Governance, Legislation, and Law

Overview

Governance, Legislation & Law

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Taking Proactive Steps to Avoid Scandal

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…

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Madeline Henry

Engaging Your Community in the Budgeting Process

Public involvement in city budgeting increases financial transparency and promotes greater trust.

Article Features Dan Carrigg

It’s Time to Restore Opportunities for City Incorporation: The Roots of American Democracy

Obstacles to city incorporation should be removed to give communities the same option for self-government that existing cities had.

Article Features Lynnette Kelly

Understanding Roles and Responsibilities When Issuing Municipal Bonds

Working with unregistered or unqualified financial professionals puts a city at risk.

Article President’s Message Rich Garbarino

How Diversity Makes the League Stronger

Diversity enriches California’s culture and economy and also plays a critically important role in the League.

Article Legal Notes Robert Saxe

Court Rejects Challenges to Mello-Roos District in San Ramon

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…

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Stopping the Runaway Pension Train

Increasing pension costs could push cities already in financial distress closer to the brink of bankruptcy.

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Celebrating Our Accomplishments — and Protecting Local Control

We have achieved important victories on behalf of cities this year on our strategic goals and in other areas.

Article Features Michael Martello

The Public Official and the FPPC: Forging a New Partnership

A partnership of the League and the FPPC can provide numerous resources to support community dialogue about transparency.

Article Features June Catalano

Crisis Management for Cities

An unexpected event requires careful, strong management and teamwork in the face of extreme pressure.

Article Features Dan Sperling

Will Driverless Vehicles Create a Better Future?

The coming revolutions in electric, shared and automated vehicles present many potential scenarios.

Article Features Shaye Diveley

CEQA: New Strategies for Streamlining Environmental Review

Several options have the potential to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with environmental review.

Article City Forum Cindy Mills

Help Keep Bigger Trucks Off Our Roadways

Proponents of bigger trucks are lobbying for longer, heavier double-trailers, which pose threats to public safety and infrastructure.

Article Legal Notes Hongdao Nguyen

What Cities Should Know About Public Records in Private Accounts

Local agency employees’ personal accounts and devices may be subject to the state’s Public Records Act.

Article Features Jennifer Cohen

Planning for Self-Driving Cars

Public officials need to act quickly to enact policies and plans.

Article Features Ryder Todd Smith

Protecting Your Professional Reputation Online

Public figures need to pay attention to more than just newspaper coverage.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Randi Kay Stephens

New Toolkit Helps Local Governments Engage Youth

City and school officials partner to support young residents.

Article President’s Message Joanne Mounce

Connecting Youth and Civic Leadership

Youth commissions foster civic engagement and citizenship skills.

Article City Forum

Transportation Funding Will Begin Flowing Soon

Cities should note key deadlines and prepare now.

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Maximizing Your Voice for City Priorities

Attend the League’s 2017 annual conference and advocate for your city during the final days of the legislative session.