October 27, 2021
Cal Cities News

The California Department of Finance extended its Cycle 6 Coronavirus Relief Fund reporting deadline to Oct. 29. The funds were distributed through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Nearly 30 cities have not yet submitted their reports. Read more

With mental health services inaccessible to many, police increasingly handle calls not aligned with their core duties. In an effort to provide appropriate services to residents, Garden Grove used CARES Act dollars to develop civilian-staffed mental health crisis teams.

What does the future hold as we begin to emerge from the pandemic? Join the League of California Cities and BlueDot for a conversation about how COVID-19 will evolve and the role cities can play in pandemic management. Read more
Education and Events

The League of California Cities is seeking session proposals for its upcoming Planning Commissioners Academy taking place March 16-18 at the Marriott San Ramon. The conference offers a fundamentals track for new commissioners — and those wanting a refresher course — as well as an emerging issues track, which includes innovative solutions for current issues facing California city planners and planning commissioners. Read more

Friday, Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m. — Overseeing your first public meeting as a municipal attorney can be a daunting experience. You might have read the Brown Act in preparation, but providing legal guidance in real-time in front of the public and media requires alertness to potential pitfalls, political astuteness, and confidence. Join us as we discuss Brown Act basics, offer tips and suggestions through hypotheticals, and provide some suggested best practices. Speakers: Thousand Oaks City Attorney Tracy Noonan; Palmdale Assistant City Attorney Noel Doran; Burke Williams and Sorensen LLP's Thomas Jex; and Jorgenson, Siegel, McClure & Flegel's Cara Silver. Register today

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 9:00 a.m. — More than 700 new laws are coming to California next year, many with positive effects for cities. Join League of California Cities President and Walnut Creek Council Member Cindy Silva, Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman, and the advocacy team to learn about the most significant legislation signed into law this year. Topics include local land use authority and affordable housing; broadband infrastructure deployment and funding; disaster response and resources; climate resiliency funding; organic waste implementation; public safety reform and cannabis; and Brown Act flexibility. Register today
Opportunities for Cities

Thursday, Nov. 4, 11:00 a.m. — The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for many Californians to pay their bills due to job loss and other hardships. Hear from experts from the California Public Utilities Commission, California Department of Community Services and Development, and the State Water Resources Control Board about the water utility assistance and energy utility assistance programming available in California, including the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, California Arrearage Payment Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and more. Register today

The California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) recently issued tax-exempt bonds to acquire multifamily residential rental housing projects in Anaheim and Santa Rosa. CSCDA also issued tax-exempt affordable housing bonds for the construction of new affordable housing in Pasadena, known as Pasadena Studios. Collectively, three issuances total $327,345,000. Read more

The range of information and services available online varies from city to city, as does the level of accessibility offered by city websites. However, as cities continue to transition to internet-based information and services, they should take care to ensure that such information and services are equally accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. Read more
More News and Events

The Volcker Alliance and Penn Institute for Urban Research cohosted a Special Briefing on President Biden’s infrastructure plan and the unmet needs of U.S. states and municipalities last Thursday. Among the speakers was League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman, who highlighted how cities are using American Rescue Plan Act funding to make transformative changes in their communities. She also highlighted the need for greater federal investment in the Golden State's aging infrastructure. Other speakers included Andrew F. Haughwout, Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Annie Linskey, Washington Post; and Torsten Slok, Apollo Global Group. The hour-long recording is available online. Learn more

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 9:00 a.m. — California is home to 11 million immigrants — more than a quarter of the state’s population. Hosted by the Institute for Local Government and Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, this special event includes an overview of recent studies and statistics, speakers from leading immigration policy institutes, local governments, and foundations, and a small group discussion. The session is designed for local government staff, elected officials, and philanthropic or private funders interested in learning more about how they can expand immigrant services in their communities. Register today

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2:00 p.m. — With the close of the legislative session, there are many new regulations that will impact local land use authority and the tools available to local governments. To help you navigate these new requirements and opportunities, the Institute for Local Government, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the League of California Cities, and the California State Association of Counties will provide an update on new housing laws and regulations, programs, and funding that will impact housing development. Register today

Nov. 17-19 — The National League of Cities 2021 City Summit is going virtual this year! The conference provides tools, strategies, and workshops for city officials to enact change in their communities, as well as opportunities to connect with peers, thought leaders, and local innovators. Conference dates have shifted slightly to limit virtual meeting time on the weekend. Pre-conference events will be held Nov. 12, 15, and 17. Registration is open through Nov. 19. Read more

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 18 and 19, 10:00 a.m. — Are you getting the results you want from your public engagement efforts? Want to connect with other local government agencies tackling similar challenges? This two-day training offered by the Institute for Local Government helps city leaders master the public engagement process and build trust in their communities. Learn how to operationalize your outreach and engagement efforts more sustainably, authentically, and collaboratively with resources and digital tools. Register today
Cal Cities in the News

“The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic downturn have impacted critical infrastructure projects across California. This bill would give local governments the flexibility they need to make the best spending decisions for their communities and increase critical investments at the local level. Now more than ever, flexibility is needed for American cities to rebuild our nation’s critical infrastructure to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Carolyn M. Coleman, Executive Director and CEO, League of California Cities. Read more

The City of Pismo Beach is the recipient of eight awards for excellence in multiple areas of government management, project development, and capital improvement projects. While each individual award is cause for celebration, the collection demonstrates the City’s commitment to excellence and the highest of standards in the delivery of municipal services...[Among the awards is] the League of California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Intergovernmental Collaboration...Read more