November 30, 2022
Issue highlights:

  • New financial interest law will not apply to 2022 campaign contributions
  • Local Infrastructure Hub launches federal grant “bootcamps” for small and mid-sized cities
  • Policy experts share resources and funding opportunities at Hazard Mitigation Summit

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.
New financial interest law will not apply to 2022 campaign contributions
The Fair Political Practices Committee recently voted 5-0 to issue an opinion that the disqualification obligations in SB 1439 (Glazer) will not apply retroactively to campaign donations received in 2022. The vote is a positive step toward clarifying the impact of SB 1439. Read more
Cities need stable funding and local flexibility to deliver more innovation on homelessness
After the Governor's convening with city, county, and state officials to discuss the latest distribution of HHAP funding, Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Colemen released a statement reiterating cities' commitment to reducing homelessness and the need for long-term funding. Read more
Policy experts share resources and funding opportunities at Hazard Mitigation Summit
Federal, state, and local policy experts highlighted a range of hazard mitigation resources for local governments at November’s Hazard Mitigation Summit in Sacramento. Highlighted resources include new federal funding and guidance, as well as new tools from multiple state offices. Read more
Guide to Local Recovery Update: Nov. 30

Applications for a new set of infrastructure “bootcamps” by the National League of Cities and Local Infrastructure Hub are due Dec. 9. The program helps small and mid-sized cities develop competitive federal grant applications. Applications for a similar technical assistance program from the U.S. Department of Transportation are due Dec. 6. A range of other recovery guides and grants are also available, including those related to housing, energy efficiency, solid waste and recycling, broadband, environmental justice, and climate change. Read more
Last Chance: Municipal Finance Institute registration ends Nov. 30

Dec. 7-8 — High interest rates, record inflation, and other ongoing challenges, combined with changes in work and historic funding packages, have made the job of a city finance director even more complicated. The Municipal Finance Institute equips city finance directors with the tools needed to respond to these challenges, conduct routine business, and build better teams. Register now
Ending tonight: Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar registration closes Nov. 30

Dec. 7-8 — There is more to being a firefighter than just putting out fires. Firefighters also need to be mentally fit due to their uniquely challenging work conditions. The Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar provides fire chiefs and fire service personnel with the information needed to build stronger, more resilient teams and keep their communities safe. Register now
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 that city officials operate in. 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
Cal Cities-sponsored bond agency issues $57 million in tax-exempt bonds for housing in Los Angeles

The California Statewide Communities Development Authority announced the issuance of $57,193,456 in tax-exempt and taxable affordable housing bonds for Miramar Development Apartments in Los Angeles. The new construction will be rent-restricted for extremely-low and low-income residents — households earning less than 30% to 80% of the area median income. Read more
Department of Cannabis Control seeking feedback on retail access grant program

The California Department of Cannabis Control is seeking feedback about the rollout of its retail access grant program, which will support the development and implementation of cannabis retail licensing. One survey is for jurisdictions that have issued permits for cannabis retailers and another is for those that have not issued permits but are considering doing so. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and closes on Dec. 2. Click the links above to take the appropriate survey. 
How the U.S. Supreme Court’s concealed firearm license ruling affects local governments

Over the summer, the U.S. Supreme Court dramatically reshaped the nation’s firearms laws. This change has far-reaching implications for state and local regulations — including California’s “good cause” requirement for concealed firearms licenses. Read more
Newsom to release $1 billion in homelessness funding after calling for more ambitious plans, Nov. 21, The Center Square and Santa Barbara News-Press

Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, released a statement Monday saying that while cities are making progress in addressing homelessness with the funding available, “more is needed." "Supporting homeless and unsheltered Californians is a responsibility shared by the state, cities, and counties,” Coleman said. “Tougher fiscal times may be in our future so now is not the time to cut back or delay much-needed homelessness funding any longer. Now is the time to double down on long-term investments to address homelessness and support our collective efforts.” Read more
Dec. 7-8
Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar

Dec. 7-8
Municipal Finance Institute

Dec. 7-9
City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar

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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