League News

League First Vice President Randon Lane, Murrieta council member, announced last week that he will step down from his city and League positions at the end of the month to accept a presidential appointment within the U.S. Department of Transportation.

This article about the housing crisis published on the National League of Cities’ CitiesSpeak blog, and was co-authored by Carolyn Coleman, executive director of the League of California Cities and Dan Gilmartin, executive director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League.
 
At first glance, the housing challenges in our two states couldn’t seem more different. California’s economy ranks as the world’s fifth largest and is home to several of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. Michigan, on the other hand, is often cited as the standard for rust belt decline. Its major cities and small towns are still recovering from the disruptions of the global economic shifts that led to deindustrialization and job loss.

Mark your calendars to welcome John Martin to the stage during the Opening General Session at the League of California Cities 2019 Annual Conference & Expo, scheduled for Oct. 16 – 18 in Long Beach.
Opportunities for Cities

The League’s co-sponsorship of the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) continues to be one of the most significant benefits for League members. CSCDA announced the issuance of $13,785,000 in tax-exempt bonds for Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging. 

The Bureau of Cannabis Control recently announced the availability of funding authorized by the California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018.
Conferences & Education

The League is soliciting session proposals and speakers for the 2020 Planning Commissioners Academy, which is scheduled for March 4-6, 2020 in Sacramento. Take this opportunity to share best practices, innovative approaches to current issues and timely topics that will benefit California’s city planning commissioners. 

Join the League’s legislative team on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 10 – 11:45 a.m. for a review of the top priority bills that cities will need to advocate for signature or veto by Gov. Gavin Newsom. 

Are you getting the results you want from your public engagement efforts? Enroll in the Institute for Local Government’s TIERS Public Engagement Learning Lab and learn a step-by-step framework to successfully plan and implement your next public engagement effort.
More News & Events

Each year the League board of directors invites city officials from California who are interested in running for the National League of Cities board of directors or second vice president to apply for endorsement by the League board of directors.

The League’s incoming president is soliciting applicants to serve on the League’s Coastal Cities Issues Group (CCG) 2020 Leadership Committee. Submit letters by Sept. 13.

Aug. 12 marks the Legislature’s return from summer recess, giving them until Sept. 13 to pass bills before session concludes for the year. Following the end of session, Gov. Gavin Newsom will have until Oct. 13 to either sign or veto legislation. The League has compiled a list of the top eleven bills that severely impact local control and calls on cities to take action on these measures. Cities are encouraged to send in position letters for each of these bills.