Executive Director's Message

Overview

Executive Director’s Message

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

This month, let’s remember Cal Cities’ first woman president, who went ‘full speed ahead’

Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman honors the legacy of Helen Putnam, Cal Cities’ first woman president. Her motto, “full speed ahead,” still inspires leaders today, writes Coleman, as she muses on the rising number of women in local and state government in celebration of Women’s History Month.

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

This year could bring changes to the state and federal budgets — but Cal Cities is steadfast in its goal to protect cities

“Cities solve problems and get things done, but we can’t do that effectively alone,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman. “Cities need the resources to deliver. So, as we ring in the New Year, let’s remain united and speak with one voice in Washington and Sacramento about what cities need.” 

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

After the election comes the hard part

“At the local level, candidates regularly find themselves running against another community member,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman. “This familiarity may make it even more challenging to put aside the campaign mindset after the election is over and focus on uniting as a community.”

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

If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu

“The legislative process produces better outcomes for cities when lawmakers are informed and educated by the united voices of city officials,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman. “If we don’t show up — early and often­ — bills we oppose that hurt cities could become law, and bills we support could die.”

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

Our unity and ground-up advocacy make Cal Cities uniquely powerful

“The power of our grassroots activities through the regional divisions statewide not only makes Cal Cities unique among advocacy organizations,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman. “It is integral to our effectiveness on behalf of cities.”

A group of mostly white men, and a few women, standing together for a photo in 1911.
Article Executive Director's Message By League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman

Cal Cities at 125: The issues change, our mission has not

Over 100 years ago, city leaders from throughout the state came together as the League of California Cities because they wanted to make a difference. “They sound much like the city officials I’m privileged to serve alongside today,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman.

City leaders participating in a panel on combating hate crimes and hate speech at the League of California Cities 2023 Annual Conference and Expo.
Article Executive Director's Message By League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman

Local officials are pushing back against hate speech and bigotry

While federal lawmakers grappled with the challenges of electing a new House speaker, council members and mayors — regardless of their political affiliation — were tirelessly moving forward to serve the public. Yet, an emerging challenge is making this crucial work much tougher.

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 Executive Director's Message By League of California Cities Executive Director

Cities can be powerful leaders for climate action

Reducing emissions from heavy trucks and other large vehicles is key to California’s efforts to slow the impacts of climate change and improve the quality of the air we all breathe. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions — particularly through the transition to zero-emission vehicles — does not come without significant challenges.

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

Federal clawbacks will further shift the burden to local governments

If our experience in California is any guide, the federal government may be losing sight of one of the key lessons learned from the pandemic as it responds to the latest national economic challenges: People, and the communities that nurture people, must come first.

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

On housing, let’s get beyond the rhetoric of blame

Seven in ten Californians view housing affordability as one of the top problems in their community. City officials understand this and are working hard to find solutions that ensure families of all income levels can afford to live in their communities.

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

Strong city leadership is all about collaboration and partnership

Local officials understand the importance of shifting past divisive campaign rhetoric and focusing on how to effectively, collaboratively, and collegially carry out the duties that voters expect them to fulfill. Just as there is strength in collaboration at the local level, there’s strength in collaboration at Cal Cities.