Municipal Finance

Overview

Municipal Finance

Article Legal Notes Robert A. