February 2012

Social Contract Is the Cornerstone of Effective State-Local Relations

Maintaining our social contract with state legislators is easier when we first make an effort to understand their perspective and work style, rather than just expecting them to vote a certain way.

by Mike Kasperzak

Protect Local Control by Supporting CitiPAC

A strong and well-funded political action committee is essential to deterring initiative efforts that would cut funds for local programs, weaken local decision-making or transfer state...

by Eva Spiegel

Cathedral City Takes a Smart Approach to Water

A grant program helps homeowners eliminate their thirsty landscaping and use a drought-tolerant xeriscape approach instead.

Tips for Building and Maintaining Relationships in a Term-Limited Legislature

City officials should consider changes brought about by term limits.

by Dan Carrigg

The “Front Page” Test: An Easy Ethics Standard

As an elected official and public servant, your actions and words are often subject to intense public scrutiny. Thinking about how the average constituent on the street will perceive your actions...

Project Labor Agreements: What You Need To Know

Cities and other public entities are generally required to put significant contracts out for competitive bidding and to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder. Sometimes a decision is...

by Lan Wang