Issue highlights:
Read below for more news and events.
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SB 423 (Wiener) would greatly expand SB 35 (Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017) provisions and eliminate the Jan. 1, 2026 sunset date, permanently requiring cities to ministerially approve certain housing projects without public input or environmental review. SB 423 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Housing on March 21.
Voice your OPPOSITION by submitting a letter to the Senate Committee on Housing and your legislator. If your Senator is on the committee, it is important to submit a letter and call them to express your opposition!
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Despite high-profile housing fights, painful state budget cuts, and extreme weather, cities have a lot to be positive about in the Legislature. Many of the bills with the biggest impacts to cities would be beneficial. Of course, there are areas where local leaders will vehemently disagree with the Legislature. Read more
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Do you have a keen understanding of the complex issues facing California's cities and how they are responding? Consider serving on the 2023-24 League of California Cities Board of Directors. Board members play a key role in shaping both state policy and the actions of Cal Cities. Applications are due April 26. Read more
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This year’s overall winner, Stanislaus County, is recognized for its innovative bridge restoration that preserves a vital connection between the city of Waterford and the community of Hickman. Also recognized are Fresno and Tehama counties and the cities of Monterey and Berkeley. Read more
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More cities could be eligible for a new greenhouse gas reduction grant and federal agencies are accepting applications for a technical assistance program and environmental justice grant program. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research is also hosting a series of webinars to help local governments navigate the complex landscape of federal funding opportunities. Read more
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Monday, March 27, 2:00 p.m. — Changes to the state’s fire hazard zones will have major impacts on local land use policies and wildfire management. Areas in both the Fire Hazard Severity Zone State Responsibility Area Map and the soon-to-be-released Local Responsibility Area Map have been recategorized into different severity levels. Join city and state officials to learn about the maps’ methodology, as well as their effect on future insurance costs, fire mitigation efforts, planning, and zoning. Register today
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The City Leaders Summit is not just an opportunity to advocate for cities’ top legislative priorities at the Capitol. It is also a chance to meet with county partners and sharpen leadership skills through timely educational sessions. On the first day, Cal Cities will hold a special joint convening with the California State Association of Counties on preventing and reducing homelessness. April 12 also includes a full day of lobbying and briefings on high priority legislative issues. Read more
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Cal Cities is seeking session proposals for the state's premier municipal education event: the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo. Taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, Sept. 20-22, the conference will bring together local officials and policy experts for three days of learning, sharing, and problem-solving. Submissions from individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations on any topic of interest are welcome. Read more
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Cal Cities is looking for volunteers to help shape this year's Annual Conference and Expo. Volunteers will provide feedback on proposed educational sessions to ensure the programming meets the needs of Cal Cities members. Volunteers will receive an email in mid-April with a packet of session descriptions and a link to an online survey. It will take between two and four hours to evaluate the session proposals and complete the survey. Read more
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Personal vehicle use is the most significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in California. The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program funds affordable housing developments and housing-related infrastructure, sustainable transportation infrastructure, and transportation-related amenities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit Disadvantaged Communities. Applications are due April 4. Read more
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California is experiencing more frequent and severe impacts of climate change. The Adaption Planning Grant Program helps meet local planning needs, identify climate resilience priorities, develop climate resilient infrastructure projects, and increase access to additional funding sources. There should be a minimum of one co-applicant in addition to the lead applicant. Apply by March 31. Read more
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The Green Schoolyards grants program helps protect California's most vulnerable children from increasing temperatures and extreme heat. Funding may be used for projects that invest in nature-based climate solutions and are centered around improving environmental conditions and experiences for school children. Eligible uses include planting trees, staff recruitment, and curriculum development. Applications are due April 28. Read more
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Cal Cities is accepting applications for the 2023 California Civic Leadership Institute (CCLI). The year-long program gives legislative candidates a broad, in-depth understanding of critical issues affecting the state and creates lasting bonds between rising political leaders. The CCLI includes a two-day educational boot camp, a policy field trip, and other educational opportunities. Read more
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State officials, county officials, and other stakeholders held the first Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act Working Group meeting in February. The working group seeks to provide coordination and ongoing engagement and collaboration among stakeholders throughout the county implementation process. A recording of the full meeting and presentation is now available. Read more
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A lack of buildable terrain, funding, and skilled labor, as well as the threat of wildfires, makes building affordable, multifamily housing difficult in California’s rural, mountainous communities. Until 2023, Nevada City’s last large, multifamily development was built in 2001. Before that, the 1980s. So, what changed? Read more
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Mar. 27
Mar. 29-31
Apr. 12-14
May 17-19
Sept. 20-22 (Save the date!)
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Dec. 13-14 (Save the date!)
Dec. 13-15 (Save the date!)
Dec. 14-15 (Save the date!)
Jan. 24-26 (Save the date!)
Feb. 7-9 (Save the date!)
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