Executive Director's Message

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Finding Solutions to the Affordable Housing Shortage

Significant barriers and disincentives constrain the production of housing. These include local and national economic and job market conditions, challenges for developers and a lack of funding and…

Article Executive Director's Message Dan Carrigg

Proposition 54 Launches a New Era of Legislative Transparency

The measure won’t put the “gut and amend” game out of business, but it helps California voters, journalists and the democratic process.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Some Final Thoughts About Leadership, Democracy and the League

During a ballot measure campaign, a critic said, “If you’re going to try to kill the king, you’d better succeed.”

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Speaking the Truth to Ourselves About Homelessness

Cities have a responsibility to work with their county, state and federal partners to provide the services needed to address this issue.​

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

The United Cities of California

It is often said that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. It also appears to be the price of local control.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

The Rules of Our Trade

A 6-year-old boy’s rules for his Spy Club provide food for thought regarding public service.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Managing CalPERS in Crisis

By definition, effective public managers are both problem-solvers and leaders, but it requires a special type to take the helm of a public agency in crisis.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Significant Progress Made on 2015 League Strategic Goals

The strategic goal-setting process involves representatives from all of the League’s policy committees, departments, divisions and diversity caucuses as well as its entire board of directors….

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste

New research on the early brain development of poor children may be useful in helping us rethink our intervention approaches.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Those Pesky Elephants in the Room

A number of “elephants” lurk in city halls statewide.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

The Rise of City Leadership in an Age of Dwindling Discretionary Federal Resources

The new federal landscape will require innovative leadership from city officials and other civic leaders.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

How Civic Architecture and Sports Build Community

Public spaces unite us and inspire our nation’s explorers, dreamers and leaders.