Features Archive

2014 Legislative Year in Review

League actions in 2014 included sponsoring and supporting legislation on infrastructure, economic development and the redevelopment dissolution process. Other efforts focused on improving the regulatory framework for medical marijuana and restoring local control over massage establishments.

By Dan Carrigg

Electronic Transparency and Open Data: A Movement Worth Joining

Taking information that local agencies already have and making it open to the public reduces in-house costs and builds efficiencies for both staff and constituents. In the past the public typically had to request this data through a public records request, which could take days or weeks to produce results. Cities can now share that data online proactively and let others analyze and use it in various ways.

by Lea Deesing

On the Record

League Provides Municipal Financial Health Diagnostic Tool

California’s economy is improving, and local revenues are picking up. But fiscal challenges remain, especially in the area of escalating costs. More cities are heading into financial peril. This new tool helps a city identify areas of fiscal concern that should be addressed to avert fiscal crisis.

by Michael Coleman

The Balanced Triangle and the City Clerk’s Role in Local Government

The clerk’s role is to ensure proper process and open, transparent government. As professional managers, clerks are uniquely qualified to do just that.

by Lee Price

PREVIEW: 2014 Annual Conference & Expo Highlights

Attend educational sessions and hear speakers with inspiring ideas.

By Anna Swanson

Annual Conference Expo Exhibitors

On the Record

Engaging Your City’s Youth Through the Arts

Cities can participate directly in youth arts programs that have lasting impacts.

By Mary Beth Barber

Making the Case for Fracking

Expanded production of the Monterey Shale Formation could create new jobs.

By Catherine Reheis-Boyd