A MESSAGE FROM ILG'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | |
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Hello Friends of ILG,
The Institute for Local Government wishes you a happy Earth Month!
Collaboration is key to community resilience and this month’s newsletter will celebrate some critical partnerships that advance regional and state sustainability goals. We’ll feature events, programs and funding opportunities that highlight climate resiliency and sustainable community planning. ILG’s Sustainable and Resilient Communities team is working hard to support jurisdictions across the state by providing technical assistance, public engagement and climate resiliency resources to cities, counties, and special districts looking to make their communities more sustainable places to live. We are grateful to the hundreds of jurisdictions we currently partner with and would love to help your agency achieve its goals as well.
In my video message and the following newsletter, you’ll find many excellent resources that celebrate Earth Month and other activities happening this month, including a first-ever joint homelessness Summit hosted by CSAC and Cal Cities.
California local governments are climate action leaders, and we hope you join us in uplifting your agency’s sustainability projects and successes. Tag us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn so we can celebrate and share your great work.
In community,
Erica L. Manuel
CEO & Executive Director
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ILG WELCOMES 4 NEW BOARD MEMBERS | |
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ILG is led by a board of directors that is committed to our core values of collaboration, service, commitment, equity, inclusion and trust. These leaders are staunch advocates for the public sector and are an excellent example of good governance at the local level.
We’re excited to welcome four new board members in 2023.
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Jaron Brandon, County Supervisor, Tuolumne County, At-large Member
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Rhonda Duggan, County Supervisor, Mono County, CSAC Representative
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Justin Lovell, Director of Administrative Services, West County Wastewater District, MMANC Representative
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Lorenzo Rios, CEO, Clovis Veterans Memorial District, At-large Member
Read more about ILG’s board here.
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A Conversation with ILG's SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective Partner
In honor of Earth Month, ILG sat down with one of our project partners, Senior Regional Planner Christine Corrales with the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG). Team ILG is proud to work alongside Christine and many other partners on the Stockton Mobility Collective project, which is funded by a grant from the California Air Resources Board’s Sustainability Transportation and Equity Program (STEP).
What is the SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective? What is your role?
San Joaquin Council of Governments’ (SJCOG) Stockton Mobility Collective is a project that aims to improve transportation options for residents looking for clean, affordable ways to travel to jobs, schools, healthcare, grocery stores and other key destinations. The project provides access to nonprofit electric bikesharing and carsharing programs and incentives to reduce the cost burden of transportation where the need is greatest. The project also includes extensive community engagement activities, a workforce development program, and enhancement of the existing Vamos EZHub Mobile App that enables transit riders in San Joaquin County to plan, pay, and ride all the transit systems across the region. The SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective is funded by a $7.4 million Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) grant awarded by the California Air Resources Board. My role, as senior regional planner for SJCOG, is to serve as project manager for the Stockton Mobility Collective. I am responsible for administering the STEP grant, tracking overall progress on the project, and supporting the project team in implementing grant funded activities.
How is the SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective work contributing to Stockton and California’s sustainability goals?
The SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective puts an emphasis on providing clean transportation options. We believe that offering electric pedal assist bikeshare and electric carshare can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, Stockton and San Joaquin County experience some of the worst air quality in the nation. By expanding access to zero emission transportation options, especially in impacted communities like South Stockton, the project is directly contributing to better air quality while also providing meaningful mobility access in the community.
What phase of the project is the SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective working on now? What’s the next milestone?
On April 1, 2023, SJCOG and its partners celebrated the official launch of these programs in Stockton. This milestone means that the project team will be very active in the community in the coming spring and summer months to get the word out about the programs being offered by the SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective. If we can get upwards of 1000 membership sign ups across the e-bikeshare, e-carshare, and mobility incentives programs, that would indicate to SJCOG and our partners that there is strong interest in the programs. Reaching these numbers also helps us gather feedback on what is working well and what can be improved. After all, these kinds of programs are new in the region, and SJCOG hopes to glean some insights to shape what next steps we will take to replicate and expand the impact of these programs beyond Stockton and for the San Joaquin region.
