Public Trust and Ethics

Overview

Public Trust and Ethics

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.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

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.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government

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.

Article Features Jude Hudson

West Sacramento’s Path to a Safer, Healthier Community

A crime-ridden trail spurred unhappy residents into action and led to a collaborative effort involving a local nonprofit, the city, school district and multiple agencies.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Menlo Park Builds Relationships for Safer Neighborhoods

The city is the first in the nation to have a full-time police officer position funded by a private company.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Those Pesky Elephants in the Room

A number of “elephants” lurk in city halls statewide.

Article President’s Message Stephany Aguilar

The Role of Vision, Tenacity and Humility in Leadership

Dreamers see the possibilities that others are intimidated by or cannot envision, and they frequently are told they will undoubtedly fail.

Article

Celebrating 60 Years of Service to California’s Local Governments

This year the Institute for Local Government (ILG) celebrates its 60th anniversary. The occasion offers a chance to reflect on ILG’s history of promoting good government at the local level and look to its future in helping create opportunities and establish partnerships that support the work of local agencies throughout California.