Issue

February 2023

Related Content

Article President’s Message By League of California Cities President Ali Sajjad Taj

Local control starts with protecting local revenues

Fiscal certainty is critical to the sustainability of local services that residents rely upon. In the face of economic uncertainty and a growing state deficit, Cal Cities is focused on pushing back against any proposals that would disrupt this certainty.

Article Features By Shayne Kavanagh

Rethinking budgeting: An idea whose time has come

Local governments have developed their budgets in essentially the same way for decades — and for good reason. It is simple, predictable, and provides a sense of control. However, there are new forces that both make the traditional budget less tenable and offer new ways to achieve more optimal, fairer results.

Article Local Works By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot and Johnnie Piña

Spend money to save money: How four cities are managing their pension obligations

California’s unfunded pension woes could become worse in the next few years. Thanks in part to the painful lessons of the 2008 recession, cities have more tools that can help them prepare. However, the window to prepare is narrowing.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence By Angélica Palmeros

Montebello’s community assistance program frees up emergency resources and reduces homelessness

Firefighters and paramedics often do not have the time to address the chronic causes behind emergency calls, such as homelessness. Montebello is filling that service gap by treating people where they are, building long-term relationships, and developing evidence-based solutions.

Article Legal Notes By Betsy Strauss

Breaking down the impact of two new municipal finance laws

As we settle into the new year, two new municipal finance laws need your attention. One law involves local Gann Limits and has a March 1 reporting deadline. The other adds new requirements for development impact fees.

Article Solutions for Cities By Brent Turner, CTP

Designing a well-balanced liquidity strategy in the face of uncertainty

There is no shortage of opinions as to what the Fed will or will not do. That said, the undeniable fact is that this recent and historical tightening of monetary policy has transformed cash into a compelling asset class.

Article Solutions for Cities By Carolina Alban-Stoughton

Oceanside’s landscape management balances beauty and water conservation

Landscape management is often dismissed as “just gardening.” In reality it requires a large amount of specialist knowledge. It can also create enormous health, economic, and aesthetic benefits for cities.