What has been your favorite part of the STEP project so far?
From my perspective, the most challenging and rewarding part of the SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective is the collaboration between the agency and its partners. In order to standup e-bikesharing and e-carsharing in Stockton, SJCOG has had to partner with a diverse range of organizations including government agencies, tech firms, nonprofits, community based organizations, businesses, and property owners. There is so much excitement and support across Stockton. With each new partner joining the collective it feels like we’re expanding the tent of stakeholders who want to implement sustainable, equitable transportation options across the city and region.
Are there any upcoming community events that you’d like to get the word out about?
The SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective will be participating in community events and gatherings throughout the spring to help community members learn and sign up for the different programs. We will be at the following events and for more info about our upcoming schedule please visit www.sjcog.org/smc:
- Catholic Charities EV Test Drive Event: Saturday, April 8th
- Stockton Earth Day Festival: Sunday, April 23rd
- Cinco De Mayo Festival: Sunday, May 7th
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JOINT CITY/COUNTY HOMELESSNESS SUMMIT | |
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Historic County-City Summit on Homelessness
Wednesday, April 12
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Sacramento, CA
On April 12, CSAC and Cal Cities are hosting the first-ever joint City-County summit on homelessness where County and City leaders will embark on a path to create a comprehensive statewide plan to address homelessness.
Attendees will hear from the Newsom Administration and legislative leaders and explore what works and what doesn’t with paired leaders from cities and counties. All attendees will gain the information they need to support an effective homelessness response system with clear roles and responsibilities as well as sustainable funding included.
Learn more.
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UPCOMING ILG WORKSHOPS & TRAININGS | |
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Regional Planning Commissioner Trainings
Only two in-person sessions left:
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Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Yuba and Sutter Counties, April 14, 2023
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Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas and Modoc Counties | POSTPONED
These trainings are offered in-person, free of charge, exclusively for city and county planning commissioners; designed to benefit both new and seasoned professionals. In each training session, we reserve time to network and discuss local planning challenges and opportunities that are specific for each region. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and learn from fellow planning commissioners about best practices, emerging trends and lessons learned. Learn more and sign up for a training.
This training series is hosted by ILG in partnership with HCD and Placeworks.
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WEBINAR
Sustainability at Every Size: How Any Local Government Can Move the Needle on Climate
Tuesday, April 18
2:00-3:00pm
Climate action is key to more a sustainable and resilient future. But lots of cities, counties and special districts are stretched thin with competing priorities and limited capacity. To address local agencies’ evolving needs, ILG developed the Beacon Program to provide positive recognition, resources, and best practices for cities, counties, and special districts of all sizes. On this webinar, participants will hear from recent Beacon Award winners about how different types of agencies of various sizes have implemented innovative and equitable sustainability projects, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and moved the needle toward a more sustainable California. We’ll also share more information about the Beacon Program and how your agency can participate, get tips and tools and receive the recognition you deserve!
Register today.
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BEACON AWARDS OPEN TO CITIES & COUNTIES | |
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Beacon Awards Open to Cities & Counties April 7
Cities and counties are invited to apply for Beacon Vanguard, Spotlight, and Leadership & Innovation awards from April 7 through July 7, 2023.
The special district award submission window for Leadership and Innovation awards also runs now through May 1, 2023.
Our Beacon Program helps local agencies understand the actions they can take - from clean energy to efficient transportation, adaptation planning, community engagement, and more - that are aimed at reducing emissions, saving energy, and building resilience. Through Beacon, local agencies gain access to best practices, resources, technical assistance, and peer support, and are eligible to earn annual award recognition.
The Beacon Vanguard and Spotlight awards recognize voluntary actions of cities and counties to undertake climate and sustainability programming. Learn more about each category and what data to submit for award consideration.
The Beacon Leadership and Innovation awards celebrate the efforts of cities, counties and special districts to implement collaborative, inclusive, and equitable climate resilience and adaptation programming in their communities.
