Public Trust and Ethics

Overview

Public Trust and Ethics

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Melissa Kuehne

Increasing the Effectiveness of Public Engagement Efforts

Online tools can bring more diverse voices to the local decision-making process.

Article City Forum Megan Macpherson

10 Changes Shaping Local Government Communications

Social media and other tools are impacting city strategies.

Article Features Sarah RubinMahvash Hassan

Immigrants, the Economy and Civic Engagement

Immigrants contribute significantly to California’s economy, both as employers and workers. The cities of Brawley, Oakley and Mountain View offer examples of how engaging immigrant communities…

Article President’s Message Joanne Mounce

How Volunteerism Enriches Communities

The small-town feeling of community that many of us experienced as youngsters has become more elusive. Volunteering gives us a sense of connectedness and offers multiple benefits.

Article Features

Mather Veterans Village: A Place to Call Home

A new community for formerly homeless veterans with disabilities comprises 50 apartments, with plans underway to expand the project, add more housing and provide permanent supportive services on-site.

Article Features Dane Hutchings

California Voting Rights Act Reform Spurs Collaboration

The League and stakeholders negotiated a reform package that balances increased civic outreach with cost mitigation for cities.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Melissa Kuehne

ILG Releases Updated Ethics Resources

To help local officials navigate complex state and federal laws, ILG recently updated two of its flagship ethics resources.

Article Executive Director's Message Dan Carrigg

Proposition 54 Launches a New Era of Legislative Transparency

The measure won’t put the “gut and amend” game out of business, but it helps California voters, journalists and the democratic process.

Article City Forum Eva SpiegelAmanda Cadelago

Open & Public: Newly Revised Guide to the Brown Act Now Available

City officials, residents and journalists find this practical guide to be an invaluable resource.

Article President’s Message Joanne Mounce

How Effective Is Your Council?

After the election is over it can be hard to put aside the competitive mindset, move beyond politics and begin working as a cohesive team.

San Diego Focuses on Accountability, Transparency

After years of fiscal challenges, the city implemented innovative programs to boost efficiency and accountability.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Some Final Thoughts About Leadership, Democracy and the League

During a ballot measure campaign, a critic said, “If you’re going to try to kill the king, you’d better succeed.”

Article Features Cory Golden

Homelessness in California

The League is taking unprecedented steps in response to an alarming increase in the state’s homeless population.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Speaking the Truth to Ourselves About Homelessness

Cities have a responsibility to work with their county, state and federal partners to provide the services needed to address this issue.​

Article President’s Message L. Dennis Michael

Navigating the Ups and Downs of the Council-Manager Relationship

First and foremost, the relationship between the city council and the city manager is a partnership that serves the community.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

The Rules of Our Trade

A 6-year-old boy’s rules for his Spy Club provide food for thought regarding public service.

Article President’s Message L. Dennis Michael

Transparency, Ethics and Doing the Right Thing

It takes only one scandal to give the public the impression that all local elected officials are not to be trusted, and public perception can be very slow to change. How can we build our…

Article Features Jodi Remke

Making Campaign Finance and Government More Transparent

The State of California houses a treasure trove of extremely valuable information; the problem is extracting and presenting it in a way that is meaningful and readily accessible. The Fair…

Article Features

On the Record
What’s the best advice you ever received about serving in public office?

City officials share the best advice they’ve received on serving in public office.

Public Engagement in Budgeting Leads to Greater Trust and Transparency

Engaging the community can inform the budgeting process and help residents understand the hard choices involved.