February 3, 2021
Cal Cities News

League of California Cities leadership met virtually with key state legislators and their senior staff to discuss Cal Cities’ 2021 Strategic Advocacy Priorities and the legislators’ policy agendas for the year. Meetings featured a robust and constructive conversation about cities’ collective need for substantial direct and flexible funding, as a result of the pandemic’s impact on city budgets. Read more

In December 2020, three California cities received a Small City Honorable Mention award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors for their climate protection best practices. Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery, San Leandro Mayor Pauline Cutter, and San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon were recognized for their leadership in the 14th Annual Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards. Read more

The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development has created a repository of tools to help local governments comply with existing law AB 1236 (Chiu, 2015), which aims to accelerate deployment of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. The latest tool is an informational video with an overview of the measure, details the streamlining process, and illustrates EV charging infrastructure benefits. Read more
Message from the Executive Director

Together, as the League of California Cities, we’ve accomplished some pretty remarkable things in the past few years, especially when you consider the desire by many state elected officials to push a top-down system of governance. Like all of you, we often get so busy doing the work that we don’t step back often enough and remind those we serve of the significant victories we have delivered for our members. So, I wanted to share a few highlights. Read more

After months of urging Congress and FEMA to fully reimburse eligible COVID-19 services, the federal government announced last week that the cost share would indeed be adjusted to 100 percent, and retroactive. The second application round for the $500 million California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now open until Feb. 8, and Cal Cities Cities has curated for cities the latest information and resources about COVID-19 vaccine availability and distribution. Read more
Education and Events

The League of California Cities is gearing up for two-and-a-half days packed with educational sessions and networking at the virtual Public Works Officers Institute taking place on March 15, 17, and 19. Designed for public works professionals of all career levels, this virtual conference offers insight into the latest developments in public works, leadership, managing transportation, infrastructure, water, waste programs, and more. Virtual peer-to-peer connection opportunities will be available as well. Read more

Thursday, Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — Join the League of California Cities City Attorneys’ Department for a webinar to hear an overview of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) requirements, explore the impacts of the Fourth District Court of Appeal opinion, and learn about strategies you can utilize in negotiating or challenging renewed MS4 Permits. Presenters: Casso & Sparks, LLP Partner John Harris, and Jones & Mayer Senior Associate Bruce Lindsay. Read more

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 elected officials, city department directors, and decision-makers throughout California, by submitting a proposal by March 31. Read more
 
California cities have been on the front lines for nearly a year taking action to protect their residents and businesses and maintain the delivery of essential city services, despite unplanned expenses and revenue shortfalls brought about by the pandemic. Three California city managers reflect on the past year and how on earth one manages a city budget with so much uncertainty, and so little support from the state and federal governments. Read more
More News and Events
 
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 10-11:30 a.m. — Join the California Transportation Commission for a webinar to discuss the Local Streets and Roads Program Guidelines. Feedback from cities is essential and will be used to inform any changes needed for the current program guidelines, which can be found on the Local Streets and Roads Program website. Contact LSR@catc.ca.gov for program questions or further information about the workshop. Register now
 
The Legislature will host a number of oversight and informational hearings on a variety of policy areas of interest to cities in the coming weeks. The number of legislative hearings may expand as the bill introduction deadline of Feb. 19 approaches. All hearings will be televised. The Senate and Assembly publish weekly television schedules online, as well as audio and video links when available. Read more

The League of California Cities welcomed more than 650 newly elected city officials to the all-virtual 2021 New Mayors and Council Members Academy, designed for newly elected city officials in California and veterans who desire a refresher course. The academy took place over the last two Thursdays and Fridays, covering information and tools to help newly elected officials govern even more effectively in their community. Read more

March 7-10 — Join more than 1,000 leaders from America’s cities, towns, and villages for an immersive program that provides local leaders educational opportunities through hands-on trainings and seminars focused on common local-level issues. At NLC’s Congressional City Conference you’ll learn how to drive federal policy, engage in dialogue with federal officials, and strengthen intergovernmental partnership with decision-makers, while sharing ideas and building policy solutions for the future of your community.​ Register now
Cal Cities in the News
The job is “very rewarding,” said Steve Rogers, town manager for the town of Yountville in Napa County and president of the League of California Cities’ city managers department. “But it’s also an incredibly challenging and stressful job, and one that you’re committed to 24/7.” “In some cases, you sacrifice, your family does, you put some things off that you may not focus on, because the nature of the job requires that type of commitment,” he continued.