March 24, 2021
Cal Cities News

The Cal Cities legislative team briefed more than 280 city leaders on the most important bills affecting cities this year. Many measures stalled due to a compressed legislative timeline in 2020, and as a result legislators are eager to pass thousands of pandemic-related and non-pandemic-related bills. In total, 2,572 bills were introduced before the bill introduction deadline Feb. 19. Cal Cities is monitoring 1,885 of those bills. Read more

In the wake of escalating anti-Asian incidents and attacks across the country, including the brutal killing of eight people, mostly Asian women, in Atlanta, Georgia, the League of California Cities condemns these horrific acts. In response, Cal Cities President Cheryl Viegas Walker, mayor, El Centro, and Cal Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus President Sheng Thao, council president pro tem, Oakland, issued a statement. Read more

To enhance member engagement in leadership opportunities, increase overall effectiveness in fulfilling the organization’s mission and vision, and ensure the pathway to leadership is transparent and inclusive, the League of California Cities is conducting an evaluation of its governance system, encompassing the organization’s structure, bylaws, culture, policies, and practices. Read more

The passage of the historic American Rescue Plan means over $65 billion will be delivered directly to cities of all size. Now the real work begins. What are your local priorities for this funding? The National League of Cities (NLC) is conducting a short survey to gauge how conditions, from the economy and infrastructure to housing and education, have changed this past year, and how new funding will be used to address these challenges. The results will be part of NLC's research efforts to showcase local leadership during the pandemic. They will also shape the type of strategies and programs NLC is developing to help communities leverage newly available funds. Make your voice count and participate in the survey! Please respond no later than Tuesday, March 30. Learn more
Education and Events

Planning commissioners, city planning directors, and associated staff are invited to attend four days of educational sessions and opportunities to connect with peers at the virtual 2021 Planning Commissioners Academy, starting tomorrow. The academy takes place March 25, 26, 31, and April 1, and is a must for new and seasoned planning commissioners alike, with sessions ranging from the basic roles and responsibilities of a planning commissioner to updates on key legislative issues. Register now

The League of California Cities is seeking diverse, forward-looking topics for the 2021 Annual Conference & Expo at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, Sept. 22-24. These sessions will support city leaders by arming them with the latest knowledge, resources, and tools to advance their communities and assist officials in their daily roles and operations within their city. Take advantage of this special opportunity to share expertise at the premier educational event for local officials and submit a proposal by March 31. Read more

Beginning this year, the Municipal Finance Institute will become part of the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo, scheduled Sept. 22-24 in Sacramento. Now is the time to submit your session proposal for this dynamic educational event. Read more

The first-ever virtual Public Works Officers Institute wrapped up last week delivering two- and-a-half days of essential education, inspiration, and information sharing for public works directors throughout the state. The event featured 33 speakers, including a powerful keynote address by award-winning author and autonomous technology futurist Patrick Schwerdtfeger, and a host of other experts during dozens of sessions touching upon legal issues, project labor agreements, finance, and other key topics. Read more
 
In recent years, the city of Palmdale saw housing costs outpace the area’s income levels, resulting in a shortage of affordable housing. The Courson Arts Colony, the latest component of Palmdale’s city center revitalization and housing innovation, provides affordable housing and incorporates an arts component to serve as a healing element for veterans who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Read more
Opportunities for Cities

New affordable housing for low-income residents in the city of Riverside will be constructed with funding from the issuance of $10,947,285 million in tax-exempt and taxable multi-family affordable housing bonds through the California Statewide Communities Development Authority. Read more

Each year, Cal Cities honors outstanding work in member cities throughout the state through the Helen Putnam Awards for Excellence. Apply online by April 8 at 5 p.m. Read more
More News and Events

Serving on the League of California Cities Board of Directors is an opportunity for you to be a statewide leader shaping state policy and the actions of the organization. Cal Cities is currently accepting applications from city officials interested in serving on the board in one of six at-large positions or as second vice president. Apply by close of business, April 27. Read more

In an effort to protect local communities and vulnerable Californians from the impact of utility-initiated power shutoffs, the state announced on March 17 the distribution of $50 million in Community Power Resiliency grants for cities, counties, tribes, and special districts. The grants, awarded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, include $13 million distributed across 51 cities. Read more
 
The Legislature is continuing to hold a number of hearings on a variety of policy areas and and starting to hear bills of interest to cities in legislative policy committees in the coming weeks. The League of California Cities hosted a webinar March 18 to discuss key bills impacting cities. The Legislature will adjourn for its Spring Recess on March 26 and will reconvene on April 5. Read more
 
Thursday, April 1, 2-3 p.m. — The Institute for Local Government is launching a new, free webinar series to help local leaders tackle California’s housing crisis. The first in the series will feature an update on current housing laws and proposed legislation that will impact local housing development. Presenters: League of California Cities Assistant Legislative Director Jason Rhine, Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Policy Specialist Sohab Mehmood, and California State Association of Counties Legislative Representative Chris Lee. Read more
Cal Cities in the News
The city of Clayton is a member of the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), which advocates on behalf of cities across the state on a wide variety of issues. Cal Cities drafted a letter to the state to “oppose this bill unless amended.”
 
The City of Culver City is slated to receive $7.3 million in federal grants, according to a report from the League of California Cities. Santa Monica will get $29.3 million, Beverly Hills $6.3 million, Malibu $2.2 million, while West Hollywood is expecting $6.8 million.
Culver City Mayor Alex Fisch posted on his twitter account: "I'm pretty excited that Joe Biden and the congressional Democrats are filling my city's massive COVID-induced budget hole."