Personnel

Overview

Personnel

Article By Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo speakers

Labor relations, ethics, and litigation: What cities need to know

To the uninitiated, public service seemed relatively straightforward. You run for office and serve your term or you apply for the position, just like any other job. However, due to the nature of their position, city officials are governed by a complex set of laws and principles that do not necessarily apply in the private sector. Moreover, many officials are part of unions or local employee associations, which are also governed by their set of laws and principles. 

Article By Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo speakers

Pension costs: What cities need to know about the discount rate, Asset Liability Management process, and 115 trusts

Public agencies continue to navigate through the damaging effects that COVID-19 has had on their revenues, general fund returns, and the economy. Meanwhile, their pension obligations continue to grow, putting further strain on their impacted budgets. Pension systems face an uncertain economic outlook with discount rate targets that are mismatched with future expected returns.

Article By Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo speakers

Digital city hall: How data, social media, and new technologies are changing public service

City leaders have more data and ways to interact with their residents than ever before. However, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Many leaders, especially those operating on shoestring budgets and staff, may have difficulty cutting through the noise to find the right data points, if they have the time to do so at all. Additionally, regardless of their ability to leverage data, all city leaders must contend with the legal challenges of an increasingly polarized, negative, and at times, hostile, public discourse on social media. 

Article By Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo speakers

New challenges, new solutions: How city leaders are creating safer communities

Keeping families and communities safe is one of the primary functions of city government. The last few years have brought new challenges, such as a sharp increase in cybercrimes, a lack of dedicated resources for critical issues, and recent legislative changes that require new ways of approaching old problems. Here are three ways city leaders and industry experts are increasing public safety in California’s cities.

Santa Clarita prepares for “silver tsunami” with Gold Star College Internship Program

Through Santa Clarita’s College Internship Program interns get a taste of work life after completing their degree and gain exposure to key aspects of local government. The city benefits because it develops the next generation of public sector employees and provides professional development opportunities for current employees. Santa Clarita’s succession planning strategy has proven to be a success and can serve as a model for other cities as they work to develop future city employees and leaders. 

Article Features by Rich Garbarino

South San Francisco Develops Equity Solutions Tailored to the Community

As elected officials, we have the responsibility to work toward the goals of equality and justice for all in the services we provide to our diverse residents. It’s imperative that we commit to addressing systemic racial bias wherever and whenever we encounter it and provide greater access, transparency, and oversight to build strong trust within our communities.

Article President’s Message by Cheryl Viegas Walker

Hope Is Not a Strategy, but It Is a Requirement for Leadership

It’s helpful to remember that leadership isn’t always about remaining stoic and displaying optimism. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is both human and acceptable, especially in relentlessly difficult circumstances.

Article Features by Ken Pulskamp

Leadership in a Time of Uncertainty, Fear, and Recovery

In many ways, 2020 has been incredibly difficult for California’s public servants. Learn from city managers and a mayor on the front lines.

Article by Rachael Sanders and Charlie Francis

Is Your City Really Prepared for Rising Pension Costs?

By Rachael Sanders and Charlie Francis Revenues are not keeping pace with pension expenses. Learn how your city can prepare for ongoing economic uncertainty.

Article

2020 Annual Conference Expo Exhibitors

League Partners’ names appear in bold. Institute for Local Government Partners are italicized. CitiPAC supporters are marked with an asterisk. The list is current as of Sept. 18, 2020. For an updated list, visit www.cacities.org/expo.

Article Features by Katie Pebler

2020 Annual Conference & Expo
Maximize Your Virtual Annual Conference Experience: 10 Ways to Prep Like a Pro

Get practical tips for a valuable and memorable experience.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government by Erica Manuel

Coronavirus Lockdowns Spark a Boom in Online Learning

Don’t miss ILG’s upcoming sessions on virtual community engagement, SB 1383 organic waste requirements, essential ethics training, and more.

Article Local Works by Heather Cousin

Libraries Respond in Crisis and Beyond

Library staff throughout California put on masks and gloves and transformed their work with new processes and procedures and with safety and community service as their top priorities.

Article President’s Message by John F. Dunbar

An Unconventional Year

In circumstances as transformative as a global pandemic and a groundswell of civil unrest, effective leadership requires the ability to adapt.

Article Features by Brian P. Walter and Alexander Volberding

Best Practices to Avoid Employment Litigation Related to COVID-19

Brian P. Walter is a partner with the law firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and can be reached at bwalter@lcwlegal.com. Alexander Volberding is an associate with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and can be reached at avolberding@lcwlegal.com.

Article Features by Jennifer Whiting

Register Now for the Reimagined 2020 Annual Conference & Expo, Oct. 7—9

This year’s virtual event offers numerous advantages for attendees and cities.

Article Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

A New Day: How the League Has Adapted to COVID-19

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the League remains a strong organization that continues providing the resources cities need to make informed decisions for their communities

Article Features by Ken Pulskamp

Is a Virtual Workforce Our New Normal?

After employees get a taste for working remotely, they may not want to return to the way things were before.

Article Features by Curtis Wright

Code Enforcement During a Pandemic: Lessons Learned

Many cities have employed code enforcement staff in unique ways to protect the public and advance pandemic protocols.

Article Features by Michael More

Money-Saving Tips for Your City’s Supplemental Defined Benefit Plan

A city can save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually by reducing fees on these legacy plans.