June 2025

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Dear Friends of ILG,

As June unfolds and the fiscal year winds down, we know local government leaders across California are carrying the dual weight of reflection and responsibility. At ILG, we’re inspired by the way you all are navigating this moment with both realism and resolve. We recognize the intense, behind-the-scenes work you are doing to chart a steady course forward for your communities. All three of our affiliates have shared about the complex budget outlook because of state and federal uncertainty, and we’ve included some of the budget highlights below in our Affiliate News section.

This was a key theme during my recent trip to Washington D.C., where I joined hundreds of Sacramento regional leaders for the 53rd Annual Capitol-to-Capitol ("Cap-to-Cap") advocacy program. Our message to our federal representatives was simple: California’s local governments are leading, innovating, and progressing — in disaster preparedness, in operational efficiency, and in workforce and economic development — and they need continued investment to keep that momentum going.

And we know it’s not easy. That’s why our focus remains on offering tools, training, and peer networks that help you adapt and stay connected, no matter what challenges arise. We are actively building new internal infrastructure, systems, and programs to expand our offerings in all four pillar areas. Stay tuned for more webinars, more programs, and more networking opportunities to collaborate with your colleagues across jurisdiction types and learn from others in the trenches. 

As we look ahead to the important fiscal deadlines and responsibilities looming in the second half of the calendar year, we are also taking time in June to to celebrate personal milestones like weddings and graduations, while still remembering to pause and reflect.

In May we celebrated AAPI Heritage month. June is Pride Month, and we want to thank our LGBTQ+ leaders, advocates, and community members for making our communities stronger, brighter, and more vibrant. Your courage and voices inspire us to keep pushing for a more just and inclusive future. This month also marks the fourth year of Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday, but it is more than just a somber milestone in our country's history. The day stands as a celebration of, and testament to, the contributions and unyielding spirit of all Black people. I hope you will join us in that same spirit of celebration. 

Even though we'll take a brief summer hiatus for our monthly newsletter, with our next edition publishing in mid-July, we remain here to help you. In this newsletter, you’ll find valuable training programs, webinars, conferences, and resources designed to help you plan boldly, lead thoughtfully, and stay resilient, even when the road ahead is uncertain. Reach out to us anytime. 

In solidarity,

Erica L. Manuel

CEO & Executive Director

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Placer County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny Joins the ILG Board 

We're excited to welcome Placer County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny to the ILG Board of Directors! Daniel brings over 25 years of comprehensive experience in administrative and fiscal management to his role as County Executive Officer of Placer County. As a proud advocate for the Sierra Foothills region and ILG's liaison to the County Association of County Executives (CACE), Daniel’s insights will be invaluable as we advance effective local government practices.

WEBINARS & TRAININGS

Register Today for ILG's June 11-12 Meeting Mastery Training

Wednesday, June 11 – Thursday, June 12, 2025 10am – 3pm via Zoom

We know many local agencies are struggling with attendance and engagement in community workshops. Do you want to change that? Do you want to have more authentic community conversations? Are you interested in making your meetings more accessible, relevant and engaging for the community?

ILG’s virtual Meeting Mastery facilitation skills and meeting design training has been specifically designed and tailored to meet the needs of local government staff responsible for leading community meetings, workshops, committees, and focus groups. 

You only have a few days left to register for our Meeting Mastery training from Wednesday, June 11 – Thursday, June 12. The two-day virtual training will run from 10am – 3pm each day. Book your spot today! 

SUPPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE FIELD

Championing Local Governments at the 53rd Annual Cap-to-Cap

In early May, ILG CEO & Executive Director Erica L. Manuel joined the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, regional business leaders, elected officials, and changemakers in Washington D.C. for the 53rd Annual Capitol-to-Capitol (“Cap-to-Cap") federal advocacy program.

Alongside 450 attendees, Erica connected with regional and national leaders, promoting the importance of ILG’s workforce development and climate initiatives across the state.

Celebrating the Aggie Square Grand Opening in Sacramento

ILG is advancing public sector jobs with a new collaboration with the Aggie Square initiative led by SETA in the greater Sacramento region. The team celebrated the grand opening of Aggie Square, to spotlight the future of inclusive innovation.

ILG’s Workforce Programs are proud to support initiatives that connect education, local government, and career pathways for the next generation of public servants.

Empowering Imperial Valley Leaders with Public Engagement Training

The ILG team traveled to Calexico to host an all-day Public Engagement Workshop as part of our BOOST Imperial Valley work. In collaboration with the California Strategic Growth Council, we are empowering cities in Imperial County with tools for more inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable public meeting and outreach efforts.

