November 4, 2020
CA Cities Advocate will resume publication on Nov. 18, following the Veterans Day holiday
League News

December 2020 will mark the beginning of a new era for Western City magazine. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, the 121-year old publication will evolve into an all-digital experience at westerncity.com. A lot has changed since the magazine launched in 1899, and in order to continue providing high-quality material, the League is streamlining the distribution channels and expanding the ways readers can interact with Western City content. Read more

Although Halloween was celebrated differently this year, cities around the state worked hard to provide fun and creative activities to help residents safely enjoy the holiday. From drive-thru trick-or-treating to scarecrow contests — there was no shortage of safe Halloween festivities. Cities’ innovative and unique events and activities created many memorable moments for community members and may have laid the groundwork for future Halloween traditions. Read more

In June, the League Board of Directors issued a statement committing to creating an equitable and just future for all Californians. To support that commitment, the League has launched a new Advancing Equity Resources for Cities webpage, which serves as a one-stop shop for city officials to browse the collection of learning opportunities and other foundational resources from trusted partners. Read more
Executive Director's Message

It’s the day after Election Day, and there are many people to thank. To the thousands of local heroes who ran for leadership offices in their communities, thank you for standing up to lead. For those who were elected, congratulations; there is no more noble a calling than public service. The League looks forward to being your partner as you carry out the responsibilities and duties of your position. Thank you also to the millions of Californians who turned out in record numbers to vote at the ballot box or by mail. In the words of the late Congressman John Lewis, “Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” Read more
 
It’s the day after Election Day, and there are many people to thank. To the thousands of local heroes who ran for leadership offices in their communities, thank you for standing up to lead. For those who were elected, congratulations; there is no more noble a calling than public service. The League looks forward to being your partner as you carry out the responsibilities and duties of your position. Thank you also to the millions of Californians who turned out in record numbers to vote at the ballot box or by mail. In the words of the late Congressman John Lewis, “your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.”  Read more
Education & Conferences

Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. — The League’s 2020 City Attorneys' Department virtual conference wraps up this Friday, Nov. 6, but there’s still time to register for the final day! This conference provides peer-to-peer networking opportunities and educational sessions on cutting-edge issues in municipal law. Check out the conference schedule online and register today. 

Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Join the League’s legislative team for a briefing on new laws from the 2020 legislative session. Lobbyists will share information on how these new laws will affect local land use authority and affordable housing, residents experiencing homelessness, disaster response funding and policy, COVID-19 response and recovery, public safety, cannabis, police reforms, budgets, and other areas of critical importance for cities. Speakers: Advocacy and Public Affairs Deputy Executive Director Melanie Perron, Assistant Legislative Director Jason Rhine, Legislative Representatives Derek Dolfie, Bijan Mehryar, and Nick Romo, and Policy Analysts Caroline Cirrincione and Johnnie Pina. Register now

Dec. 17-18 — Calling all City Clerks! Registration is now open for the League’s virtual 2020 City Clerk’s New Law and Elections Seminar. This annual seminar offers opportunities to discuss pressing topics and share best practices, learn about new laws affecting elections, and share best practices with fellow city clerks from throughout the state. Register now
Opportunities for Cities

The National League of Cities (NLC) 2021 Leadership in Community Resilience program is now accepting applications from cities seeking additional funding for climate resilience-related projects. Each city selected for the 2021 cohort will receive $10,000 in financial support, customized support from NLC staff, and training and professional development opportunities. The deadline to apply is Dec. 23. Submit your application today 

The California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) announced the issuance of a $126.4 million in taxable bonds that will support the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, a nonprofit located in Novato, dedicated to studying the basic biology of aging and age-associated diseases. CSCDA partnered with Cain Brothers and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP to provide AA-rated insured taxable bonds to refinance CSCDA’s prior issued 2014 bonds and provide additional working capital. Read more
More News and Events

NLC is now accepting applications for membership in its constituency groups, federal advocacy committees, and member councils. Serving as a member of a group, committee, or council gives you the opportunity as a municipal leader to get involved with NLC and represent your community at the national level. Applications close Dec. 4. Submit your application today

Thursday, Nov. 12, 12:30 p.m. — This year’s election has been one of the most controversial events in our lifetime. Join the League’s Latino Caucus for an in-depth discussion by political experts on the results of the 2020 election. Hear how the Latino vote has been key for many candidates in states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. Register today
 
Nov. 18-20 — The NLC 2020 City Summit conference is going virtual this year. NLC invites you to “Learn. Grow. Build. Renew.” and take part in an immersive program that includes informative panel discussions, keynotes, and fireside chats, as well as engaging workshops and opportunities to network with peers. Register today 
 
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 12-2 p.m. — The League of California Cities Women’s Caucus has partnered with 2020 Women on Boards to host a “Sacramento City Conversation on Board Diversity: Women Directors during Times of Crisis.” This is part of a series of virtual national events hosted by 2020 Women on Boards to encourage dialog about women's status on U.S. corporate boards. Speakers: California First Partner and California Partners Project Co-Founder Jennifer Siebel Newsom; Macy’s Head of Strategy, Vice President, and General Manager Anddria Clack-Rogers Varnado; California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson; California Secretary of State Alex Padilla; and California State Teachers’ Retirement System Investment Officer Mary Morris. Register today

The special “Advancing Equity” issue of Western City magazine highlights local government efforts to disrupt systemic inequities in city policies and replace them with systems that are inclusive and fair. Read about NLC’s Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) initiative; how the Long Beach Office of Equity is engaging, educating, and serving its residents; South San Francisco’s work to develop equity solutions tailored to the community; how Salinas is addressing equity issues through its Alisal Vibrancy Plan; and more at www.westerncity.com.
League in the News

Moreno Valley City Councilwoman Dr. Carla J. Thornton (Dist. 2) has been appointed Vice Chair of the League of California Cities Housing, Community and Economic Development Policy Committee, one of seven League policy committees.