Issue highlights:
Read below for more news and events.
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Proposition 47 made promises of safe neighborhoods, but the unintended consequences that followed have undermined that promise. AB 1708 (Muratsuchi) would increase accountability for repeat theft offenders and offer pathways for pre-plea diversion programming.
If passed, the bill would send the issue to the voters for approval at the next statewide general election. Voice your SUPPORT by submitting a letter to the Assembly Public Safety Committee. If your assembly member is on the committee, it is important to submit a letter and call them to express your support!
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A potential expansion to SB 35 — strongly opposed by Cal Cities — passed out of the Senate Housing Committee. The new bill, SB 423 (Wiener), would make the 2017 law permanent, expand it to the coastal zone, allow the state to approve housing developments on property it owns or leases, and more. Read more
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Are you lobbying at the Capitol for the City Leaders Summit or just need information about the top legislative items facing cities? Join the Cal Cities Advocacy team to learn which issues to focus your advocacy efforts on during the Summit and beyond. Register today
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Policy committees are back in full swing and so is Cal Cities’ weekly “upcoming legislative meetings on bills of interest to cities” story — but with a fresh coat of paint. Each week, Cal Cities breaks down the bills, policy committees, and legislative deadlines that city leaders need to know about. This week’s two biggest bills are about housing and behavioral health care, two of Cal Cities' top legislative priorities. Read more
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Monday, March 27, 2:00 p.m. — Changes to the state’s fire hazard zones will have major impacts on local land use policies and wildfire management. Areas in both the Fire Hazard Severity Zone State Responsibility Area Map and the soon-to-be-released Local Responsibility Area Map have been recategorized into different severity levels. Join city and state officials to learn about the maps’ methodology, as well as their effect on future insurance costs, fire mitigation efforts, planning, and zoning. Register today
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Cal Cities is seeking session proposals for the state's premier municipal education event: the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo. Taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, Sept. 20-22, the conference will bring together local officials and policy experts for three days of learning, sharing, and problem-solving. Submissions from individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations on any topic of interest are welcome. Read more
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The last day to submit a question for CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program is March 23. The grant program helps cities meet their SB 1383 organic waste recycling obligations. Responses will be provided on the program’s FAQ page, which covers a range of topics, including the application process, eligible uses, landfills outside California, funding, and greenhouse gas calculations. Send all questions to GHGReductions@CalRecycle.ca.gov. Read more
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The California Department of Aging will award $4.5 million in funding to support local aging and disability action plans. The grant program supports plans that improve a community’s livability and address the current, emerging, and future needs of California’s older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Applicants may submit proposals as a single organization or as a group. Applications are due March 24. Read more
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The most extreme projections show that the economic gains of the past few decades could be reversed by climate change. The Transformative Climate Communities program funds neighborhood-level plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide economic, environmental, and health benefits to disadvantaged communities. The program supports a range of planning, development, and implementation activities. Due dates vary. Read more
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Do you have a keen understanding of the complex issues facing California's cities and how they are responding? Consider serving on the 2023-24 Cal Cities Board of Directors. Board members play a key role in shaping both state policy and the actions of Cal Cities. Cal Cities is accepting applications from city officials interested in serving in one of six at-large board positions, first vice president, or second vice president. Applications are due April 26. Read more
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Thursday, March 30, 11:30 a.m. — California local governments are blessed with many phenomenal women leaders. This virtual panel will highlight some prominent women leaders across the state who will share insights about their journeys through leadership. Speakers will discuss some of the most critical topics for women, including leading through crisis, communication strategies, work-life balance, transitions, and employer support. Register today
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The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the opening of an electric vehicle charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure grant program and the Local Infrastructure Hub is hosting a series of infrastructure webinars. Also, the National League of Cities is seeking feedback on how to simplify the federal grant process. Read more
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Eureka is reversing an unusually high rate of homelessness thanks to an innovative set of social service programs. Since launching the program in 2019, Eureka has housed over 120 individuals and helped more than 200 people obtain employment. Read more
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Mar. 27
Mar. 29-31
Apr. 6
Apr. 12
Apr. 12-14 (Sold out!)
May 17-19
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Sept. 20-22 (Save the date!)
Dec. 13-14 (Save the date!)
Dec. 13-15 (Save the date!)
Dec. 14-15 (Save the date!)
Jan. 24-26 (Save the date!)
Feb. 7-9 (Save the date!)
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