The City of Clovis transformed a three-acre unimproved lot into
an educational community recreation area that protects natural
resources and promotes healthy living.
As California residents and businesses increase the amount of
material they recycle, local governments seek ways to build
additional recycling facilities and expand existing programs.
Each year we ask a diverse group of about 100 city officials to
tell us which policy envelopes we need to push, which walls we
need to scale and what partnerships we need to build. Bringing…
The steadily growing use of recreational drones has risen to the
level of endangering first-responder aircraft as well as
commercial jetliners. New regulations, while helpful, may not go
far…
Following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, California cities
should ensure that their sign codes comply with the court’s
strict approach to defining content neutrality.
Although we have millions of acre-feet of empty space behind dams
to capture storm runoff and snowmelt, that space cannot protect
Californians against levee breaks, mudslides or overflowing
urban…
Significant positive developments for the League included the
adoption of a new economic development tool for lower-income
communities and the passage of a medical marijuana regulatory
bill package.
The strategic goal-setting process involves representatives from
all of the League’s policy committees, departments, divisions and
diversity caucuses as well as its entire board of directors….
Technology will soon be radically transforming agriculture and
the Salinas Valley, home to an agricultural industry that
generates over $8 billion annually.
Ensuring that residents properly dispose of hazardous wastes —
such as pesticides, batteries, needles and pharmaceuticals — from
their homes is an important part of protecting the environment…
It takes only one scandal to give the public the impression that
all local elected officials are not to be trusted, and public
perception can be very slow to change. How can we build our…
The State of California houses a treasure trove of extremely
valuable information; the problem is extracting and presenting it
in a way that is meaningful and readily accessible. The Fair…
When a city and a recognized employee organization are unable to
reach agreement on matters within the scope of bargaining, an
impasse occurs. In addition to any other resolution process
the…
California finally has a strong regulatory framework that upholds
local control, protects public safety and enhances patient
safety. League staff and legal counsel are participating in…
The lingering revenue effects from the Great Recession, changes
to pension contributions, rising retiree medical costs and other
factors almost guarantee that the financial future for
California…
The consolidation occurred without layoffs, demotions or loss of
pay to the affected employees and provided immediate financial
relief for both cities.
The U.S. Communities purchasing alliance provides world-class
products, resources and solutions. California cities saved
approximately $4.5 million in 2014 through U.S. Communities.
A crime-ridden trail spurred unhappy residents into action and
led to a collaborative effort involving a local nonprofit, the
city, school district and multiple agencies.
The California Supreme Court in June 2015 issued one of its most
important and city-friendly decisions in many years, reaffirming
the breadth of cities’ power to address the affordable housing…
The awards recognize exceptional achievements made by
California’s cities and counties to preserve and protect the
public’s investment in the local street and road system.
Online hosting platforms make it easy to rent a home or room for short periods of time. Cities’ traditional regulatory tools allow communities to address short-term rentals and their potential…
How quickly can stormwater utilities be rescued from their
financial straitjacket so they can start helping resolve the
state’s chronic water supply problems?
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act establishes a new
structure for managing California’s groundwater and gives new
authority to local agencies.
Just as the Internet and smartphones changed the world, the advent of connected and autonomous vehicles will have a profound impact on our lives and our cities.
Hackers generally hit the easiest targets first. Such an attack may be financially based rather than an attempt to cause mayhem in your city. Risk can be mitigated in many ways, but one of the…
Cities have regulated taxis for decades for legitimate reasons
related to local public safety and consumer protection. Now ride
sharing services present a new set of challenges.
Residents, entrepreneurs and nonprofit representatives in Merced
share ideas on how business and community leaders can partner to
help grow, strengthen and diversify the local economy.
Travelers spent $117 billion in California in 2014, and tourism
provided jobs for more than 1 million Californians. Many regional
destinations are leveraging their unique qualities and…
An International City/County Management Association report, Maximize the Potential of Your Public Library: A Report on the Innovative Ways Public Libraries Are Addressing Community Priorities,…
Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation in September 2014
bringing a successful property tax postponement program back to
communities throughout California. Assembly Bill (AB) 2231
(Chapter 703,…
Ten of the 2014 freshman state legislators are alumni of the
League’s California Civic Leadership Institute® (CCLI) or have
participated in aspects of it. This is the largest class of
CCLI…
The City of Perris won the Award for Excellence in the Health and
Wellness Programs category of the 2014 Helen Putnam Award for
Excellence program. To learn more about the award program,
visit www.helenputnam.org.
The recent advent of extraordinary technological advances has
made it possible to provide easy access to city information and
data. It has also presented an unprecedented opportunity to
improve…
Using laptop computers, tablets and smartphones is part of everyday work and home life. Technology connects us to information and each other. But it can take a toll in the form of eyestrain, back and neck pain, headaches and other — sometimes unexpected — ways.
