Some requesters file frequently. Some aim to provoke a misstep.
Some use hostile language. The California Public Records Act
still binds the agency to act. Here is how the act works, common
pitfalls, evolving challenges, and strategies agencies can use.
California city officials say the surprise immigration sweeps
that started earlier this year have eroded public trust, strained
local budgets, and revived old fears. And although there are
limited ways to respond, they are determined to take care of
their residents.
“We live in interesting times, and we have weathered a lot in the
last few years,” writes Cal Cities President Gabe Quinto. “Now,
more than ever, we must stand together, lean on each other, and
work together to protect our communities.”
In May, Santa Cruz became the first California city to implement
a sugar-sweetened beverage tax since the state preempted new
local grocery taxes in 2018. Those funds will go back to local
public health programs and city services.
What defines success may be different for every agency, but one
thing is clear: City councils and city managers who work as a
team can achieve great things. But these relationships don’t
happen overnight. They require intentional, long-term
commitment from everyone.
The state Legislature has changed several key ethics and
transparency rules for local government officials and staff.
These range from some good news-bad news tweaks to recusals to
changes that impact new housing developments.
“Even though offices are full again, most of our meetings still
happen on Zoom or Teams,” writes a department leader from Lake
Elsinore. “Don’t get me wrong: Some things needed to change. …
[But] We’ve lost something. The way we connect, make decisions,
and communicate has shifted, and not always for the
better.”
“Every decision-maker — regardless of political party — needs to
hear the stories of city officials and how federal decisions will
impact our cities and residents,” writes Cal Cities President
Lynne B. Kennedy. “Our job is to put the face behind the number
and humanize funding decisions and priorities.”
“In an age when cynicism runs amok, fairly holding government
accountable is more important than ever before,” says oversight
expert Ben Goldblatt. ”Plus, doing so can result in a
rewarding career close to home that directly impacts your
community.”
Many cities have long used artificial intelligence for routine
tasks. Some are seizing on advances in AI to further automate
everyday tasks. But as with any new tool or policy, there are
benefits and costs to using AI. Experts say it’s crucial for
cities to have guardrails over anything AI produces.
“Trust in government isn’t built through authority
alone,” writes civic facilitator Matt Lehrman. “Too
often, local leaders focus on explaining decisions rather than
engaging the public in shaping them. Governance works best
when people see themselves as active participants, not outsiders
to the process.”
“Cities solve problems and get things done, but we can’t do that
effectively alone,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman.
“Cities need the resources to deliver. So, as we ring in the New
Year, let’s remain united and speak with one voice in Washington
and Sacramento about what cities need.”
California has lost one-third of its newspapers since 2005. One
county has no local news outlets, while 18 have just one. City
officials say the decline in reliable, local news coverage has
hampered their mission, damaged community trust, and fueled
misinformation.
More city officials — particularly women — are facing threats and
harassment. Although every city has unique and varied safety
concerns, there are some common practices your city can adopt to
safeguard elected officials and staff before misfortune
strikes.
“Those who called Mountain House home wanted more than their
unincorporated status provided,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn
Coleman. “They wanted local control. So local leaders came
together and united as a city to change their circumstances.”
Generative artificial intelligence can both enhance city services
and cause great harm. This is where policies matter. You need to
know exactly what data your AI tool uses and carefully review
AI-generated content before publishing it.
Mirroring public attitudes, California lawmakers have instituted
sweeping changes to the state’s cannabis laws. This has created
challenges for fire departments, which must balance their mission
of safety with the rights of their employees.
“At the local level, candidates regularly find themselves running
against another community member,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn
Coleman. “This familiarity may make it even more challenging to
put aside the campaign mindset after the election is over and
focus on uniting as a community.”
Experts are warning that artificial intelligence (AI) could
undermine this year’s elections. But just what does that mean?
Here’s what AI can do, the threats it poses to election security,
and how local officials can help their communities prepare.
“The legislative process produces better outcomes for cities when
lawmakers are informed and educated by the united voices of city
officials,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman. “If we don’t
show up — early and often — bills we oppose that hurt cities
could become law, and bills we support could die.”