 Recognizing Inclusive Hiring at the Sacramento State Reintegration Job Fair

ILG was part of a powerful turnout at the Reintegration Academy Job Fair, hosted in partnership with Reintegration Academy, Pathway to Careers, The Clover Agency, and Sacramento State.

Funded by California EDD, this event opened doors for justice-impacted young adults—connecting them with employers, training programs, and career pathways. A shining example of what’s possible when opportunity, mentorship, and second chances align. ILG’s Workforce Programs are proud to uplift inclusive hiring and expand access to public sector careers across California.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN READING

Does Mixing Civic Assemblies and Participatory Budgeting Make Either Process Better?

The City of New York wanted to create a program that allowed all New Yorkers to have their voices heard and have a meaningful say in how to spend part of the city budget. They embarked on a multi-year participatory budgeting process that changed the way the city connects with residents and vice versa. Read more here.

Reclaiming Civility: The Cornerstone of Trust and Leadership in Local Government

"Ultimately, civility in governance is not about suppressing disagreement, it’s about engaging in disagreement constructively. It is a form of mutual respect that allows for meaningful dialogue, problem-solving, and progress."

We love this recap article from ILG partner ICMA about the value of civility, especially in times of intense conflict. Read more here.

How One of the Fastest-Growing Cities in Kentucky Used AI to Plan for the Next 25 Years

Bowling Green, Kentucky is hosting one of the largest online civic conversations in the U.S., which will help transform public sentiment into actionable insights for the city’s future. They are using AI to bring exponentially more people than usual into the conversation about the community’s future. Read more here.

Photo from medium.com

ILG AFFILIATE UPDATES AND EVENTS

CSDA General Manager Leadership Summit



Sunday, June 29 – Tuesday July 1, 2025

Olympic Valley, CA

General Managers and emerging leaders come together annually at the California Special District Association's (CSDA) General Manager Leadership Summit to gain insight, make connections and hone their skills. ILG affiliate CSDA offers tailored education specifically for executive manager roles, and attendees can choose sessions designed to keep you current on governance best practices, state laws, human resources, operations, pensions, budgeting, district policies and procedures, risk management, and more! Plus, CSDA provides plenty of interactive networking opportunities! ILG will be hosting a table in the expo to connect special district leaders with ILG programs and services. If you are attending, please come by and say hello! Register today.

Summary of the Revised State Budget

To be fair, policymakers are working in what [Newsom] called a ‘climate of deep uncertainty' amid capricious federal policy changes. The ongoing trade détente will have an outsized impact on California's economy. And as longtime budget watchers know, the state's revenues go up and down with the fortunes of its wealthiest contributors. A budget deficit was all but certain. The only question was how big it would become. The $321.9 billion budget proposal put forth by Newsom accounts for a $12 billion shortfall — not including possible federal spending cuts later this year. Read the full summary here.

Counties Unveil Comprehensive Proposal to Address Homelessness

CSAC’s proposal would enact a proof-of-concept pilot in counties and cities with strong existing working relationships. Those who opt in would agree to clear responsibilities at each level of government, and to streamline the development process for shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing projects. Read more here.

ILG PARTNER UPDATES & EVENTS

Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

Being an effective public speaker is no longer optional. It’s essential to stand out apart from all the noise. At conferences, you’re not just representing your city, district, or agency – you’re representing your values: transparency, service, and good governance. Whether you’re speaking on a panel, presenting a new project, or simply introducing yourself in a breakout session, every interaction shapes how others perceive you and your organization. Learn more about mastering the art of public speaking on the Tripepi Smith website.

BBK Presents Spring 2025 Telecommunications Webinar Series on Wireless Permitting

Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) telecom attorneys are providing weekly webinars for local government staff on how to navigate the complicated landscape of wireless permitting laws, regulations, and best practices.

The series will provide in-depth actionable insights addressing the management of shot clocks, evaluation of eligible facility requests, and a local government’s role in environmental reviews and RF emissions regulations. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about innovative ways to navigate effective prohibition claims, understand other wireless facility types like OTARDs and HAMS, and tips for updating wireless ordinances. Upon completion of the series, participants will be prepared to address complex issues and implement effective and efficient policies for wireless facility development in local communities.

When: Every Wednesday, from April 30 – June 30, 2025

Time: 11:30am – 12pm (PT)

Cost: Complimentary

Register here.

Why Cities Struggle with Rental Registration Data—and How to Fix It

Fragmented long-term rental data is blocking smarter housing policy. This blog focuses exclusively on structured landlord registration programs—not short-term or vacation rentals—highlighting what local governments can do to fix the gaps and why it matters now more than ever. Read more here.

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