Municipal Finance

Overview

Municipal Finance

Article Features Gary Lee Moore

Los Angeles Launches a $1.4 Billion Sidewalk Repair Program

The nation’s largest sidewalk repair effort gets underway.

Article Legal Notes Barbara Kautz

New Housing Laws Change How Cities Process Housing Applications

California’s new housing laws create additional requirements and new compliance rules for cities.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Farmersville’s Innovative Dual Roundabouts Welcome Visitors

The project’s safety and traffic improvements helped secure over $3.8 million in grant funds.

Article Features Jason Rhine

2017 Legislative Session Makes Many Changes to California Housing Law

Fifteen bills made it into the “Housing Package” that Gov. Jerry Brown signed, which includes the League’s “Blueprint for More Housing” legislation.

Article Legal Notes Clare M. Gibson

Prevailing Wage Compliance: What Cities Should Do to Avoid Penalties Under SB 96

Prevailing wage laws have changed again. Because prevailing wage requirements apply to all public works contracts over $1,000, these new requirements will apply to the vast majority of municipal…

Article City Forum Norman Coppinger

Maintaining Best Practices in the Cooperative Purchasing Market

The advantages of cooperative purchasing programs include significant savings and a streamlined procurement process.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Madeline Henry

Engaging Your Community in the Budgeting Process

Public involvement in city budgeting increases financial transparency and promotes greater trust.

Article Features Dan Carrigg

It’s Time to Restore Opportunities for City Incorporation: The Roots of American Democracy

Obstacles to city incorporation should be removed to give communities the same option for self-government that existing cities had.

Article Features Tom Bernard

What Cities Need to Know About GASB 77: New Financial Disclosure Requirements

A proactive approach will help pave the way for cities to comply with GASB 77.

Article Features

On the Record
Most challenging fiscal issue for your city?

Council members describe their city’s most challenging fiscal issue.

Article Features Lynnette Kelly

Understanding Roles and Responsibilities When Issuing Municipal Bonds

Working with unregistered or unqualified financial professionals puts a city at risk.

Article City Forum Tim Cromartie

Local Siting Grants Available for Corrections Re-Entry Facilities

A $25 million Community-Based Transitional Housing Program offers incentive grants for providing transitional housing sites for recently released offenders.

Article Legal Notes Robert Saxe

Court Rejects Challenges to Mello-Roos District in San Ramon

The decision is an important reminder for cities that the creation of Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts may be a potential tool to supplement funds needed to provide services to new…

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Stopping the Runaway Pension Train

Increasing pension costs could push cities already in financial distress closer to the brink of bankruptcy.

Article Features Heidi SanbornAkin BabatolaDebbie Raphael

Focusing on Safe Disposal of Sharps and Pharmaceutical Waste

Local governments’ extended producer responsibility programs offer policy models for other states.

Article Features Tia Boatman Patterson

State Launches Initiatives to Maximize Housing Resources With New ADU Financing and Other Tools

Partnerships between state agencies and cities maximize resources and move us closer to resolving California’s affordable housing challenges.

Article Features Jim Lewis

Getting the Most Value From Your City’s Technology Investment

Technology increasingly serves as the backbone for providing local services.

Article City Forum

Transportation Funding Will Begin Flowing Soon

Cities should note key deadlines and prepare now.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Claremont Crisis Intervention and Outreach Saves Trees

Concerned residents volunteered to implement a program to mitigate the drought’s impact.

Article Features Karalee Browne

California Cities Create Carbon Funds to Support Climate Action

Many local agencies are developing internal funding sources to implement energy and climate action activities.