Leadership

Overview

Leadership

Article President’s Message By League of California Cities President Lynne B. Kennedy

My promise and goal as your new Cal Cities President: Engage, educate, and elevate

“As president, I will engage with you at the division and caucus level,” writes Lynne B. Kennedy, the new Cal Cities President. “I will educate myself by learning with you and from you. And I will elevate Cal Cities — who we are, what we do, and what we have to say. This year, I am your champion!”

Article Features By Simran Kohli

Assembly Woman Quirk-Silva on her 20 years of public service

Assembly Woman Sharon Quirk-Silva sat down with Western City to talk about her long career in public service. According to the former Fullerton mayor, the jump from local office to statewide office was a big one. But, many of the lessons learned as mayor served her well in her new role.   

Article President’s Message By Kayla Sherwood

‘Don’t forget who you are,’ says outgoing Cal Cities President Daniel Parra

“You’re going to talk to consultants and experts who will try to make you something you’re not,” says Cal Cities President Daniel Parra. ”Be true to yourself. Don’t change your tune based on who you are talking to.” 

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 Features By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

Hate campaigns are creating a ‘real legitimacy crisis’ says former Berkeley Council Member Rigel Robinson

At 27, Rigel Robinson’s political future was bright. His election to the Berkeley city council had broken barriers and his campaign for mayor won the endorsement of California Attorney General Rob Bonta. But earlier this year, he resigned, citing burnout and a long-running harassment campaign.

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 Local Works By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

Lessons in leadership: Six former mayors share advice for leading in challenging times

Many city leaders weathered the nonstop crises of the last few years by relying on the fundamental tenants of good governance. With nearly 90 years of experience between them, these six former mayors have invaluable advice for new council members or those who want to take their leadership to the next level. 

Article Features By Melanie Perron

Legislative year in review: What city leaders need to know about 2022

California’s massive state budget surplus dominated every legislative conversation this year and lawmakers competed fiercely to ensure their priorities were passed. Through it all, Cal Cities fought for the best interests of cities: Cal Cities tracked or engaged with 1,430 bills and protected cities’ interests in the courts, at the federal level, and in the regulatory arena.

Article News from the Institute for Local Government By Taylor Buck

Leadership strategies for cities experiencing workforce challenges

Labor shortages and high staff turnover have created challenges for both employers and employees. Taking cues from other sectors, city governments have found creative and proactive ways to address workforce gaps and create sustainable organizations.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence By Colette Curtis

Paradise’s long-term recovery plan centers community healing and public safety

Many looked at Paradise after the Camp Fire and saw a “clean slate” — a chance to rebuild completely anew. However, town leaders and the private owners of thousands of the now vacant parcels needed to come together before they could move forward.

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.

Article Local Works By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

Lessons in leadership from outgoing or former mayors and council members

Four outgoing and former elected officials from throughout the state shared the most important elements of leadership, their advice for newly electeds, and the local projects that they are most proud of.

Article News from the Institute for Local Government by Erica Manuel

Leadership and good governance in the time of COVID-19

Each year, ILG provides a wide range of trainings and resources for local government leaders to help them build and maintain a solid foundation of good governance. Understanding ethical conduct is critical for any local leader and core to a well-functioning government. ILG helps local officials comply with state-mandated ethics requirements and offers numerous training sessions each year.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Santa Clarita prepares for “silver tsunami” with Gold Star College Internship Program

Through Santa Clarita’s College Internship Program interns get a taste of work life after completing their degree and gain exposure to key aspects of local government. The city benefits because it develops the next generation of public sector employees and provides professional development opportunities for current employees. Santa Clarita’s succession planning strategy has proven to be a success and can serve as a model for other cities as they work to develop future city employees and leaders. 

Article Local Works by Jill Oviatt and Lisa Yarbrough

Lessons in Leadership: Outgoing mayors and city council members share advice on what it takes to be an effective leader

Through their many years of service in local government these outgoing mayors and council members have sage advice about how to be an effective city leader and wise words for new mayors and council members as they embark on their journey to lead their city forward.

Article President's Message by Cheryl Viegas Walker

Cal Cities strategic priorities set a course for 2021

In December 2020, city leaders who serve in leadership positions for the League of California Cities divisions, departments, policy committees, and diversity caucuses convened virtually for the annual League Leaders program, to chart the organization’s priorities for 2021. Developing member-driven and -informed strategic advocacy priorities is key to the effectiveness of Cal Cities’ advocacy efforts on behalf of cities.

Article Features by Melanie M. Perron

2020 Legislative year in review

Many have called this year “unprecedented,” but even that does not seem to capture the unequaled disruption that 2020 wrought upon us all, the California State Legislature included. The the normal legislative calendar was constricted and fierce debates took place over how to legislate during a pandemic. In the end, the number of bills sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature was a mere fraction of what the Legislature typically passes in a year.