Teaching something as complex as city management presents a challenge. It’s not only public finance and organizational behavior, it’s also a delicate balance of practical skills, political savvy, on-the-job experience and service. Many top-tier institutions in California are geared to instill the basics, but debate continues about how and what to teach aspiring city managers. Should we acknowledge that not every student will eventually step into the role of city manager? What is the best way to identify potential and nurture it? Can good city management be taught?
City leaders often must inspire people to accept and even support
changes in their lives that they might otherwise oppose, and
storytelling can play a key role.
The city converted public housing to privately owned affordable housing and created a new neighborhood. The five-year planning process involved all key stakeholders, including existing residents,…
All 18 metropolitan planning organizations in California will
have adopted their first Regional Transportation Plans under SB
375 by May 2015. This article looks at what SB 375 has
accomplished…
New legislation returned to California cities and counties the
authority to adopt ordinances regarding the massage therapy
industry through a combination of land-use and business
regulations.
California’s local streets and roads network is currently funded
through a variety of sources including the state gas tax, federal
transportation funds, local tax and bond measures, and…
The $45 million project, completed five months ahead of schedule
and on budget, was funded by a General Airport Revenue Bond and
passenger facility charges.
An oil boom in North Dakota and Canada from the Bakken shale
formation and a lack of pipeline infrastructure have led to a
dramatic increase in oil-by-rail shipments nationwide. As the
volume…
In 10 years it is expected that, without greater investment, 25
percent of local streets and roads will be ranked “poor” —
compared with 6 percent today. The local system will have an…
City policies and practices can maintain records transparency,
simplify responding to disclosure requests and reduce costs even
before a records request is submitted.
Community-based organizations often provide leadership
development programs for residents or specific underrepresented
populations and offer an opportunity to invigorate civic
engagement.
A senior leadership meeting of city officials from throughout the
state used a dynamic, inclusive goalsetting process that built on
the success of prior years and charted some new directions…
League actions in 2014 included sponsoring and supporting
legislation on infrastructure, economic development and the
redevelopment dissolution process. Other efforts focused on
improving the…
This month Western City focuses on the issues
of ethics and public trust. The League and the Institute for
Local Government (ILG), the nonprofit research affiliate of the
League and the California State Association of Counties, offer a
variety of helpful resources about these topics for local elected
officials and city staff.
Taking information that local agencies already have and making it
open to the public reduces in-house costs and builds efficiencies
for both staff and constituents. In the past the public…
In dealing with public encampments and vehicle habitation, city
officials must be sensitive to the constitutional rights of the
affected individuals, who are often homeless, and the many…
A critical part of good governance involves officials and staff
knowing and understanding the duties and responsibilities of
their agency — and their position within the agency — as well…
With three major municipal bankruptcies in California cities in
recent years, it is clear that the risks of overcommitting a city
to long-term liabilities are not just theoretical — they are…
The clerk’s role is to ensure proper process and open,
transparent government. As professional managers, clerks are
uniquely qualified to do just that.
California’s economy is improving, and local revenues are picking
up. But fiscal challenges remain, especially in the area of
escalating costs. More cities are heading into financial
peril….
Organized as a joint powers authority, CalTRUST offers
short-term, medium-term and money market accounts. These accounts
provide easy, safe and reliable options for public agencies.
California is vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, wildfires,
tsunamis, hazardous materials spills, acts of terrorism and many
other natural and human-caused disasters. For this reason state
law…
The briefing covers the culmination of the two-year 2013-14
legislative session and highlights key bills signed by Gov. Jerry
Brown in each of the League’s primary lobbying areas. The
League’s…
Few city officials or residents favor the idea of repealing an
ordinance intended to protect children from sexual predators, but
many cities with such ordinances are being forced to do just that
as…
The Goleta Prepare Now/Goleta Prepárese Hoy program provides
education and training to community members so they can assist
their families and neighborhoods during a disaster.
How does one sensitize the public agency’s workforce to the
special obligations of being a public agency staff member?
Strategies include discussing practical examples from the media
to help…
Launched in 2014, the awards highlight cities and counties using
innovative projects to achieve safety, preservation and
sustainability goals for the local street and road systems.
An online questionnaire gives communities an opportunity to gain
insights about candidates’ views on local control and other
issues of importance to cities statewide.
This article presents the current legal constraints and
considerations related to local regulation of sober living homes
and residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, which
is limited…
The Beacon Award program, a catalyst for innovative and effective solutions, addresses climate change at the local level and informs the community about these activities.
The law that established California’s landmark waste hierarchy of
“reduce, reuse and recycle” led to collaborative efforts and the
concept of product stewardship.
