December 2, 2020
The Cal Cities Advocate will not publish on Dec. 16, 23, or 30. We'll resume our weekly newsletter schedule on Jan. 6.
Cal Cities News

The League of California Cities comprehensive summary of the 2020 Legislative year is now online! This document serves as a resource to help city officials understand laws enacted during the 2020 session, and includes descriptions of bills of interest to cities that passed the Legislature and were signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The report is now available for download on the Cal Cities website. Read more

Since 1949, communities from across the country have competed for the prestigious All-America City Award, presented by the National Civic League. Award winners will be recognized for building equitable and resilient communities in the midst of a global pandemic and for heightened awareness of systemic racial inequities. Submit your city’s application by Feb. 10, 2021. Read more

California employers must now comply with a new set of emergency COVID-19 prevention regulations, which include a written prevention program, requirements for outbreaks and major outbreaks, and prevention measures in employer-provided housing and transportation. The regulations impose requirements on employers of all sizes, both public and private, and will remain in effect through Oct. 2, 2021. Read more

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state will provide temporary tax relief for eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19, and in partnership with the Legislature, California will provide $500 million in new COVID-19 Relief Grant funding for small businesses. On the federal front, Congress is back in session, and the National League of Cities is urging congressional members to take action on emergency aid for cities during the lame duck session. Read more
Education & Conferences

The Municipal Finance Institute is almost here! The virtual event, designed for finance officers, city treasurers, city managers, and city staff who assist in the stewardship of public resources, will take place Dec. 7, 9, and 11. The three-day institute is an invaluable educational opportunity for city officials and staff to learn essential information that municipal finance professionals need to be successful. Read more

New mayors and council members have a tremendous opportunity to learn the ropes of elected office during four days of educational sessions and networking at the virtual League of California Cities 2021 New Mayors and Council Members Academy, Jan. 21-22 and Jan. 28-29, 2021. This virtual conference is a must-attend for newly elected officials, and seasoned mayors and council members who would like a refresher course on the basic legal and practical framework in which city officials operate. Read more

California’s city clerks have an exciting seminar ahead of them, with two days filled with dynamic educational sessions and networking at the virtual League of California Cities 2020 City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar. The seminar takes place Dec. 17-18 and is designed for city clerks and staff members who are interested in expanding their knowledge on a wide range of topics relevant to city clerk roles, and fostering relationships with peers. Read more
Opportunities for Cities

New affordable housing for low-income residents in the City of Redding will soon be constructed with funding from the issuance of $36.3 million in tax-exempt and taxable multi-family affordable housing bonds through the California Statewide Communities Development Authority. Read more
 
Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 12 p.m. Join CalTRUST, the Cal Cities co-sponsored statewide investment pool for California public agencies, for a review of the current market environment and the resulting impacts to the CalTRUST funds positioning, as well as the 2021 market outlook. Presenters include: BlackRock’s Managing Director – Head of U.S. Fixed Income Short Duration Product Strategy Ludwig Marek. Register now
More News and Events
 
There are only a few days left to submit an application for membership in National League of Cities (NLC) constituency groups, federal advocacy committees, and member councils. Serving as a member of a group, committee, or council provides the opportunity to be involved with NLC and represent your community at the national level. Applications close Dec. 4. Submit your application today

This week, Congress returned to our nation's capital for a short lame duck session. Federal leaders in the House and Senate have 10 days to avoid a government shutdown and overcome months of policy differences and funding disputes to pass key legislation before the 116th Congress adjourns for the final time. Read More

Western City is evolving into a fully-digital publication! The December issue marks the final printed issue of the magazine with stories about the publication’s evolution, how one city is supporting teens in crisis, a refresher on ethical responsibilities regarding conflicts of interest, tips to encourage civility in local government, and a celebration of the only city in California to be honored with a 2020 All-America City award.  Read more
Cal Cities in the News

The League of California Cities has reappointed City of Burbank Council Member Jess Talamantes to serve as Past-President for the League of California Cities Los Angeles County Division.