Issue highlights:
Read below for more news and events.
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The proposed $26 billion settlement arises out of thousands of lawsuits filed by state and local governments throughout the nation — including 79 cities and counties in California — to recover monetary damages to abate the opioid public health crisis. In order to bring the maximum amount of money (more than $2 billion) into California, the settlement requires local governments — whether they have filed a lawsuit or not — to sign onto the agreement. Read more
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Over the past year, the city installed 10 artworks in public places, including three at the Downey Theatre Plaza and six in downtown Downey. The placement was intentional: The city sought to create synergy between the two areas and promote walkability in the downtown area. It also builds upon the city’s Downtown Specific Plan and creates a new concentration of art in the downtown corridor that will attract visitors and augment art programs. Read more
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Signed into law last Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom, transportation funding legislation SB 640 (Becker) creates a more equitable, competitive SB 1 application process by allowing two or more eligible cities, or one or more cities and a county, to combine resources on projects that affect multiple jurisdictions. Until recently, smaller cities and counties were effectively shut out of the application process, as they were unable to provide the required matching funds. The bill also consolidates reporting requirements into a single report. Read more
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Message from the Executive Director
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What a wonderful experience it was to see our League of California Cities board members in person in San Diego last week at our first in-person board meeting in nearly 18 months. I would like to acknowledge the warm welcome we received from our host city mayor and fellow board member Mayor Todd Gloria to his beautiful city. It felt great to be back together again, in 3D, standing side by side, as we worked to advance our cities’ interests. Read more
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Cal Cities’ strong support of SB 156 paid off, with Governor Newsom signing the historic broadband legislation on Tuesday. The bill prioritizes equitable digital access to underserved and unserved communities. Additionally, Cal Cities submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Treasury about its Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Interim Final Rule. The Treasury Department also made several updates to the Interim Final Rule, which are available on its website. Read more
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Thursday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. — Join Cal Cities’ lobbyists for a briefing on major bills cities should consider advocating for or against once the Legislature returns from its summer recess on Aug. 16. Presenters: Cal Cities Deputy Executive Director, Advocacy and Public Affairs Melanie Perron; Assistant Legislative Director Jason Rhine; Legislative Representatives Derek Dolfie, Nick Romo, Elisa Arciadiacono, and Damon Conklin; and Policy Analysts Johnnie Pina, and Caroline Cirrincione. Register now
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Thursday, July 29, 10:00 a.m. — As the state continues to recover and rebuild from the pandemic, how can we ensure that local economies are not left behind? Join the League of California Cities for a special presentation by Lenny Mendonca, former Chief Economic and Business Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom, about California's post-pandemic economic outlook and how state and federal governments can help drive local economic recovery. Additionally, learn about best practices for how city leaders can be the “helpers” in their communities while also keeping their mental health and self-care top of mind. Register now
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The League of California Cities and the County Engineers Association of California (CEAC) is seeking session proposals and speakers for the next Public Works Officers Institute, a three-day event scheduled for March 23-25, 2022 in Monterey. Proposals are an opportunity for individuals to share best practices and innovative approaches, as well as research and information with public works directors from cities and counties throughout California. Session proposals must be submitted online by July 29. Read more
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Friday, August, 13, 10:30 a.m. — Are you new to municipal law? Did you recently transfer into an advisory position? Have you not yet had the pleasure of responding to a Public Records Act request, or feel that you have not yet mastered the art of preparing a response? If any of the above describes you or someone you supervise, this Essential Hour presentation is designed for you! Join us for a presentation during which we will discuss Public Records Act basics, offer tips and suggestions, and provide samples and takeaways. Register now
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It’s hard not to get immersed in the surreal experience of northern California’s latest attraction: Eureka’s Redwood Sky Walk. Incredibly, the city didn’t invest a dime in the $4 million project. While redwood education and conservation are at the heart of the initiative, the potential economic benefits for the area were a huge factor behind community support and funding. Read more
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On Friday, Cal Cities submitted a comment letter about the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Interim Final Rule. Cal Cities argued that to recover from the pandemic, cities need increased flexibility, clarity, and direction. Moreover, the pandemic-related budget cuts and expenditures will likely persist throughout the relief program’s lifespan. The letter highlighted nearly 30 areas that need additional flexibility or clarification. Read more
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Thursday, July 22, 10:00 a.m. — The Supreme Court's First Amendment docket didn't disappoint in 2020-21. The webinar will highlight general trends in the Court's First Amendment jurisprudence and the religious liberty cases related to COVID-19 restrictions that the Court decided on its "shadow docket." Presenters: Earthjustice Director of Strategic Legal Advocacy Kirti Datla, and State and Local Legal Center Executive Director Lisa Soronen. Register now
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Public agencies have an opportunity to strengthen democracy and increase public participation by connecting with their youngest community members. To support local governments in engaging youth in workforce development and civic programs, the Institute for Local Government is building an online toolkit of resources, strategies, and best practices. Elected officials and staff can inform the toolkit by participating in this online survey. Please respond by Wednesday, July 28. Take the survey
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Thursday, July 29, 3:00 p.m. — After more than a year of shelter in place orders, California has begun the process of fully re-opening workplaces. In this Leading Local webinar, we’ll explore the anxiety that local leaders and staff may be feeling about the evolving COVID re-opening guidance and discuss strategies to balance self-care considerations with shifting state and federal requirements. Presenters: Dr. Miguel Gallardo, Professor of Psychology and Program Director of Aliento, Pepperdine University; Michael Youril, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore. Register now
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The Institute for Local Government Beacon Program provides recognition and support for California local agencies that are working to build more vibrant, climate-conscious, and sustainable communities. Participating communities can apply for awards focusing on progress toward saving energy, reducing GHG emissions, and implementing and adopting sustainability best practices. The application period ends July 31. Apply now
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Cal Cities works continuously to amplify the voices of cities throughout the state to enhance the quality of life for all Californians. The new Cal Cities logo reflects the diverse elements that make up the mosaic of California cities, that bind together as a unified block while advocating for the common interests of all municipalities so that they may govern locally and create thriving communities. Read more
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July 22
July 27
July 28
July 28
July 28
July 29
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Aug. 3
Aug. 11
Aug. 13
Sept. 22-24
Sept. 22-24 (during the Annual Conference and Expo)
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