Governance, Legislation, and Law

Overview

Governance, Legislation & Law

Article Legal Notes by Patrick Whitnell, Corrie Manning and Luis Haro

Regulating Hate Speech in California

Even though hateful speech is generally protected under the First Amendment, some hate speech does not receive protection.

Article Features by Karalee Browne

Public Safety and Wildfire Resilience

Making wildfire resilience a priority helps cities ensure their communities are safe and prosperous for generations to come.

Article Features by Charles Harvey and Eva Spiegel

Community Policing Insights From Chief Daniel Hahn

Chief Hahn discusses strategies to help build stronger relationships between the community and local law enforcement.

Article Features by Eric Lucan

Novato Says “Not In Our Town”

Not In Our Town is a movement to stop hate, address bullying and build safe, inclusive communities for all.

Article President’s Message by Jan Arbuckle

Strategic Growth Planning and Dynamic Transformation

Moving the League forward will involve implementing big, bold ideas on multiple fronts.

Article Features by Tim Cromartie

Cannabis Legalization in California: Nine Months Out

Gain an overview of current issues for cities.

Article City Forum

Ballot Measure Activities and Use of Public Resources: What You Need to Know

Public agencies and officials face important restrictions related to ballot measure activities.

Article President’s Message by Rich Garbarino

Meeting the Challenges Ahead for Cities

A report on progress made during the past year and a look at what lies ahead.

Article Legal Notes by T. Peter Pierce

Loaded Questions: Local Regulation of Businesses Selling Firearms

A look at local zoning and safety regulations that cities may adopt and apply to firearms retailers.

Article Features

Before, During and After California Wildland Fires: The New Normal

Lessons from one of the worst fire years in California history.

Article Features by Charity Schiller

Newly Proposed CEQA Guidelines Are Coming to Your Town

Key facts and trends city officials need to understand.

Article Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

November Ballot Measure Attacks Bridge and Road Safety: Mobilize Now

Proposition 6 would repeal the Road Repair and Accountability Act.

Article Features by Frank Benest

Winning the War for Talent: The Elected Official’s Role

Talent is mobile and in short supply.

Article Features by Jared Boigon

Keys to Successful Local Sales Tax Measures: Competent Leadership, Community Engagement and Experienced Advice

Tips to make your case to voters effectively.

Article Features by Steven M. Berliner

Strategies to Manage Increasing Pension Costs

Explore ways to tackle this daunting task.

Article City Forum by Eva Spiegel

Invest in Your City by Participating in League Policy Development

Help shape the statewide policies that directly affect your city.

Article Features by Steve Sanders and Karalee Browne

Collaboration Helps Cities Become More Prosperous and Sustainable

Partnerships can help local communities attract investments that advance sustainability and boost local economies.

Article Features by Hang Tran

Three Ways to Connect With Your Community’s Youth

Connecting with young people in your city to promote civic education and engagement provides a number of benefits and has the potential to create a generation of active, informed citizens.

Article Legal Notes

U.S. Supreme Court Revisits Sales and Use Taxes in the E-Commerce Age

The case involves a challenge to South Dakota’s “remote seller compliance law” that imposes sales and use tax collection duties on retailers without a physical presence in the jurisdiction. If the court upholds the state’s scheme, the case could establish sweeping changes to how sales and use taxes are collected in the e-commerce age.

HuePhotography
Article City Forum by Eva Spiegel and Jude Hudson

Relaxation and Inspiration: A Summer Reading List for City Officials and Staff

Western City asked League members which books inspired them as local government leaders, and their recommendations comprise the magazine’s first-ever summer reading list. Whether you’re selecting books to take along on summer vacation or read at home, consider these intriguing titles.