Home Hero

Article Features by Jill Oviatt

Despite pandemic-related challenges, California cities pave the way to award-winning infrastructure projects

The city of Santa Rosa’s “Fulton Road Reconstruction” project repaired approximately 3,200 lineal feet of 4-lane principal arterial pavement and associated bike lanes.

Upgrading local streets and roads is critical to communities, and many projects were well underway when the pandemic hit in early 2020. Thanks to the innovation, dedication, and creativity of local officials, the projects were not only completed, but received statewide recognition through the 2021 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards.

Article Features by Lisa Yarbrough

Tiny homes in El Centro provide housing for former foster youth attending the local college

Exterior view of El Centro "tiny home."

El Centro was one of the first recipients of funding under Homekey, a statewide program designed to house those experiencing homelessness. Through a partnership between the city and a local college, the funding was leveraged to construct 26 tiny homes that will provide two years of permanent housing for college students who are former foster youths and are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Article Features by Jill Oviatt

A fiscal year for the books
Managing city budgets as a deadly pandemic ravages livelihoods and revenues

Steve Rogers, Yountville City Manager, Eric Figueroa, Martinez City Manager, and Kim Summers, Murrieta City Manager

California cities have been on the front lines for nearly a year taking action to protect their residents and businesses and maintain the delivery of essential city services, despite unplanned expenses and revenue shortfalls brought about by the pandemic. Three California city managers reflect on the past year and how on earth one manages a city budget with so much uncertainty, and so little support from the state and federal governments.

Article Local Works by Adam M. Lara

Long Beach Launches Office of Equity to Engage, Educate, and Serve

Long Beach established its Office of Equity in January 2017 to address and improve equity, community health, and safety for those most underserved in its communities.

Article Local Works by Heather Cousin

Libraries Respond in Crisis and Beyond

Library staff throughout California put on masks and gloves and transformed their work with new processes and procedures and with safety and community service as their top priorities.

Article Features by Jennifer Whiting

Register Now for the Reimagined 2020 Annual Conference & Expo, Oct. 7—9

This year’s virtual event offers numerous advantages for attendees and cities.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Camp Achieve Provides Summer Fun and Learning for Richmond’s Youth

This summer camp program delivers a diverse array of learning enrichment activities including robotics, chess, the arts, and physical fitness.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Greening the Concrete Jungle: Daly City Partners With Residents

Project Green Space is a robust urban forestry and green infrastructure program convened by the city and driven by residents. The program empowers community members to actively reshape the future of their neighborhoods by adopting new trees and planting and maintaining rain gardens.

Article Local Works by Jill Oviatt

Cities Use Technology to Keep Constituents Informed and Engaged During Pandemic

City leaders worked hard to ensure that local government remained accessible and residents were able to participate in council meetings and obtain essential services.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Dublin Provides Affordable Housing for Veterans

An innovative public-private-nonprofit partnership transformed a former car dealership site into housing for veterans, comprising 66 units that are 100 percent affordable.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Fontana Motivates Residents to Walk More and Improve Health

The city faced alarming rates of obesity in its community and launched an innovative effort to improve fitness among residents of all ages. The program exceeded its goals, and its popularity continues to increase.

Article Legal Notes by Stephen A. McEwen

Code Enforcement by Drone: Critical Considerations Before Launching

Because not all potential code violations can be investigated from the public right of way, code enforcement investigations may require access to enclosed or shielded areas of private property. In these settings, code enforcement staff may be strongly tempted to rely on emerging drone technology.

Article Features by Dan Carrigg

2019 Legislative Year in Review

When the 2019 legislative session began, Democrats had gained historic supermajorities in the Legislature. Yet progress for the progressive Democratic agenda was muted. And in the face of multiple attacks on local zoning authority and other challenges, the League and cities emerged surprisingly well.

Article Features by Michael McLaughlin

Connecting the Dots on Emergency Preparedness, Recovery and Resilience

The challenges associated with disasters include tech-related issues, risk management and the need to create incentives for updating and retrofitting homes to improve wildfire and earthquake resilience.

Article Features by Katie Pebler

Highlights of the 2019 Annual Conference & Expo

Don’t miss the premier educational event for city officials and staff.

Article Features by Katie Pebler

2019 Annual Conference & Expo Preview
Maximize Your Annual Conference Experience: 10 Ways to Prep Like a Pro

These tips help you get the most out of your time at the conference.

Article Features by Nina Alcaraz

Supporting Our Future: Early Childhood Policies in General Plans

Investing in early childhood helps create safe and healthy communities. Learn how one city customized its Health and Wellness Element to meet its residents’ unique needs.

Article Features

Exceptional Efforts: Local Streets and Roads Awards Recognize Innovation

The awards program honors counties and cities throughout California for creative and cost-effective projects that improve local streets, roads and bridges. It also showcases projects that promote fiscal and environmental sustainability in the local transportation system.

Article Features by Scott Summerfield

Communicating During a Cyberattack: The Next Crisis Frontier for Cities

Local agencies are a favorite target for cyberattacks. Plan now for what can happen if a cyberattacker seizes control of your city’s data and systems.

Article Features by Dan Carrigg

City Economic Development in 2019: Resources, Options and Prospects

Resources are available  for those with  the determination to understand and use the new tools and funding options.