May 6, 2020
Message from League President John F. Dunbar
Take Action
 
All California cities, regardless of population, urgently need direct and flexible assistance so they can continue to fight COVID-19 and protect their residents through the summer months and beyond. No city can be left behind. Cities can help in the following ways: 1) Send a formal city letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and copy your Assembly Member and Senator as soon as possible. 2) Call your Assembly Member and Senator to inform them of the impacts facing your city. Take action today!
League News
 
Now in the seventh week under the statewide stay-at-home orders, cities continue to work tirelessly to provide essential services to their residents, and are preparing for the gradual reopening of their communities.


The California Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Tuesday, May 5 in the case of Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Association v. Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Association . As is often the case even when held in-person, the arguments offered little clarity on how the Court will rule.

 
Affordable apartments for low-income families and seniors in Redwood City, and an educational facility in Calabasas, are getting a facelift and funding with tax-exempt bonds issued by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority.

More News and Events
 
Tune in on May 7 for a livestream virtual chat with League of California Cities President John F. Dunbar and San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer in a discussion on how the pandemic is affecting California cities' budgets. The virtual discussion will be moderated by CalMatters political reporter Ben Christopher and is part of a series offered by CalMatters: "Getting Through Coronavirus, Explained." 


The City of Dublin joined a nonprofit and a private-sector company in a unique partnership focused on meeting the needs of veterans and their families. Each partner contributed to an affordable housing development called Valor Crossing — a 66-unit project located within walking distance of mass transit, bus lines, and downtown shops and restaurants. Read about this award-winning project in “ Dublin Provides Affordable Housing for Veterans ” — featured in this month’s issue of Western City magazine.
League in the News
A survey by the League of California Cities found 9 out of 10 cities are looking at layoffs and furloughs or service reductions.

California cities  forecast a nearly $7 billion general revenue shortfall  over the next two fiscal years, according to an analysis by the League of California Cities, threatening fundamental services like public safety, fire service, parks and recreation, and more.

Coronavirus: Southern California Cities Spend Big Money On Needed Masks, Other Gear , May 3, Orange County Register (also appeared in Pasadena Star-News , San Bernardino County Sun , SGVTribune.com, DailyBulletin.com, Los Angeles Daily News  Redlands Daily Facts, Whittier Daily News)
Nine out of 10 cities in California have had to purchase PPE and other unanticipated COVID-19 expenses, according to the League of California Cities. The League reports that some 12% of all California municipalities have spent $500,000 or more to help control the pandemic, including costs to buy PPE, set up technology for remote working, to pay staff overtime and to support residents .

‘We are limping along’: Folsom urges Newsom to grant local control over reopening economy , May 1, Fresno Bee (also appeared in The Modesto Bee, Merced Sun-Star)
The League of California Cities has predicted local governments will experience a general fund revenue shortfall of nearly $7 billion over the next two fiscal years related to the pandemic. Folsom’s letter asks the state to create a city revenue stabilization fund of at least that amount to help cities get back on their feet.

Recreation employees particularly hard hit by COVID-19 , April 30, New Times San Luis Obispo
A recent report released by the League of California Cities   found that because of coronavirus-related revenue shortfalls, 90 percent of cities project that cuts in services or furloughs and layoffs will have to be made. Three in 4 cities say they might have to do both.