August 4, 2021
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These Cal Cities supported bills prioritize the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities throughout California through the ongoing collection of the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) surcharge. AB 14 will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 16, and SB 4 will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee between August 16 and August 27. (SB 4’s committee hearing date has yet to be calendared.) Take action today and urge your lawmakers to SUPPORT AB 14 and SB 4
Cal Cities News

Before the pandemic, California was experiencing one of the greatest periods of economic growth in its history. That expansion was rocked by COVID-19, and while uncertainty abounds, Mendonca remains optimistic about the state’s innovation, perseverance, and near- and long-term recovery. “California has repeatedly proven its ability to reinvent itself,” said Mendonca. Read more

Arcata has a unique approach to wastewater treatment. The bayside city uses oxidation ponds and freshwater marshes to clean wastewater through a mostly natural process involving bacteria, plants, and sunlight. Moreover, the treatment marshes don’t just clean the city’s wastewater. Known as the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, the marshes cover more than 300 acres, providing bike paths, hiking trails, and picnicking opportunities for residents, as well as a refuge for 300 species of birds. Read more

From meeting state requirements on ethics laws and principles to earning Minimum Continuing Legal Education credits, the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo offers more than a dozen ways for officials to gain professional education credits. Scheduled for September 22-24, the conference includes educational sessions, networking opportunities, and more. Read more

City leaders are encouraged to join the League of California Cities in urging Congress to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a comprehensive infrastructure package; and a number of webinars are available this month on how cities can utilize American Rescue Plan funds to advance equity in their communities. Read more
Education and Events

The League of California Cities and the County Engineers Association of California 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 across California. Read more

The three-day League of California Cities City Managers Conference, scheduled February 2-4, 2022 in Monterey, includes general sessions, concurrent sessions, and peer-to-peer connections geared toward California city managers and others in the profession. The call for proposals is an opportunity to share best practices, innovative approaches, as well as important research about new information with city managers and senior staff at their annual gathering. Read more

Friday, Aug. 13, 10:30 a.m. — Are you new to municipal law? Did you recently transfer into an advisory position? Have you not yet responded 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

The Cal Cities brand has expanded to reflect the diverse mosaic of the Golden State’s cities. In both the logo and the bright new color palette, you can see that our brand identity embraces the concept of coming together as a unified block to promote and protect local democracy and the common interests of California cities in the state and national capitols. Read more 
More News and Events

Thursday, Aug. 5, 2 p.m. — Authentic community engagement and well-designed conversations can help quell several common community concerns related to housing development. While elected officials do not often plan and lead community engagement efforts, they play a critical role in understanding their residents’ vision, concerns, and needs. This webinar will share tips to effectively listen to and communicate with your community on housing topics. Presenters: East Palo Alto Council Member Ruben Abrica, Arcata Senior Planner Delo Freitas, and Placeworks Principal Wendy Nowak. Register now

Thursday, Aug. 12, 1:30 p.m. — The National League of Cities has partnered with Women in Municipal Government and the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women for an important discussion about the intersection of public policy, the pandemic, and traditionally marginalized communities. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of gender-based perspectives on social issues, legislating during the pandemic, and how state and local officials can work together. Register today

Friday, Aug. 13 — Next Friday is the sixth annual #CityHallSelfie Day, a celebration of local government service! Hop in front of your building, snap a picture, and use the hashtag to share it with the world! It is a fun, simple way to remind the world about the value of a public service career and the pride that employees feel when they work in service to the community. Plus, prizes will be awarded to the best selfies in multiple categories. Read more

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. — Join the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties for a webinar about the 2020 Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment Report, which will be released this month. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the state’s local street and road network including, pavements, bridges, and essential components like sidewalks, traffic signals, and storm drains. New to this report is a discussion of the first statewide analysis on the impacts of SB 1 (Beall, 2017) on local streets and roads, as well as an enhanced analysis of local bridge funding needs. Register today

The National League of Cities (NLC) is accepting applications for leadership positions on its board of directors, federal advocacy committees, member councils, and constituency groups. Each position allows city leaders to bring their expertise to the national level and shape the direction of NLC and its national municipal policy. City leaders applying for the NLC board of directors or second vice-president position may request an endorsement from the League of California Cities. Read more