Few technologies have overtaken cities as quickly as that of
dockless bicycles and scooters, and these devices have proved
difficult for cities to regulate.
One advantage of establishing relationships with newly elected
officials (and their staff) is that it often facilitates access
during their term that follows.
The Legislature remains focused on housing policy, with keen
interest in local government land-use authority and new state
involvement in helping to finance affordable housing and related
infrastructure.
Accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats, provide a
lower-cost option than traditional market-rate construction to
increase the housing supply in existing residential
neighborhoods.
State legislatures nationwide have become more aggressive in
wielding pre-emption to interfere with local democracy.
Pre-emption is also alive and well at the federal level.
Serving on the city council requires a basic understanding of
diverse city operations and issues such as land use and planning,
public safety, disaster response and more.
Ballot measure-related activities dominated much of the year for
the League. Other areas of focus included successfully advocating
for homelessness funding and defending local control on a number
of fronts.
Following the move from at-large to district-based elections,
Concord’s city officials and staff wanted to be proactive in
establishing governance norms. This article outlines key issues
related to the transition and how the city approached them.
Two-thirds of Americans surveyed in a 2018 poll had a favorable
opinion of their local government. The public will continue to
look favorably on local government and a functioning local
democracy if newly elected and re-elected mayors and council
members embrace the attributes of exceptional councils.
The next recession may be just around the corner, but the state
is much better positioned to weather it — and that bodes well for
local governments. Hot topics include sales tax and more.