Whether your agency is a Beacon participant or not, you are invited to submit an innovative project, program, plan, or policy your agency has implemented for Leadership and Innovation award consideration in the following categories:
- Leadership in Climate Resilience and Adaptation
- Equity and Engagement in Climate Resilience and Adaptation
- Cross-Agency Collaboration in Climate Resilience and Adaptation
- Innovation in Energy
- Innovation in Clean Transportation
Learn more and apply today. For questions, contact Nikita Sinha at nsinha@ca-ilg.org
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CLIMATE PLANNING SURVEY FOR LOCAL GOV'T | |
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Climate Planning Survey for Local Governments Open Until April 7
ILG is working with the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment (CLEE) at UC Berkeley to survey California local governments’ climate activity. Local governments play a critical role in addressing existing climate challenges and planning for future ones. Over the next decade, cities, counties, and special districts will be the beneficiaries of major climate investments from the California Climate Budget, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act. Local governments must have policies and programs in place to fully realize these investments’ climate and equity benefits.
This survey is designed to collect information on climate plans, actions and opportunities, and barriers to progress. Local government staff with expertise and/or resources related to climate planning will be the best suited to fill out the Climate Activity Survey on behalf of their jurisdiction or agency. Results from the Climate Activity Survey will inform targeted policy and program recommendations that reflect the unique opportunities and challenges faced by California’s cities, counties, and special districts. Your participation in the survey supports these efforts and will help shape the development of climate planning resources to aid local governments.
You may direct any questions to Hanna Payne (hanna.payne@berkeley.edu) and Roberto C. Torres (rtorres@ca-ilg.org). The survey will close on Friday, April 7th.
Fill out the survey today.
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NEW CLIMATE RESILIENCE FUNDING OPPORTUNITY | |
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$99.2 Million Available for Community-Led Climate Resilience Projects
The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) announced $99.2 million in funding is now available to underserved communities to plan and implement neighborhood-serving capital infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and the environment, and expand economic opportunity for residents. Round 5 of the Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC), which will award Implementation Grants up to $29.5 million, Project Development Grants up to $5 million, and Planning Grants up to $300,000, will support the communities most impacted by pollution to choose their own goals, strategies, and projects to drive transformation in their neighborhoods.
Learn more and apply.
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Team ILG Brings AB 1234 and AB 1661 Trainings to Planning Commissioners Academy
ILG hosted two ethics session panels with our partner Hanson Brigdett LLP and Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC at last month’s League of California Cities Planning Commissioners Academy. The two sessions fulfilled newly elected official’s training requirements for AB 1234 (ethics training) and AB 1661 (sexual harassment prevention).
Attendees also received MCLE credit for “AB 1234 Training: Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles,” and “AB 1661 Training: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for City Officials.” (ILG is a State Bar of California minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) approved provider and the organization certifies both these trainings meet the standards for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the total amount of 2 hours (general credits). Provider #13881.)
ILG's Senior Program Manager Melissa Kuehne also moderated a roundtable discussion "Planning for the Future: Creative Strategies and Lessons Learned". The session covered the challenges cities across the state are struggling with, including meeting increased housing needs in their communities. The panel of experts from local government and the private sector discussed creative policies, community engagement techniques, financing tools, and other innovative strategies to help meet community, regional, and state priorities.
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ILG Hosts Dozens of Leaders at our Spring Public Engagement Training
In March, ILG kicked off its first TIERS Public Engagement training of 2023, leading dozens of local government leaders through our innovative public engagement curriculum.
The two-day TIERS training gives practitioners at all levels a step-by-step framework that helps jurisdictions of any size master the public engagement process and build trust in their communities. ILG offers several TIERS trainings throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye out for our next registration period later this year.
