Benicia’s pension obligations are projected to reach 28% of its general fund revenues by 2031. To create better policy responses, officials are using financial forecasting software to simplify information and provide real-time projections.

Article President’s Message By League of California Cities President Cindy Silva

Six lessons learned while serving California’s cities

I started this year with just one goal: To help all of us, as city leaders, re-energize and put new vigor into our collective work to improve the quality of life of all Californians. Little did I know, the year would turn out to be so much more. I learned valuable lessons that will serve me well beyond this year as president.