February 9, 2022
Take Action

On Jan. 4, 2022, the California Business Roundtable filed the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act or AG# 21-0042A1. This measure is far more detrimental to cities than a similar measure filed in 2018 as it would decimate vital local and state services to the benefit of wealthy corporations. Cal Cities requests cities adopt a city resolution to demonstrate how harmful this measure would be to their community and the people of California. For more information about the ballot measure or how to obtain a sample city resolution, contact your regional public affairs manager. Please send resolutions to BallotMeasures@calcities.org.
Cal Cities News

The League of California Cities has released new local streets and roads revenue estimates. The update contains estimates for the current fiscal year and the upcoming budget year. Allocations for the current fiscal year are projected to climb 14.8% above last year. Read more

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a new COVID-19 sick leave bill, SB 114, into law. The bill was introduced in the Legislature last week and requires employers, including public agencies with more than 25 employees, to provide up to 80 hours of supplemental sick leave to recover from COVID-19. Read more

League of California Cities leadership met virtually with state policymakers this week to discuss the 2022 Action Agenda. During the meetings, Cal Cities Officers mapped out what cities need from the state to advance shared priorities, such as increasing the supply of affordable housing. Read more

The National League of Cities has launched an American Rescue Plan Act investment tracker, which offers a detailed look at innovative, evidence-based, well-targeted uses of ARPA funds. The state is administering two federally-funded utility assistance programs to help Californians experiencing job loss and other hardships. Additionally, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed new COVID-19 sick leave legislation into law. This bill does not include direct funding to employers to offset sick leave costs or costs for testing. However, there are several possible funding avenues to help agencies offset the costs. Read more
Education and Events

March 16-18 — Set in San Ramon, the Planning Commissioners Academy provides city officials with updates about recent legislative and regulatory changes, as well as an overview of the roles and responsibilities of a planning commissioner. This year's conference covers introductory and advanced California Environmental Quality Act procedures, tips on how to navigate SB 9 (Atkins, 2021) processes, an overview of planning commission roles and responsibilities, and updates on key housing legislation. Closing out this year's conference is organizational change consultant Berké Brown. Register today

March 23-25 — The Public Works Officers Institute, located in Monterey this year, is designed for public works professionals of all career levels, providing information and updates needed to effectively operate city and county public works departments. This year’s sessions cover a variety of topics, such as road safety, bridge programs, legislative updates, and leadership. Registration closes March 16. Register today

The League of California Cities is seeking unique, forward-looking topics for the 2022 Annual Conference and Expo, taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center, Sept. 7-9. These sessions will support city leaders by equipping them with the latest knowledge, resources, and tools to advance their communities and assist them in their daily roles and operations within their city. Submissions from individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations on any topic of interest to cities are welcome. Read more
Opportunities for Cities

The California Coastal Commission announced the opening of new, noncompetitive grants to help cities plan for sea level rise and climate change. The funding is separate from the agency's competitive grant program and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Only cities responsible for developing and amending local coastal plans under the California Coastal Act are eligible to apply. For more information, including questions about eligible projects, contact Grant Program Coordinator Kelsey Ducklow. Proposals may be submitted at any time. Read more

The California Statewide Communities Development Authority recently announced the issuance of $55,221,000 in tax-exempt affordable housing bonds to construct affordable housing in Santa Monica and Riverside. The joint powers authority also issued $111,915,000 in tax-exempt Essential Housing Revenue Bonds to acquire Crescent Apartments in West Hollywood, which will be converted into workforce housing. Read more

As we highlight many projects made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act this month, it is important to consider that which has incalculable value: public service. 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. Read more

A new law went into effect at the beginning of this year that creates new liabilities for public agencies when reporting compensation, shifting exposure for reporting mistakes from retirees almost exclusively to the employer. Read more
More News and Events

Thursday, Feb. 17, 1:30 p.m. — Cities for Workforce Health helps cities develop and foster employee wellness programs. In this webinar, presenters will share the social drivers of health and their impact on employees. Attendees will also learn how cities can help address social drivers affecting their employees and make a positive impact on their health, job performance, and overall wellness. Register today

Friday, March 18, 9:00 a.m. — This year’s virtual Municipal Law Institute Symposium will provide an in-depth exploration of issues facing municipal lawyers in 2022, including the national opioid settlement, water rights, remote work, wildfire impacts, and new developments in labor and employment relations. Registration is $50 for public agency employees; general registration is $100. For questions, please contact Jen Louie. Register today

The City Clerks Association of California is accepting nominations for two prestigious, statewide awards: the Pat Hammers Spirit Award and Municipal Clerk of the Year. The Pat Hammers Spirit Award recognizes a nominee’s attitude, commitment, and overall presence in the municipal clerk community. The Municipal Clerk of the Year recognizes the nominee’s abilities, skills, and accomplishments to their organization, community, and profession. Read more

Each year, the League of California Cities honors the outstanding work of member cities through the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program. The awards, sponsored by Cal Cities League Partners, recognize the successes of cities, as demonstrated by beneficial innovations, resourceful efficiencies, improved public service, and overall enhanced public trust and support. Entries must be submitted online by April 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Read more
Cal Cities in the News
One to Watch, Feb. 3, Politico

Opponents are mobilizing against a proposed but not-yet-qualified ballot measure — spearheaded by the California Business Roundtable, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers and the California Business Properties Association — that would raise the bar for approving state and local taxes. An alliance of local government and labor organizations like the League of California Cities and SEIU California came out swinging, arguing the idea would undercut government financing. Read more
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