Governance, Legislation, and Law

Overview

Governance, Legislation & Law

Article President’s Message Joanne Mounce

How Effective Is Your Council?

After the election is over it can be hard to put aside the competitive mindset, move beyond politics and begin working as a cohesive team.

Article Features Michael Coleman

A Primer on California City Revenues, Part One: Revenue Basics

Though every city is different, some essential elements of city revenues are common to cities throughout California.

Article Features Randi Kay Stephens

Santa Rosa’s Violence Prevention Efforts Lead to Success

Multiple agencies and local organizations partnered to reduce violent crime.

Article Features

A Farewell Interview With Executive Director Chris McKenzie

McKenzie will retire this month.

Article Features Scott Schneider

Fort Bragg Makes Bees a Priority

Fort Bragg is California’s first Bee City USA®.

Article Legal Notes Rick JarvisChristina Crowl

Changes Ahead for CEQA Traffic Studies: How Your City Can Prepare Now

An upcoming amendment will significantly change how local public agencies are required to analyze development projects’ traffic impacts.

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 Features Cory Golden

Homelessness in California

The League is taking unprecedented steps in response to an alarming increase in the state’s homeless population.

Article Features

My Friend the Mayor: A Tale of Two Cities

Two lifelong friends who lead neighboring cities find working together doubles their impact.

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 President’s Message L. Dennis Michael

Navigating the Ups and Downs of the Council-Manager Relationship

First and foremost, the relationship between the city council and the city manager is a partnership that serves the community.

Article Legal Notes Stephen A. McEwenNicholas E. Hermsen

Preserving Access While Regulating Conduct in Public Libraries

Open library access can lead to dilemmas such as situations involving patrons who bring in excessive amounts of personal belongings and use the library as a temporary shelter.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Menifee’s Youth Advisory Committee Boosts the Community

The committee advises the council and participates in local events.

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 Features

On the Record
What’s the most helpful aspect of League membership?

Mayors and council members describe the most helpful aspect of League membership.

Article Features Chris McKenzie

Measuring Progress on Massage Therapy Oversight, Collaboration and Governance

While CAMTC has taken positive steps to increase transparency and accountability, some additional work is still needed.

Article Legal Notes Bruce Galloway

Maximizing Revenue From City Property With Municipal Leases

A municipal lease transaction should be evaluated for various legal issues.

Article City Forum Eva Spiegel

League Communications Keep Members Connected

The League offers many ways to stay current on the latest legislative activity, advocacy efforts and professional development opportunities.

Article Features

On the Record
What’s the most challenging aspect of your work as a city council member?

City officials describe the most challenging aspect of their work on the city council.

Article Features Gary Kendrick

Powerful Local Control Remedy Addresses El Cajon’s Alcohol Nuisance Problems

For years, the City of El Cajon grappled with the impacts of aggressive panhandlers, transients, serial inebriates and illegal alcohol sales to minors.