Municipal Finance

Overview

Municipal Finance

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government by Karalee Browne

Beacon Program Helps Cities Lead the Way to a More Sustainable State

The program helps local agencies reach aggressive state climate goals.

Article Features

Local Streets and Roads Awards Showcase Innovation

Cities and counties are using new technology to improve system efficiency and safety for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. These projects also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus helping to meet statewide goals designed to address climate change. And a safe, well-maintained and environmentally friendly local transportation system saves money over the long term for cities, counties and taxpayers.

Article Legal Notes

U.S. Supreme Court Revisits Sales and Use Taxes in the E-Commerce Age

The case involves a challenge to South Dakota’s “remote seller compliance law” that imposes sales and use tax collection duties on retailers without a physical presence in the jurisdiction. If the court upholds the state’s scheme, the case could establish sweeping changes to how sales and use taxes are collected in the e-commerce age.

Sanjeri
Article Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Transportation Funding, Transparency and Accountability

The League offers a variety of new tools and resources to support cities’ transparency efforts.

Article Features by Dan Carrigg

Redevelopment’s Elimination: Remembering the Local Experience

As new tools emerge, expect local officials to exercise caution.

Article Features by Dan Carrigg

Reassembling Redevelopment

The new tax-increment tools lack the concentrated financial impact provided by the former redevelopment tool. Left unaddressed, this financing gap presents significant challenges for the future use of these tools.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government by Steve Sanders

State Climate Investments Boost Local Communities

State programs aimed at solving climate change can also help cities tackle many of their other community priorities. The cap-and-trade program generates substantial revenue that the state invests to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve other community co-benefits.

Article President’s Message by Rich Garbarino

Pushing Back on Infrastructure Issues: Key to Our Local and State Economies

The League has focused on transportation infrastructure needs for over a decade, and this remains a priority for California cities in 2018.

Article Features Dan Carrigg

How SB 89 Harmed City Annexations — and Why Fixing It Makes Sense

Fixing annexations would restore previous incentives that support state policies advocating for compact growth and the related benefits of consolidating services for an increasing population.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Los Amigos Park Grants Residents’ Wishes in Rancho Cucamonga

The community and city collaborated to build a much-needed park.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

San Leandro Homeless Compact Takes a New Approach

This partnership provides long-term housing and services to chronically homeless individuals.

Article Features Gary Lee Moore

Los Angeles Launches a $1.4 Billion Sidewalk Repair Program

The nation’s largest sidewalk repair effort gets underway.

Article Legal Notes Barbara Kautz

New Housing Laws Change How Cities Process Housing Applications

California’s new housing laws create additional requirements and new compliance rules for cities.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Farmersville’s Innovative Dual Roundabouts Welcome Visitors

The project’s safety and traffic improvements helped secure over $3.8 million in grant funds.

Article Features Jason Rhine

2017 Legislative Session Makes Many Changes to California Housing Law

Fifteen bills made it into the “Housing Package” that Gov. Jerry Brown signed, which includes the League’s “Blueprint for More Housing” legislation.

Article Legal Notes Clare M. Gibson

Prevailing Wage Compliance: What Cities Should Do to Avoid Penalties Under SB 96

Prevailing wage laws have changed again. Because prevailing wage requirements apply to all public works contracts over $1,000, these new requirements will apply to the vast majority of municipal…

Article City Forum Norman Coppinger

Maintaining Best Practices in the Cooperative Purchasing Market

The advantages of cooperative purchasing programs include significant savings and a streamlined procurement process.

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 Tom Bernard

What Cities Need to Know About GASB 77: New Financial Disclosure Requirements

A proactive approach will help pave the way for cities to comply with GASB 77.