Local control, or home rule, provides the foundation for city
governance. This article examines the state’s history and the
Legislature’s tradition of meddling in local affairs.
San Rafael has focused on sustainable land use by preserving open
space, encouraging mixed-use infill development and adopting
green building requirements. Now its community is actively
reducing…
The 311 Customer Service Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year to provide access to City and County of San Francisco
government information and services. The goal is to assist
callers…
Local governments use a wide variety of technology options in their efforts to connect with their communities. While some technology may be costly, many options are reasonably priced and the range…
Local governments can access free resources and borrow equipment,
including keypad polling devices and translation gear, to enhance
public meetings and engage the community.
The Legislature’s elimination of redevelopment agencies in 2012 stripped cities of several important tools to address blight in the community. Meanwhile, contamination or the threat of…
The issues related to refraining from participation in an agency
decision can be vexing. It may be tempting to abstain because of
concerns about making an unpopular decision or simply not
knowing…
Innovation requires risk-taking — not wild gambles, but
calculated risks. Unless council members and top management
create an environment that encourages “smart” risks, there will
be little…
The first publicly funded, universal children’s college savings account program in the United States has a simple yet ambitious goal: Make sure every child in San Francisco can save for…
The municipal budget process typically begins in the spring. City
officials and staff can find a wide range of free materials
online to assist in budget creation, financial management and
more.
Wireless industry lobbyists continue to advocate before Congress,
state legislators and the Federal Communications Commission that
local zoning requirements are a barrier that must be cleared
away….
The Fun on the Run Mobile Recreation program visits four
low-income neighborhood areas weekly to keep children engaged and
active after school with physical activities, games, crafts and
nutrition…
The issue of when to refrain from participating in an agency
decision can be vexing. This is an area where the law provides
some but not all of the answers.
Throughout California, city and county officials make planning,
policy and land-use decisions on a weekly basis. Local officials
understand that such decisions affect their community’s…
In 2008 the massage industry helped craft SB 731, which established a voluntary certification process for massage professionals through the California Massage Therapy Council. The bill’s intent…
What impact does the public’s distrust of government officials
have on how people perceive leadership? Why do some unpopular
leaders later achieve prominence while other more popular
leaders…
The California Arts Council’s new Creative California Communities
(CCC) Program supports innovative projects that harness arts and
culture as a key economic development or arts service strategy…
The City of Ontario partnered with Mercy House Living Centers to
create a full-service continuum of care that would provide the
social and capital infrastructure necessary to transition all…
For the ninth time in the past 10 years, the League has
identified infrastructure investment as one of its top
priorities. You don’t have to look far to understand why.
CCLI is one of several programs that address the League’s key
strategic priority to “build effective partnerships to help
respond to growing community needs.” Each year, 20 to 30 local…
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is the primary
state law that requires public agencies and their decision-makers
to understand and evaluate the environmental consequences of
their…
Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Legacy Park, which was
designed to showcase six regionally significant habitats,
including the coastal prairie, woodlands, coastal bluffs,
riparian…
Romantic relationships in the public agency workplace raise a
number of ethical issues and carry significant risks. This
article explores the problems such relationships can create for
the agency…
Approximately 2.5 million “lawful permanent residents” living in
California are eligible to become U.S. citizens. Local officials
can leverage their leadership to encourage naturalization…
In 2013 the League focused on sponsoring and supporting
legislation to help develop new community and economic
development tools and funding options for city services. On other
fronts, it was…
When the leadership of the League gathered in November for the
annual goal-setting meeting, League staff was pleased to report
that the organization had concluded a largely successful 2013…
California is currently home to 1.8 million veterans, and an
additional 40,000 veterans are expected to return to the state
every year for the next several years.
Like many cities throughout California, Montclair and Ontario are
faced with breaking the cycle of low adult educational
attainment, family poverty and workforce development hurdles. An
innovative…
Most residents want to know how decisions — particularly budget-related decisions — are made at the local level and how much a particular course of action is going to cost the city and its…
In the wake of the Bell scandal the League condemned the breach
of public trust and took steps to facilitate public access to
critically important city government information, such as the
salaries…
Over the past several years, California cities and counties have
faced the issue of whether to permit or ban medical marijuana
dispensaries. Many cities imposed bans or prohibited
dispensary…
California’s Fair Political Practices Commission recently
reorganized and — in some instances — relaxed the rules on when a
public official may accept free or discounted travel. The
changes…
California’s energy utilities and state agencies offer rebates, zero-interest loans, grants and other types of financing incentives to cities, residents and businesses.
The competency of both local officials and staff provides a basis
for establishing public trust and confidence. Elements of ethics,
public input and transparency also play a key role.
Artist and speaker Erik Wahl’s performance at the League’s recent annual conference inspired city officials to think creatively about the skills they may have that can be put to work in serving…
