Issue

September 2025

Related Content

Article President’s Message By League of California Cities President Lynne B. Kennedy, Ph.D.

Leadership is not just about what we do. It’s where we do it

“I have discovered that leadership is less about style and more about sphere, the arena where we operate at our very best,” writes Cal Cities President Lynne B. Kennedy, Ph.D. “For me, that sphere has always been where community, collaboration, and possibility intersect.”

Article Features By Arthur Goncalves

Being a mayor was like conducting ‘a symphony of voices,’ says Asm. Diane Papan

“As mayor, you can call on certain voices to lower the temperature on a particular issue,” says Asm. Diane Papan. “Everyone gets an opportunity to speak, but it’s about what order you have them speak. The order of things can affect the outcome of a decision.”

Article Special to Cal Cities By Adam Gufarotti

Opinion: We need to return to in-person meetings. Here’s why

“Even though offices are full again, most of our meetings still happen on Zoom or Teams,” writes a department leader from Lake Elsinore. “Don’t get me wrong: Some things needed to change. … [But] We’ve lost something. The way we connect, make decisions, and communicate has shifted, and not always for the better.” 

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

Glendora is trying to house homeless residents. But it needs help to maintain momentum

Glendora plans to convert an assisted living facility into either permanent low-income housing or a mix of transitional and permanent housing. The city, which has spent $5 million thus far, needs to raise another $40-$50 million to make it a reality. 

Article Local Works By Jared Roman

Fast-growing Menifee’s communication strategy helps keep growing pains in check

In its early years, Menifee faced complaints about growth, and residents had few ways to reach the city outside normal business hours. Today, community engagement is crucial to how the city defines itself and the secret to its success.

Article Legal Notes By Greg Murphy, Elena Gerli, Chad Herrington, Justin Tamayo, and Alexandra Mulhall

Six local government transparency changes city officials need to know

The state Legislature has changed several key ethics and transparency rules for local government officials and staff. These range from some good news-bad news tweaks to recusals to changes that impact new housing developments. 

Article Solutions for Cities By Lisa Aubry

How science can help predict fire season behavior and prep

Early this summer, Southern California Edison wildfire science expert Tom Rolinski was in the foothills of Mount Baldy. He could sense summer setting in and with it, an early fire season.

Article Special to Cal Cities By Chris Nigg

Opinion: Lengthy fire equipment delays are putting lives at risk

Across the U.S., departments are struggling with a dire shortage of fire engines and trucks. “It’s just a matter of time before lives are lost as emergency response times lengthen and fire danger rises with climate change,” writes Chris Nigg, a 24-year fire service veteran.