California’s massive state budget surplus dominated every
legislative conversation this year and lawmakers competed
fiercely to ensure their priorities were passed. Through it all,
Cal Cities fought for the best interests of cities: Cal Cities
tracked or engaged with 1,430 bills and protected cities’
interests in the courts, at the federal level, and in the
regulatory arena.
Many city leaders weathered the nonstop crises of the last few
years by relying on the fundamental tenants of good governance.
With nearly 90 years of experience between them, these six former
mayors have invaluable advice for new council members or those
who want to take their leadership to the next level.
Many looked at Paradise after the Camp Fire and saw a “clean
slate” — a chance to rebuild completely anew. However, town
leaders and the private owners of thousands of the now vacant
parcels needed to come together before they could move forward.
Local officials understand the importance of shifting past
divisive campaign rhetoric and focusing on how to effectively,
collaboratively, and collegially carry out the duties that voters
expect them to fulfill. Just as there is strength in
collaboration at the local level, there’s strength in
collaboration at Cal Cities.
Labor shortages and high staff turnover have created challenges
for both employers and employees. Taking cues from other sectors,
city governments have found creative and proactive ways to
address workforce gaps and create sustainable organizations.