December 7, 2022

Issue highlights: Cal Cities President Ali Sajjad Taj meets with lawmakers as state policymakers kick off the new legislative session Revised retired annuitant regulations open for comment until Dec. 16 Federal grant “bootcamp” registration ends Dec. 9 Cal Cities Advocate will not publish on Dec. 21 or Dec. 28. Our weekly schedule will resume on Jan. 4. Read below for more news and events.

Cal Cities adopts 2023 priorities to ensure fiscal sustainability and safeguard local decision-making The League of California Cities Board of Directors adopted the organization’s 2023 Advocacy Priorities last Friday, demonstrating a stronger than ever commitment to solving the most pressing challenges facing communities throughout the state. The 2023 member-developed and member-led Advocacy Priorities are as follows: Protect and expand investments to prevent and reduce homelessness. Increase the supply and affordability of housing while retaining local decision-making. Improve public safety in California communities. Safeguard essential local revenues and support fiscal sustainability. With its advocacy priorities now set, Cal Cities will begin working immediately to advance this work in the state capitol. Read more

Cal Cities President Ali Sajjad Taj meets with lawmakers as state policymakers kick off the new legislative session

State legislators returned to the capitol on Dec. 5 for the start of the regular 2023 session and a special session on gas prices. The day started with some ceremonial, but very significant actions: Thirty-three new lawmakers were sworn in, 23 of whom have ties to local government. Read more

Revised retired annuitant regulations open for comment until Dec. 16

CalPERS is considering regulations that would limit the type of work certain retirees can do for public agencies. Previous versions of the regulations generated concern about the ability to fill highly technical or seasonal roles. While these changes are significant, more flexibility and clarity are needed. Read more

2023 Planning Commissioners Academy open for registration

Planning commissioners must navigate some of the state’s most ambitious — and controversial — laws while also balancing the needs of their community. The 2023 Planning Commissioners Academy will cover a range of topics, including key housing legislation, CEQA, how to run public meetings, and more. Read more

Learn about key city issues, legal obligations, and more at the New Mayors and Council Members Academy Jan. 18-20 or Feb. 1-3 — Designed for newly elected officials or seasoned officials wanting a refresher, the New Mayors and Council Members Academy covers the basic framework in which city officials operate. This year's academies will cover a range of topics, including effective advocacy and key city issues, how Cal Cities supports you, legal powers and obligations, land use planning, financial responsibilities, and more. Register now

Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative centers health equity Reducing health disparities and increasing health quality is a key part of the state’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. The first round of funding focuses on expanding evidence-based and community-defined evidence practices. The Department of Health Care Services is seeking proposals that scale parent and caregiver support, as well as training services that support youth with emerging or existing mental health and/or substance use disorders. Read more

$240 million available to connect people experiencing homelessness with supportive services and housing The Encampment Resolution Funding Program funds people-centered projects that address the immediate safety and wellness needs of people experiencing homelessness in encampments. Proposals must include a detailed service delivery plan that demonstrates a clear pathway to housing. Applications will be accepted until funding is exhausted or until June 30, 2023. The program prioritizes projects that focus on the most unsafe or persistent encampments. Read more

Federal grant “bootcamp” registration ends Dec. 9 The National League of Cities and Local Infrastructure Hub are accepting applications for five new infrastructure “bootcamps.” The 3-4 month-long program helps cities with populations under 150,000 develop competitive grant applications for the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act. The bootcamps include live learning sessions taught by subject matter experts, coaching sessions, office hours, and opportunities for peer learning. Read more

We must double down on our equity commitments during tougher fiscal times — especially those for unhoused residents With the state foreshadowing some belt-tightening, things could get worse before they get better. Now more than ever, we need to keep fighting to ensure that cities have the resources they need to help our most vulnerable residents. Read more

State and federal funding are advancing environmental justice. Here’s what that means for cities Federal and state governments are funding environmental justice programs at record levels. For some cities, this raises an important question: What is environmental justice? The answer may look different for each city, but the processes are often similar. Read more

So you have diversity: Now what? Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives often stall out due to a lack of personnel, resources, or formal policies. Diversity management is one way that leaders can champion these principles and make meaningful change. Read more

Cal Cities adopts 2023 priorities to ensure fiscal sustainability and safeguard local decision-making, Dec. 5, Public CEO The League of California Cities Board of Directors adopted the organization’s 2023 Advocacy Priorities during its meeting last week, demonstrating a stronger than ever commitment to solving the most pressing challenges facing communities throughout the state. “As we head into a year of budget belt-tightening, city officials are laser-focused on driving solutions to our resident’s most urgent needs,” said League of California Cities President and Artesia Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj. Read more

Dec. 14 Parks and Recreation Roundtable Jan. 18-20 or Feb. 1-3 New Mayors and Council Members Academy Feb. 8-10 City Managers Conference Mar. 8-10 (Save the date!) Public Works Officers Institute

Mar. 29-31 (Save the date!) Planning Commissioners Academy Apr. 12-14 (Save the date!) City Leaders Summit May 17-19 (Save the date!) City Attorneys Spring Conference Sept. 20-22 (Save the date!) Annual Conference and Expo

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