Governance, Legislation, and Law

Overview February 27, 2018

Governance, Legislation & Law

Article April 1, 2020 Legal Notes by Gage Dungy and Savana Manglona

New Law Expands Workplace Lactation Accommodation Requirements for Employers

New legislation significantly expands the obligation of all California employers to provide lactation accommodations for employees. As a result, cities should be aware of these new obligations to ensure their worksites are compliant.

Article April 1, 2020 Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Census 2020: What’s at Stake and Why Every City Needs to Drive Participation

California faces unique challenges to achieving an accurate count — 75 percent of its residents are considered “hard to count” and have been historically undercounted in the census.

Article February 1, 2020 Features by Maria West

What Cities Need to Know About SB 1383 and Funding Organic Waste Management

Cities should immediately begin planning for and implementing the required organic waste collection and edible food recovery services. This work includes assessing and securing adequate capacity for organics processing and edible food recovery, which can be done individually or in conjunction with counties, other cities and regional agencies.

Article February 1, 2020 Legal Notes by Stephen A. McEwen

Code Enforcement by Drone: Critical Considerations Before Launching

Because not all potential code violations can be investigated from the public right of way, code enforcement investigations may require access to enclosed or shielded areas of private property. In these settings, code enforcement staff may be strongly tempted to rely on emerging drone technology.

Article February 1, 2020 News from the Institute for the Local Government by Nicole Enright

Scrap Your Fears About Food Waste Regulations: Preparing for SB 1383

California cities are preparing to comply with new targets to reduce statewide emissions of short-lived climate pollutants and reduce organic waste in landfills. To help cities with this, the Institute for Local Government is partnering with CalRecycle to raise awareness and connect local governments with resources and expertise.

Article February 1, 2020 Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

League Strategic Priorities Set a Course for 2020

The League board of directors, joined by leaders from each of the League’s divisions, departments, policy committees and diversity caucuses, convened in early December to reflect on city accomplishments in 2019, discuss current challenges and establish the League strategic priorities for 2020.

Article January 1, 2020 Features by Dan Carrigg

2019 Legislative Year in Review

When the 2019 legislative session began, Democrats had gained historic supermajorities in the Legislature. Yet progress for the progressive Democratic agenda was muted. And in the face of multiple attacks on local zoning authority and other challenges, the League and cities emerged surprisingly well.

Article January 1, 2020 City Forum by Meghan McKelvey

Torch Program Recognizes Leadership in Action and Continued Education

This voluntary program recognizes elected officials for continuing their professional development to enhance their knowledge and skills and for undertaking leadership roles to better serve the public. Since the Torch Program launched in 2003, hundreds of city officials have participated by meeting a series of requirements associated with its three levels of achievement.

Article January 1, 2020 President’s Message by John F. Dunbar

Laying the Groundwork for Success in 2020

Communication and collaboration are cornerstones of the ability to lead, and the League’s positive relationships with legislators are key to cities’ successes in the Capitol. Cultivating open two-way communication with our state leaders is essential to protecting the interests of cities and our residents.

Article December 1, 2019 Web Exclusive by Kristyn Laurence

The Nightmare Next Door: Elk Grove Takes Action

It was just another quaint suburban neighborhood, but something was missing. On Demonte Way in Elk Grove, no children played together on the sidewalks or rode their bicycles along the street.

Article December 1, 2019 Legal Notes by Jeff Sloan and Tim Yeung

Investigating Complaints Against Public Employees: New Clarity for Employers

A recent decision from the Public Employment Relations Board provides clarity for employers struggling to balance the need for strict confidentiality with the due process rights of the accused and union requests for information, particularly in cases of sexual harassment.

Article December 1, 2019 Features by Rod Gould

Beyond Ethics: Establishing a Code of Conduct to Guide Your Council

Local government leaders are adopting codes of conduct to set the rules and expectations for how they govern their cities. Such codes help foster a civil and respectful governing culture consistent with best practices.

Article December 1, 2019 City Forum by Eve Maldonado O’Toole

California Cities Lead on Affordable Housing and Homelessness Services

A bipartisan coalition of 26 mayors, CEOs and stakeholders representing nearly 17 million residents intends to ignite a national conversation about the fact that strong housing policy is pro-family, pro-jobs and pro-investment — and helps hardworking people.