March 31, 2021
Take Action

Cities are urged to submit letters of opposition on SB 556 (Dodd), which would require local governments to make space available on street light poles, traffic signal poles, utility poles, and other public infrastructure to telecommunications providers without recognizing local authority to manage the public right-of-way preserved in federal law. This bill is set to be heard in the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee on April 19. The deadline to send letters to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee is April 14 by noon. Take action! OPPOSE SB 556 (Dodd) (Sample letter .docx)
Cal Cities News

California port cities may be eligible to tap into $230 million grant funding to strengthen and modernize their ports. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity encouraging states and port authorities to apply for the discretionary funds for port and intermodal infrastructure-related projects through the Port Infrastructure Development Program. The deadline to submit an application is July 30. Learn more

The city of Ukiah has completed the first three phases of a new water recycling facility which provides an additional 1,000 acre-feet per year of water to the Ukiah Valley. The project addresses local needs including meeting regulatory requirements that limit the city’s wastewater discharge to the Russian River, creates a more diversified and drought resilient water supply, and provides water for agricultural uses like irrigation and frost protection. Read more

An affordable housing property has been acquired for middle-income residents in the city of Long Beach from the issuance of $135.73 million in tax-exempt bonds through the California Statewide Communities Development Authority’s (CSCDA) new Workforce Housing Program. The project will assure available housing for those that earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing, but cannot afford to live where they work. Read more
Education and Events

Planning commissioners, city planning directors, and associated staff are invited to attend educational sessions and opportunities to connect with peers at the virtual 2021 Planning Commissioners Academy. The academy is a must for new and seasoned planning commissioners alike, with sessions ranging from the basic roles and responsibilities of a planning commissioner to updates on key legislative issues. Registration is still open to join live today and tomorrow, and recordings of all educational sessions are available to registered attendees! Register now

The Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar will bring together California fire service leaders on Dec. 8 and 9 for a two-day educational and networking event. Cal Cities is soliciting session proposals on timely topics of importance to fire service professionals including but not limited to fire chiefs, chief officers, and union leadership. Proposals for the December educational event are due July 16. Register now
 
Over the past year, cities have implemented a variety of programs to help keep vulnerable populations housed, but cities need to look beyond short-term relief. Local planning and policy decisions present some unique opportunities to remedy longstanding inequities, specifically through the housing element update process and activities related to AB 686. Read more
Opportunities for Cities

Affordable housing in the city of Los Angeles will receive exterior and interior renovations, and new affordable housing in the city of South San Francisco will be constructed, both for low-income residents, with more than $76.4 million in tax-exempt affordable housing bonds issued through the California Statewide Communities Development Authority. Read more.

Each year, Cal Cities honors outstanding work in member cities throughout the state through the Helen Putnam Awards for Excellence. Applications are due next week by April 8 at 5 p.m. Apply today! Read more
More News and Events

Serving on the League of California Cities Board of Directors is an opportunity for you to be a statewide leader shaping state policy and the actions of the organization. Cal Cities is currently accepting applications from city officials interested in serving on the board in one of six at-large positions or as second vice president. Apply by close of business, April 27. Read more
 
The Legislature is continuing to hold a number of hearings on a variety of policy areas and and bills of interest to cities in legislative policy committees. The League of California Cities hosted a webinar (available online) to discuss key bills impacting cities. The Legislature has adjourned for its Spring Recess and will reconvene on April 5. Legislative policy committees have until April 30 to hear and report to fiscal committees the fiscal bills introduced in their house of origin. Read more
 
Thursday, April 1, 2-3 p.m. — The Institute for Local Government is launching a new, free webinar series to help local leaders tackle California’s housing crisis. The first in the series will feature an update on current housing laws and proposed legislation that will impact local housing development. Presenters: League of California Cities Assistant Legislative Director Jason Rhine, California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez, California Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Policy Specialist Sohab Mehmood, and California State Association of Counties Legislative Representative Chris Lee. Read more
Cal Cities in the News
There is more for Santa Monica and Westside residents in the recently-passed $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill than $1,400 checks. The City of Santa Monica is slated to receive $29.3 million in federal grants, according to a report from the League of California Cities.