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ILG Joins San Joaquin County Leaders for SJCOG Stockton Mobility Collective Project Launch
ILG helped launch the Stockton Mobility Collective project in South Stockton on April 1. In addition to Team ILG, hundreds of residents attended the event with special remarks by:
- Christopher Callahan, President, University of the Pacific
- Stephan Castellanos, Board Member, San Joaquin Regional Transit District
- Diane Nguyen, Executive Director, SJCOG
- Robert Rickman, Chair, San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors & Chair of SJCOG
- Kimberly Warmsley, Councilmember, District 6, City of Stockton
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WATCH OUR WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP PANEL | |
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Did you miss our recent webinar "LEADING LOCAL: Local Government Women in Leadership Virtual Panel"? Access the recording here.
About the Webinar
Leadership isn’t easy. But California local governments are blessed with many phenomenal women leaders. This virtual panel highlighted some prominent women leaders across the state, including experts from a range of local government jurisdictions who shared insights about their journeys through local government leadership.
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Western City: Eureka Uplifts Vulnerable Residents with Social Services Program
In 2019, an estimated 653 people were experiencing homelessness on any given night in Eureka according to that year’s Point-In-Time Count. But the city is steadily and proactively reversing these trends thanks to Uplift Eureka. Since launching in 2019, the program has housed over 120 individuals and helped more than 200 people obtain employment. The total number of people experiencing homelessness on any night has dropped to 498 according to the latest Point-In-Time Count. Read more.
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CSDA Magazine: The Scorching Effect of Heat Islands
Anyone who has felt the difference between standing on a natural surface in the shade of a tree or standing in the blazing sun on an asphalt parking lot can understand the concept of a “heat island.” What you may not realize is the large-scale lasting effect of these significantly elevated temperatures in areas dominated by both impervious (impenetrable by water) surfaces including asphalt and concrete, and porous but still heat capturing surfaces like black mulch and artificial lawns. Read more.
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Forbes: Women Continuing to Face Alarmingly High Levels of Burnout, Stress In the "New Normal" of Work
The responses from Deloitte's recent survey of 5,000 women in the workplace, make clear that the disruption caused by the pandemic as well as shifts to the “new normal” of work are taking a heavy toll on women. Burnout, for example, has reached alarmingly high levels. Additionally, many women have made career and life decisions driven by their experiences with burnout over the past year. For some, this has meant seeking new, more flexible working patterns; for others, it has meant leaving their employers or the workforce entirely. Read more.
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ILG is the nonprofit training and education affiliate of the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties and the California Special Districts Association. | |
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WEBINAR
City Leaders Summit Preview on Advocacy Priorities
Thursday, April 6
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Are you lobbying at the Capitol for the City Leaders Summit or just need information about the top legislative items facing cities? Join the Cal Cities Advocacy team to learn which issues to focus your advocacy efforts on during the Summit and beyond. This preview will provide information on Cal Cities’ 2023 Advocacy Priorities, including homelessness, housing, public safety, and fiscal sustainability, along with Cal Cities’ budget asks: $3 billion for housing and homelessness and $1 billion to repay unfunded state mandates.
Complete your registration by noon on April 5, 2023. This webinar is complimentary to Cal Cities Members and Cal Cities Partners. Nonmember cities and other government entities will be charged $150. Please note that registration is limited to 1,000 people.
For questions about how to register for the webinar, please contact Megan Dunn. For all other questions, please contact Christina George.
Please review Cal Cities’ event and meeting policies.
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CSAC 2023 Legislative Conference Registration Now Open!
April 12-13, 2023
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Sacramento, CA
Registration for the CSAC 2023 Legislative Conference is now open! The conference provides the perfect forum to receive the latest policy information from state leaders, issue experts and CSAC staff. Register here.
Tell Your County Homelessness Story
CSAC is putting together a multimedia package on homelessness affecting California Counties, and they need your help. Each county supervisor has the chance to sit in front of CSAC's camera and tell them your county story.
Spend a maximum of three minutes explaining how homelessness is impacting your district and county. What are your unique local challenges? What are your needs? Are there areas and/or programs where your county has found successes?
In addition to your clip contributing to the larger CSAC multimedia project, CSAC will provide your video to you for use on your social media or website!
If you are interested in recording a video, please contact CSAC Video Production Supervisor Michael Sweet to get onto the recording schedule.
