June 2, 2021
Cal Cities News

In an effort to provide local governments adequate time to prepare for in-person public meetings while remaining in compliance with the Brown Act, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that Executive Order N-29-20 will remain in effect after the June 15 reopening plan. This decision came in response to a request by a local government coalition, which included the League of California Cities. Read more

City leaders from throughout the state joined the League of California Cities for the first installment of the new Cal Cities Speaker Series, which covered early drought impacts, an update on the state’s comprehensive approach to the upcoming wildfire season, and tips for effective leadership from California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot. Read more

Starting this summer, shoppers and commuters in Redwood City will no longer have to circle block after block to look for parking. The city is installing technology to launch a guidance system that will add digital signage to city streets to easily and quickly direct motorists to an available parking spot. It's just one of the ways the city is working to spur activity in its downtown core. Read more

The California Department of Finance (DOF) is finalizing its certification process and preparing to distribute over $1.2 billion in American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund payments to 291 California non-entitlement cities. Register now for the next Guide to Local Recovery webinar on June 9 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., where experts from DOF will provide information about how cities can navigate the state’s submission portal, when cities can expect funding, as well as answer any general American Rescue Plan questions. Read more
Education and Events

The League of California Cities is soliciting session proposals and speakers for the 2022 City Managers Conference, scheduled Feb. 2-4 in Monterey. The conference sessions provide great opportunities to share research and information with city managers at their annual gathering. Submit proposals by Aug. 9. Read more

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. The League of California 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. Read more
 
As local leaders chart their city’s roadmap to recovery, rebuilding public trust must be as important a priority as rebuilding our local economies. Leaders at every level of government must do their part to address the pervasive loss of trust that is on the brink of bankruptcy. As the level of government closest to those whom they serve, local leaders are uniquely positioned to be the laboratories for trust-building. Read more
Opportunities for Cities

CAL FIRE recently released its 2021-22 Urban and Community Forestry Grants guidelines and concept proposal form. Concept proposals are due on July 14 at 3:00 p.m. Grant types include Urban Forest Expansion and Improvement, Urban Forest Management Activities, and Urban Forest Education and Workforce Development. Applicants should fill out an online concept proposal form for each project they wish to submit. Eligible entities include cities, counties, districts, and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Read more
More News and Events

The last few weeks have been busy for the state Legislature, as May 21 marked the legislative deadline for fiscal committees to hear and report to the floor bills introduced in their house of origin. More than 200 bills died in the appropriations committee, and a number of bills were marked as two-year bills and will not be heard again until January 2022. The Legislature faces another major deadline this week, as June 4 is the deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin. Read more
 
Thursday, June 3, 2:00 p.m. — Join Cal Cities First Vice President Cindy Silva and Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman tomorrow for an Institute for Local Government webinar on the housing crisis. Participants will receive an overview of California’s housing crisis, learn about the development process, barriers to more housing development, regional housing needs assessment allocations, and how local elected officials navigate their role in addressing the housing crisis. Presenters: League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman, California State Association of Counties Executive Director Graham Knaus, El Dorado County Supervisor John Hidahl, Southern California Association of Governments Housing Program Manager and City of Fullerton former Planning Commissioner Ma’Ayn Johnson, Cal Cities First Vice President and City of Walnut Creek Council Member Cindy Silva. Read more

Wednesday, June 9, 2:00-3:30 p.m.The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged many local government revenues and budgets. As California begins to reopen, local agencies are assessing their ability to provide essential services and programming. Join the Institute for Local Government, League Partner HdL Companies, and other experts for an update on the state of local government finances, as well as creative options available to local governments to bolster revenues. This webinar will discuss tax measures, EIFDs, and other available tools to help local governments continue to navigate into the future. Presenters: HdL Companies Principal Bobby Young, NBS Managing Director Tim Seufert, and former Long Beach City Manager Pat West. Read more

Thursday, June 10, 10:00 a.m.Join this Institute for Local Government, National League of Cities, and Headwaters Economics webinar to learn how to use the new Wildfire Risk to Communities tool. Hear from leaders across the country who are building wildfire resilience through grant opportunities, using data to mitigate risk for the most vulnerable populations, and responding and adapting to population migration from neighboring communities given wildfire risk and disasters. Presenters: League of California Cities Executive Director Carolyn Coleman; Ashland, Oregon Wildfire Division Chief Chris Chambers; and Austin, Texas Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager Justice Jones. Read more
June 22

June 23

Sept. 22-24 SAVE THE DATE
Municipal Finance Institute

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