February 16, 2022
Cal Cities News

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes an estimated $45.5 billion in funding for California. Unlike the American Rescue Plan Act, this funding package includes competitive and noncompetitive funding. Several resources are now available for city leaders preparing to maximize the funding in their communities. Read more

Investments in local infrastructure can yield benefits that extend far beyond the curb. A 2021 report found that upcoming infrastructure spending will generate nearly $200 billion in economic activity in California alone. Citrus Heights shows the impact such investments have on communities. Read more

More than 450 city officials attended this year’s City Managers Conference. Held annually, the conference covered pressing, statewide issues facing cities, connected city managers with essential information for their roles, and provided peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Read more
Education and Events

March 16-18 — Set in San Ramon, the Planning Commissioners Academy provides planning commissioners with updates about recent legislative and regulatory changes. This year's keynote speakers include former Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett, who successfully lobbied for a $777 million quality-of-life infrastructure program for Oklahoma City, and Berké Brown, a noted organizational change consultant. A limited number of hotel rooms are available at a reduced rate through Feb. 23. Register today

March 23-25 — Located in Monterey, the Public Works Officers Institute provides the information and updates needed to effectively operate city and county public works departments. This year, attendees will learn about a myriad of technical topics, such as stormwater resources, infrastructure project materials, and how to manage electrical grid outages. Attendees will also learn how to better engage and build bridges with diverse constituencies and strengthen their political acumen. Registration closes March 16. Register today

The League of California Cities is seeking unique, forward-looking topics for the 2022 Annual Conference and Expo, taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center, Sept. 7-9. These sessions will support city leaders by equipping them with the latest knowledge, resources, and tools to advance their communities and assist them in their daily roles and operations within their city. Submissions from individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations on any topic of interest to cities are welcome. Submissions are due March 31. Read more
Opportunities for Cities

It is critical that communities are able to respond quickly and efficiently to wildfires and other natural disasters, especially as California enters another year of a worsening, multiyear drought. The Listos California Community Emergency Respond Team Support Grant Program provides funding to new and existing community emergency response activities, including non-English language training programs, that help prepare vulnerable and underserved populations. Applicants may apply for up to $15,000 in funding. Read more

California's vast stretch of coastline is revered by both residents and visitors alike. The California Coastal Conservancy’s Explore the Coast program seeks to facilitate and enhance opportunities to explore some of the state's most renowned natural wonders, particularly among communities that face challenges to accessing or enjoying the coast. Applicants may request a grant amount of up to $200,000 for a one-year project or $100,000 for a two-year project. A technical assistance webinar will be held on Feb. 24 at 11:00 a.m. Read more

Urban greening and urban forestry projects are one way that cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce energy consumption. Historically, such projects benefit already affluent neighborhoods. As such, the California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Program will give priority consideration to projects located within and benefitting disadvantaged communities. Two technical assistance programs will be held in early March. There are no maximum or minimum grant amounts. Read more

As is the case in many cities, gang connections go back decades in San Bernardino, spanning generations of family members. To disrupt the cycle, the city partnered with community-based organizations to create a program that aims to prevent gang gun violence and de-escalate tensions through personal interactions with gang members and at-risk youth. Read more
More News and Events

In response to Cal Cities' ongoing advocacy efforts, last year, the state passed SB 619 (Laird), a bill that supports local governments as they design and implement the organic waste recycling programs required by SB 1383 (Lara, Statutes of 2016). Cities have until March 1 to use this alternative compliance process. City officials must include a detailed explanation of their city's SB 1383 efforts, including a description of the proposed actions and the reasons why, supported by documentation, the city is unable to fully comply with SB 1383. Read more

The U.S. Supreme Court has a full docket for the rest of the year. State and Local Legal Center Executive Director Lisa Soronen summarizes upcoming cases of interest to local governments. Three of the most important upcoming cases to cities, which the Court has agreed to hear, include a First Amendment flag case, a public employment case, and a case involving liability for not reading Miranda rights. Read more

Friday, March 18, 9:00 a.m. — This year’s virtual Municipal Law Institute Symposium will provide an in-depth exploration of issues facing municipal lawyers in 2022, including the national opioid settlement, water rights, remote work, wildfire impacts, and new developments in labor and employment relations. Registration is $50 for public agency employees; general registration is $100. For questions, please contact Jen Louie. Register today

Each year, the League of California Cities honors the outstanding work of member cities through the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program. The awards, sponsored by Cal Cities League Partners, recognize the successes of cities, as demonstrated by beneficial innovations, resourceful efficiencies, improved public service, and overall enhanced public trust and support. Entries must be submitted online by April 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Read more

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is accepting nominations for outstanding leaders in public service. Nominations can include anyone working in any of California's cities, counties, or special districts. Preference will be given for nominations that fall under ILG's four pillars: leadership and governance, public engagement, sustainable and resilient communities, and workforce and civics education. Nominees will be highlighted on ILG's social media, newsletters, and website. Submit a nomination
Cal Cities in the News

While CSAC has yet to take an official position, the League of California Cities said, “The measure would significantly jeopardize cities’ ability to provide necessary services and critical infrastructure to residents. It would impose onerous and undemocratic restrictions on local governments and local voters that would reduce local revenues by billions every year, decimating vital services like fire and emergency response, infrastructure, libraries, parks, sanitation, economic development, and virtually all local services.” Read more
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