Special to Cal Cities

“Trust in government isn’t built through authority alone,” writes civic facilitator Matt Lehrman. “Too often, local leaders focus on explaining decisions rather than engaging the public in shaping them. Governance works best when people see themselves as active participants, not outsiders to the process.”

“Cities in the Inland Empire are battling severe traffic congestion and deteriorating air quality,” writes Chino Hills Council Member Ray Marquez. “But local governments, along with state and federal partners, are laying the tracks for innovative solutions for the region and beyond.”

Californians consistently cite affordable housing as one of their top concerns. Yet each year, the state falls further behind on its own housing production goals. In some respects, there is little reason to believe this will change any time soon. But there are also reasons to be optimistic.

Cities throughout California, including Ventura, are dealing with an uptick in hate speech during remote public meetings. But just knowing that vile, hateful comments can happen does not fully ready you for a well-organized hate campaign.

Public trust is built in — and with — the community. It cannot be mandated. This article is a first-person account of how the connection between city and citizen develops. Cupertino Council Member Hung Wei reflects on her journey to become an elected official and what it means to be honorable. It serves as an excellent example for Western City magazine’s public trust and ethics issue.