February 2, 2022
Cal Cities News

In a news release issued today, Cal Cities vocalized opposition to a proposed ballot initiative that benefits wealthy corporations while decimating vital local and state services. The California Attorney General is set to issue an official Title and Summary for the measure on Feb. 3. Read more

The Great Recession decimated the nation’s construction industry, including builders operating in Merced. From 2008 to 2016, only 200 homes were built in the city — nowhere near the production necessary to meet the needs of a growing population.
Today, after years of planning and policymaking, construction in Merced is booming. 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. Read more 

The federal government has released a guidebook to help cities take full advantage of the funding opportunities made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the White House is holding a related implementation webinar on Feb. 4 at 6:00 a.m. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $1.5 billion in grant funding to help communities carry out projects with significant local or regional impacts. Read more
Education and Events

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

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. Full session descriptions are now available. 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 and provides them with the information and updates needed to more effectively run 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
Opportunities for Cities

The California Department of Health Care Services and the California Department of Social Services are collaborating on two new programs that will address gaps in behavioral health and long-term care, including at the local level. $518.5 million in grant funding will go to the construction, acquisition, and expansion of mobile crisis infrastructure related to behavioral health. $570 million will go to the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of adult and senior care facilities, including those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The state will hold an informational webinar on both grants on Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Read more

Climate change is creating a year-round fire season, even for urban cities and suburbs. The Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program helps fire departments carry out vital services, such as community risk reduction, wildfire risk reduction, code enforcement and awareness, fire and arson investigation, and cross-agency projects. The program is designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards. $46 million in funding is available, which will be distributed among roughly 150 projects. Read more

The California Fire Foundation grant program helps address some of Southern California's toughest wildfire prevention and recovery needs. Grants can support vegetation mitigation and fuel reduction, education campaigns, equipment needs, and training, with a particular emphasis given to departments serving high fire-threat areas. Funding priority is extended to those projects that actively address the state’s most pressing wildfire prevention, preparedness, relief, or recovery needs. Requested amounts should not exceed $15,000. Read more

Local leaders are astutely aware that the pandemic is not over and that our local communities continue to reel from its public health and fiscal impacts. Despite this uncertainty, city leaders continue to press forward as we chart a path to recovery. And prudent financial decision-making will be critical in our recovery efforts. Read more

In March 2021, cities across the nation breathed a sigh of relief as an economic package that included $65 billion for municipalities finally made its way through Congress and was signed into law. The American Rescue Plan Act provided badly needed direct and flexible funds to cash-strapped cities on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020. 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

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is accepting nominations for outstanding leaders in public service. Nominations can include anyone working in any of California's cities, counties, or special districts. Preference will be given for nominations that fall under ILG's four pillars: leadership and governance, public engagement, sustainable and resilient communities, and workforce and civics education. Nominees will be highlighted on ILG's social media, newsletters, and website. Submit a nomination
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