September 30, 2020
The next CA Cities Advocate will be published Oct. 14 after the League Annual Conference & Expo.
League News

City officials are working around the clock to protect residents, maintain key services, and safely reopen their economies, while facing revenue shortfalls. On Sept. 28, League Executive Director Carolyn Coleman joined former and current mayors from across the nation and discussed how cities are navigating these challenges on the Urban Institute panel “State of the Cities 2020: Leading through a Pandemic.” Read more

On Sept. 24, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs took part in California Climate Action Day, as one of the featured speakers in a series of virtual conversations with world, state, city, tribal, and business leaders to discuss innovative solutions to climate challenges. Mayor Tubbs served as a panelist where he talked about climate justice and the correlation between racial inequities and climate impacts. Read more

Four of the League’s seven standing policy committees met virtually on Sept. 29 to discuss and recommend action on Propositions 16 and 19 and on one general resolution. The propositions are on the November statewide ballot and the resolution, requiring social media companies to remove materials which promote criminal activity, will be considered at the annual conference during the general assembly meeting. Read more
Executive Director's Message

In just one week, the League will host its first ever virtual Annual Conference & Expo, and I am excited to announce the keynote speaker for the closing general session - Soledad O’Brien, an award-winning journalist, documentarian, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Soledad will share her experiences with “Communicating in Times of Crisis,” something we’ve all become more familiar with in the last year. 

Your League team has reimagined all aspects of our annual conference to provide the best virtual experience for our members, and we’re excited as ever about this year’s incredible program. The deadline to join live is Friday, Oct. 2, so be sure to register by then! Read more

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the third round of funding for Homekey; the state launches a flu shot campaign; COVID-19 related legislation was signed by the Governor. Read more

It’s time to get ready for the 2020 Annual Conference & Expo! Preparing for a three-day virtual conference will be different from preparing for a face-to-face conference. You don’t need to book a hotel or airfare, but you can take many actions to help create a valuable and memorable experience. Check out this list of top 10 ideas to get the most out of the event. Read more
Opportunities for Cities
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making grants available under the Community Connect Grant program for FY 2021. The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. Electronic submissions must be received no later than Dec. 23. Read more
More News and Events

This year, one resolution has been submitted to the League’s General Resolutions Committee (GRC). The GRC consists of representatives from each division, department, policy committee, and individuals appointed by the League president. The GRC will meet virtually on Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. to consider the resolution. Following the GRC meeting, the resolution may proceed to the General Assembly for final consideration. The General Assembly will meet virtually on Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. Read more
 
Thursday, Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — Hear from experts in public finance, fiscal preparedness, and labor negotiations in this Institute for Local Government webinar as they explore the financial challenges California local governments face, share practical solutions, and steps public agencies can take to mitigate problems and create practical solutions during COVID-19. Presenters: Renne Public Law Group Founding Partner Jon Holtzman, Consultant and former City Manager Kurt Wilson, and Russ Branson Consulting Founder Russ Branson. Register now
 
Friday, Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — During this Institute for Local Government webinar, local government elections officials and experts from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) will share best practices from the field about elections and campaigning during COVID-19. Elected officials, clerks, and local agency staff from cities, counties, and special districts are encouraged to participate and share their questions and ideas for creating the new normal in the 2020 elections. Presenters: FPPC Education Program Manager Alana S. Jeydel, PhD, and Santa Clara Assistant City Clerk Nora Pimentel. Register now  
 
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5:30-7 p.m. — Join us for a free fun “virtual” CitiPAC Trivia Night event! Gather a few colleagues who are attending the League’s annual conference and contribute to an evening of friendly connections and trivia. The event will provide a fun informal way to interact and connect with conference attendees while supporting CitiPAC in its efforts to protect local control at the ballot box. Attendance is free and a suggested contribution of $25 will get you a CitiPAC martini glass and mixology package. Register now  
 
Take a deep dive into the annual conference sessions with articles written by session speakers: hear how libraries are responding in crisis and beyond, learn about recent major developments that affect your city’s finances, and discover how SB 450 can help cities address homelessness in this month’s Western City magazine. Find all this and more at www.westerncity.com
League in the News
California cities can’t swap pensions for 401(k) plans if they’re in CalPERS under new law, Sept. 29, The Sacramento Bee (also appeared in The Fresno Bee, Daily Republic, Merced Sun-Star, & The San Luis Obispo Tribune)
In 2018, the League of California Cities released a survey that warned pension costs were becoming “unsustainable” for many of its members.