Topic - Municipal Finance Archive

	Title	Issue
	If You Rebuild It They Will Come: How State-Local Partnerships Have Changed the Face of California and Its Cities Today multiple bills are pending to recreate tax-increment financing. It requires vision, persistence and enough public investment to attract private capital and development that produce much-needed jobs for Californians. By Chris McKenzie	May 2013
	City Officials Speak to Budget Cuts Local elected officials weigh in on current challenges and priorities.	May 2013
	Opportunities to Save Pension Costs Through Collective Bargaining After Pension Reform The Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 mandates uniform, generally lower benefit formulas for all “new members” of California public agency defined benefit retirement plans. By Robert A. Blum	April 2013
	The Impact of Our Crumbling Infrastructure on California’s Economy The state’s goals around reducing greenhouse gas emissions are based on a vision that concentrates growth in urban cores and utilizes transit. To meet these goals, cities must be able to make much-needed infrastructure upgrades and repairs to support this vision. By Bill Bogaard	February 2013
	Making Drug Dealers Pay For Law Enforcement Cities are increasingly using civil actions rather than criminal prosecution to curb illegal drug sales within their borders. Often such actions are taken either under general nuisance laws or the California Drug Abatement Act. However, the California Unfair Competition Law has also been used effectively to curb drug sales and close down businesses where drugs are sold. By Brian I. Hamblet	February 2013
	Partnerships Make Roadways Safer In tough economic times expectations remain high for cities to provide quality public services and facilities, though resources to fund desired projects are scarce. One strategy for overcoming limited resources is to combine forces with other agencies and organizations to leverage expertise, staff time and funding. By Jennifer Armer and Steve Sanders	February 2013
	Perris Reaches Out to Make Sewer System Upgrade Possible How one city overcame significant community resistance.	February 2013
	2012 Legislative Year In Review While the past few years have presented major challenges for cities, the events of 2012 included some bright spots as well. This article presents an overview of the year’s legislative developments and the League’s achievements. It also poses some questions to keep in mind as the new session begins. By Dan Carrigg	January 2013
	Making Strides on Public Pension Reform The League made pension reform its top strategic priority in 2012 and succeeded in accomplishing this goal as the legislative session concluded. By Chris McKenzie	November 2012
	A New Approach to Financing Energy Efficiency A new program gives local governments access to tax-exempt financing for sustainable energy investments and projects. By John Byrne and Jon Penkower	November 2012