Special to Cal Cities

Article Special to Cal Cities By Ray Marquez

Opinion: When it comes to high-speed rail, let’s go full steam ahead

“Cities in the Inland Empire are battling severe traffic congestion and deteriorating air quality,” writes Chino Hills Council Member Ray Marquez. “But local governments, along with state and federal partners, are laying the tracks for innovative solutions for the region and beyond.”

Article Special to Cal Cities By Vanessa Luna

Opinion: Why cities should consider taking on an ACC AmeriCorps Member like me

“I couldn’t find anything that inspired me here in California, where I was rooted and wanted to stay,” writes Vanessa Luna, a former American Connection Corps AmeriCorps Member with the city of Santa Paula. “That all changed when ACC gave me an opportunity to serve right here in the town where I grew up.”

Article Special to Cal Cities By Rob Wilkins

2024 brings optimism and pessimism alike for affordable housing

Californians consistently cite affordable housing as one of their top concerns. Yet each year, the state falls further behind on its own housing production goals. In some respects, there is little reason to believe this will change any time soon. But there are also reasons to be optimistic.

An artificially generated image of a man speaking a podium.
Article Special to Cal Cities By Liz Campos

Opinion: We cannot let hate campaigns upend remote public meetings

Cities throughout California, including Ventura, are dealing with an uptick in hate speech during remote public meetings. But just knowing that vile, hateful comments can happen does not fully ready you for a well-organized hate campaign.

Group of professionals reviewing data
Article Solutions for Cities By Jasmine Nachtigall-Fournier

GovInvest’s Live Compensation Module paves the way for agile workforce strategies

Employers can no longer afford to be reactive when recruiting new employees. GovInvest’s new compensation module provides continuous insights in a digestible format that can keep your agency competitive and responsive.

Article Special to Cal Cities By Josh Fryday

Youth Jobs Corps is a win for young people and cities

As the former mayor of Novato, I know the importance of creating opportunities for underserved youth. Youth Jobs Corps proves state and local governments working together is a winning combination, with benefits for young people, cities, and communities across California.

Article Special to Cal Cities By Hung Wei

From Taipei to Cupertino: The journey to find and serve my hometown

Public trust is built in — and with — the community. It cannot be mandated. This article is a first-person account of how the connection between city and citizen develops. Cupertino Council Member Hung Wei reflects on her journey to become an elected official and what it means to be honorable. It serves as an excellent example for Western City magazine’s public trust and ethics issue.

Article Special to Cal Cities By Frank V. Zerunyan

The value of local public service

As we reflect on the many projects made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act this month, it is important to consider that which has incalculable value: public service. Put simply, local government is where the rubber meets the road and policy becomes action. This article by Frank V. Zerunyan, Mayor of Rolling Hills Estates and Professor at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, reflects on the unique, vital role that city officials play in keeping our democracy and communities healthy.