Western City asked League members which books inspired them as
local government leaders, and their recommendations comprise the
magazine’s first-ever summer reading list. Whether you’re
selecting books to take along on summer vacation or read at home,
consider these intriguing titles.
The City of Temecula won the Award for Excellence in the Economic
Development Through the Arts category of the 2017 Helen Putnam
Award for Excellence program. For more about the awards program,
visit www.helenputnam.org.
The new tax-increment tools lack the concentrated financial
impact provided by the former redevelopment tool. Left
unaddressed, this financing gap presents significant challenges
for the future use of these tools.
State programs aimed at solving climate change can also help
cities tackle many of their other community priorities. The
cap-and-trade program generates substantial revenue that the
state invests to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
achieve other community co-benefits.
As national and state programs fall short of fully addressing
this issue, California’s cities and counties are focusing on
collaboration, cooperation and support at the local level to
tackle homelessness.
A new report from the League and its partners showcases existing
and emerging approaches that are having a positive impact on
homelessness in California communities.
The secretary of state sponsors programs to inform students about
upcoming elections while providing unique hands-on opportunities
to participate in the voting process.
Over 2 million households in California are at high or extreme
risk from wildfires, and cities statewide will have to step up
their efforts in hazard mitigation, emergency planning and
resilience.
Fixing annexations would restore previous incentives that support
state policies advocating for compact growth and the related
benefits of consolidating services for an increasing population.
Cities are working to improve walking, bicycling and transit options. The “All Ages and Abilities” approach uses bikeways that are physically separated from highspeed and high-traffic roadways.
An inclusive and interactive gathering of highly engaged city
leaders from throughout the state ensures that the League’s
highest priorities reflect the common interests of California
cities.
Cities’ active engagement on transportation issues will be
vitally important on several fronts, including documenting road
conditions and protecting existing transportation funding.
California cities use a variety of methods, including citizens’
academies and similar programs, to engage residents in civic life
and give them a voice.
With over 2,500 bills introduced during the session, the League
represented city interests on many issues to protect local
control, revenue and flexibility.
Kindness is about culture; it is a way of thinking and acting.
The ability to foster community resiliency is one of the most
important benefits of promoting kindness.
This voluntary program recognizes elected officials for
continuing their education to enhance their knowledge and skills
and for undertaking leadership roles to better serve the public.
Prevailing wage laws have changed again. Because prevailing wage
requirements apply to all public works contracts over $1,000,
these new requirements will apply to the vast majority of
municipal…
When making decisions or taking action, the savvy local official
embraces the notion that the law creates a floor for ethical
behavior — not a ceiling. In other words, just because a
particular…
A $25 million Community-Based Transitional Housing Program offers
incentive grants for providing transitional housing sites for
recently released offenders.
The decision is an important reminder for cities that the
creation of Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts may be a
potential tool to supplement funds needed to provide services to
new…
A foundation of community trust and strong community
relationships is crucial for law enforcement to effectively
prevent crime and safely resolve situations that involve
residents.
First Weekend Palm Desert helps increase the city’s tax revenues
and makes it a regional center for the arts by drawing crowds to
lively events from November through May.
The California Civic Leadership Institute® is an educational
program sponsored by the League Partners and designed for local
government elected officials interested in running for the
Legislature….
Immigrants contribute significantly to California’s economy, both
as employers and workers. The cities of Brawley, Oakley and
Mountain View offer examples of how engaging immigrant
communities…
The California Civic Leadership Institute® is an educational
program designed for local government elected officials
interested in running for the Legislature.
The Cities Combating Hunger Through After-School and Summer Meal
Programs (CHAMPs) initiative supports city-led efforts that
increase access to summer and after-school meal programs.
The small-town feeling of community that many of us experienced
as youngsters has become more elusive. Volunteering gives us a
sense of connectedness and offers multiple benefits.
Obesity and related diseases threaten the health of cities’ most
vulnerable populations, particularly children and youth. In
response, California cities are participating in the Healthy
Eating…
The city took legal action to help property owners effect change
and address the shootings, illegal drug sales, traffic and other
problems that plagued the complex.
A new community for formerly homeless veterans with disabilities
comprises 50 apartments, with plans underway to expand the
project, add more housing and provide permanent supportive
services on-site.
Significant barriers and disincentives constrain the production
of housing. These include local and national economic and job
market conditions, challenges for developers and a lack of
funding and…
Although the No Place Like Home program funds will not be
available until 2018, the California Department of Housing and
Community Development has released the Notice of Funding
Availability for…
A recent report underscores the critical need in California to
develop a transportation funding solution that will keep
residents and the economy moving forward.
The ability to communicate is critically important for first
responders in emergency situations. The First Responder Network
Authority is working to deliver a broadband network for public
safety…
Keeping track of legislation and priority bills that affect your
city is critically important for elected officials. The League
provides an array of helpful tools to make this task easier.
Carolyn Coleman is the League’s first female executive director
and its fourth executive director since 1934. She brings over 25
years of experience in public service and advocacy to her new…
Despite another chaotic legislative session, city officials can
be satisfied that the League helped hold the line to preserve
local control, revenue and flexibility and made progress in
several areas.
Understanding the essentials of city finance is critical for city
decision-makers. Elected officials find their job is easier when
they can explain municipal finance’s basic elements to their…
Public employers often face situations in which the religious
beliefs of their employees become a major legal issue. This
article explains applicable law and addresses some common
scenarios.
Cities and counties are partnering with the California Statewide
Communities Development Authority to offer developers a way to
maximize project cash flow.
At the League’s largest conference of the year, network with
2,000 elected officials and staff, and choose from more than 60
sessions designed to educate and inform.
The City of Los Angeles launched a program in which parks are
kept open until 11:00 p.m., and volunteers and staff facilitate
safe, healthy activities.
Using programs ranging from truancy reduction to summer reading,
cities are taking unique and collaborative approaches to combat
summer learning loss and prepare students of all ages to return
to…
Open library access can lead to dilemmas such as situations
involving patrons who bring in excessive amounts of personal
belongings and use the library as a temporary shelter.
Because a healthy democracy is built upon a foundation of engaged
citizens, inspiring young people to become involved is essential
to the future of strong cities.
Despite the many innovative efficiency measures now in place
throughout the country, the United States wastes more than half
of all energy produced. Eight California cities are competing for
a $5…
Woodland strives to promote the importance of expanding its tree
canopy to provide environmental, economic, health and aesthetic
benefits. Because trees help reduce greenhouse gases, the city
aims…
The annual Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards
Program recognizes projects that promote fiscal and environmental
sustainability in the local transportation system and can be…
For years, the City of El Cajon grappled with the impacts of
aggressive panhandlers, transients, serial inebriates and illegal
alcohol sales to minors.
The city revitalized a historic neighborhood using public
infrastructure improvements, economic development and the arts to
attract new visitors, shoppers and businesses.
Continuing education is essential in every profession. These two
conferences are geared to both experienced and recently elected
mayors and council members.
The program offers an enjoyable way for children and adults to
learn organic gardening, be physically active, make smart food
choices and work together.
By definition, effective public managers are both problem-solvers
and leaders, but it requires a special type to take the helm of a
public agency in crisis.
