The political fray in Sacramento is coming to an end this session. While we have been away this summer enjoying family, travel, and time off, Sacramento has been in action. At this point, bills are either shelved or awaiting the Governor’s signature. All this is happening with the backdrop of the political season for the General Election this November. Your public, likely already saturated in political acrimony, is going to experience more fuel on their political fire in the coming weeks. Batten down the hatches.
The end of the legislative session serves as a reminder of the fight for local control in California, and that immediately makes me think of the League of California Cities. The League is celebrating its 120-year anniversary. That is a big number and a testament to the legacy of the organization and its ability to evolve with the times. California cities have a long history of collaborating and strongly representing themselves in Sacramento, and their success has created a wonderful fabric of communities across our state.
As many of us assemble in Long Beach for the League’s Annual Conference and Expo, take time to reconnect with old friends, but not to the exclusion of making new ones. Mentor a fresh-faced council member. Inject some new ideas in the mind of a veteran mayor. Find ways to measure success and progress in our communities. Uncover a new technology or idea that could help change the way we approach a challenge by walking the exhibit hall floor and talking to exhibitors.
There is going to be a lot of conferring going on on Long Beach this week. Cherish your leadership role and the opportunities you will have to advance your community.
Onward,