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City Attorneys Spring Conference
May 17-19, 2023
Hyatt Regency Monterey
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA
Join the League of California Cities for three days of educational content and networking at the next Spring Conference.
The conference provides city attorneys with in-depth information about the latest municipal law issues, along with opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the state. Previous topics included emerging issues related to revenue measures, police reform and qualified immunity, housing legislation, and more. MCLE credits are offered.
Learn more and register today.
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General Manager Leadership Summit
June 25-27, 2023
Everline Resort & Spa
400 Squaw Creek Rd, Olympic Valley, CA
The General Manager Leadership Summit offers fantastic networking and professional development opportunities for special district general managers and other management staff from districts of all types and sizes throughout California.
Come together with others facing the same challenges and opportunities, learn from expert instructors, and return to your district refreshed and reenergized. Consider sending an emerging leader from your district to this conference – it could be the first step in preparing our next generation of special district general managers.
ILG CEO & Executive Director Erica Manuel will also be moderating a panel on Adaptive Leadership at the Summit.
Learn more and register today.
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Kosmont Podcast: Why the Surplus Land Act is Important for Developers to Understand
Several members of the Kosmont Realty team joined a recent Crexi podcast episode covering the Surplus Land Act and a changing regulatory landscape in California housing. In this episode, Crexi’s Yannis Papadakis and guest host Bob Drury sit down with Larry Kosmont and Brian Moncrief of Kosmont Realty to discuss what a shifting regulatory landscape in California’s affordable housing sector means for the future of the state’s multifamily industry and how it serves as a signpost for the rest of the country. Listen to the episode.
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California JPIA Capstone Award Nominations
Do you know an outstanding individual exemplifying the practice of risk management in the public sector? The California JPIA presents the Capstone Award each year to an individual who best exemplifies the practice of risk management by working to support risk management efforts, developing loss control programs, and coordinating systems that support their agency’s risk management efforts. The deadline to submit a name for nomination is April 12, 2023. Submit a nomination.
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SCE: Readying Your Community for the Coming Wave of Electric Vehicles
New electric vehicle (EV) sales in California are hitting record highs as more people and segments of economy transition to zero-emission vehicles. That trend will only accelerate as the state phases-out the sale of new gas-powered vehicles and more consumers choose EVs to avoid high gas prices. Southern California Edison (SCE) is committed to helping customers make that transition through a multifaceted approach focused on affordability, awareness, and the availability of EV charging infrastructure. Read more.
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Granicus: How Digital- and Community-Focused Thinking Helped Milpitas Create Effective Short Term Rental Compliance
When Milpitas, CA, a culturally diverse community in Silicon Valley, saw an uptick in short-term rentals (STRs), it became clear that a new ordinance was needed to address concerns before they grew more prominent. With a digital-first mindset, the Planning department integrated Granicus host compliance tools from the earliest stages of ordinance development, Milpitas created a system that has seen an immediate and dramatic improvement in bringing short-term rentals into compliance. Read more.
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Peckham & McKenney Effective Cover Letter and Resume Webinar
Executive search firm Peckham & McKenney shares best practices for candidates to draft an effective cover letter and resume. Retired police chief Diana Bishop and retired city manager Tara Schultz provide their insights to prospective candidates looking for a career in local government. Watch the webinar.
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CLEAResult Public Energy Performance Program
CLEAResult is delivering a new, no cost program to help your organization reach your sustainability, energy efficiency and carbon emissions goals--the Public Energy Performance (PEP) program. Cities, counties, special districts, federal and tribal governments, public and private schools, and private colleges in the SCE service area are eligible for participation in this free program. Learn more.
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Tripepi Smith: Should Your City Adopt a Citywide Governance Policy?
As hundreds of agencies throughout the state are driven by the California Voting Rights Act to change to “by-district” elections, some cities are standing up for their belief that each city council member should continue to serve all community members – regardless of the district in which residents reside. Whether or not you determine a Citywide Governance Policy makes sense for your city, know that Tripepi Smith is available to assist with any of your districting/redistricting engagement needs. Read more.
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