Public Trust and Ethics

Overview

Public Trust and Ethics

Article Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Inspiring city leaders prepare to meet challenges head on

While our local leaders have lofty aspirations for an equitable recovery, they also recognize that our hopes and dreams cannot be accomplished without a strong local-state-federal partnership. 2021 will be a year when we will need to fight for our cities more than ever before. Working side by side with the inspiring local officials leading our communities, the League of California Cities remains committed to helping cities meet these challenges head on in 2021. 

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 Legal Notes by Thomas D. Jex and Denise S. Bazzano

A Refresher on General Conflict-of-Interest Rules

This article provides newly elected officials an overview of some of the key conflict-of-interest rules under the Political Reform Act — and a refresher for more seasoned council members.

Article Features by Erica L. Manuel

Civility as a Tonic for What Ails Local Democracy

Americans’ confidence in government is at an all-time low. Leaders in every level of government will need to do their part to address this trend, but local governments in particular can play a unique and important role to help stem eroding confidence in democratic institutions and principles.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Alisal Vibrancy Plan Addresses Equity Issues in Salinas

This plan is the result of advocacy and a collaborative process with city staff, community-based organizations, and residents that increased public engagement, public dialogue, and trust and brought new leadership into planning processes.

Article Features by Rich Garbarino

South San Francisco Develops Equity Solutions Tailored to the Community

As elected officials, we have the responsibility to work toward the goals of equality and justice for all in the services we provide to our diverse residents. It’s imperative that we commit to addressing systemic racial bias wherever and whenever we encounter it and provide greater access, transparency, and oversight to build strong trust within our communities.

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 Features by Rita Soler Ossolinski

Advancing Racial Equity in Local Government

The National League of Cities created the Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) initiative to strengthen local leaders’ knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities. REAL offers tools and resources designed to help local elected leaders create cities where people from all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds thrive.

Article Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Bold Approaches and New Ideas to Solve Old Problems

We are committed to supporting city leaders to secure the resources necessary to create an environment where all residents are protected and treated equitably by the institutions created to serve them.

Article Features by Ken Pulskamp

Leadership in a Time of Uncertainty, Fear, and Recovery

In many ways, 2020 has been incredibly difficult for California’s public servants. Learn from city managers and a mayor on the front lines.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government by Erica Manuel

Coronavirus Lockdowns Spark a Boom in Online Learning

Don’t miss ILG’s upcoming sessions on virtual community engagement, SB 1383 organic waste requirements, essential ethics training, and more.

Article President’s Message by John F. Dunbar

An Unconventional Year

In circumstances as transformative as a global pandemic and a groundswell of civil unrest, effective leadership requires the ability to adapt.

Article Features by Jonathan Holtzman

Using Big Data to Reduce Catastrophic Impacts of Wildfire
How Local Government Can Help Shape Solutions

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District and tech partners developed innovative software to help meet residents’ and first responders’ critical needs.

Article Features

Tips on Temporary Use of Public Property for Private Business

What cities should know about accommodating businesses in public spaces.

Article Local Works by Rose Kevranian

Virtual Camps and Librarians Printing Face Shields: Not a Typical Summer for City Services

City libraries and parks and recreation departments have transformed their operations to serve and support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Article Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

A New Day: How the League Has Adapted to COVID-19

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the League remains a strong organization that continues providing the resources cities need to make informed decisions for their communities

Article Features by Stephanie Hunting and Liz Moody

From Vision to Reality: Lessons Learned in Complete Street Implementation

These projects can be challenging, but they improve traffic and support healthy lifestyles.

Article Features by Curtis Wright

Code Enforcement During a Pandemic: Lessons Learned

Many cities have employed code enforcement staff in unique ways to protect the public and advance pandemic protocols.

Article Local Works by Amanda Cadelago

Cities Harness Creativity as They Develop Safe Reopening Plans

­While different regions and industry sectors opened at various times, the desire to safely reopen businesses and give residents opportunities to carefully move about their communities was a common theme guiding city leaders’ decisions.

Article President’s Message by John F. Dunbar

What COVID-19 Is Teaching Us

As our communities move through the phases of recovery, cities are benefiting from new ways of doing the public’s business and also confronting the challenges associated with COVID-19’s impacts.