Governance, Legislation, and Law

Overview

Governance, Legislation & Law

Article President’s Message Joanne Mounce

What You Need to Know About Legislative Advocacy and the League

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.

Article Features

Meet the League’s New Executive Director

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…

Article Features Dan Carrigg

2016 Legislative Year in Review

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.

Article City Forum Dan Carrigg

A Look at the League’s 2017 Strategic Priorities

The League is focusing on public safety, affordable housing, the homelessness crisis and funding for critical transportation and water infrastructure.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Melissa Kuehne

ILG Releases Updated Ethics Resources

To help local officials navigate complex state and federal laws, ILG recently updated two of its flagship ethics resources.

Article Features Michael Coleman

A Primer on California City Revenues, Part Two: Major City Revenues

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…

Article Legal Notes David Urban

Religion in the Public Sector Workplace

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.

Article Executive Director's Message Dan Carrigg

Proposition 54 Launches a New Era of Legislative Transparency

The measure won’t put the “gut and amend” game out of business, but it helps California voters, journalists and the democratic process.

Article City Forum Eva SpiegelAmanda Cadelago

Open & Public: Newly Revised Guide to the Brown Act Now Available

City officials, residents and journalists find this practical guide to be an invaluable resource.

Article President’s Message Joanne Mounce

How Effective Is Your Council?

After the election is over it can be hard to put aside the competitive mindset, move beyond politics and begin working as a cohesive team.

Article Features Michael Coleman

A Primer on California City Revenues, Part One: Revenue Basics

Though every city is different, some essential elements of city revenues are common to cities throughout California.

Article Features Randi Kay Stephens

Santa Rosa’s Violence Prevention Efforts Lead to Success

Multiple agencies and local organizations partnered to reduce violent crime.

Article Features

A Farewell Interview With Executive Director Chris McKenzie

McKenzie will retire this month.

Article Features Scott Schneider

Fort Bragg Makes Bees a Priority

Fort Bragg is California’s first Bee City USA®.

Article Legal Notes Rick JarvisChristina Crowl

Changes Ahead for CEQA Traffic Studies: How Your City Can Prepare Now

An upcoming amendment will significantly change how local public agencies are required to analyze development projects’ traffic impacts.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Some Final Thoughts About Leadership, Democracy and the League

During a ballot measure campaign, a critic said, “If you’re going to try to kill the king, you’d better succeed.”

Article Features Cory Golden

Homelessness in California

The League is taking unprecedented steps in response to an alarming increase in the state’s homeless population.

Article Features

My Friend the Mayor: A Tale of Two Cities

Two lifelong friends who lead neighboring cities find working together doubles their impact.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Speaking the Truth to Ourselves About Homelessness

Cities have a responsibility to work with their county, state and federal partners to provide the services needed to address this issue.​

Article President’s Message L. Dennis Michael

Navigating the Ups and Downs of the Council-Manager Relationship

First and foremost, the relationship between the city council and the city manager is a partnership that serves the community.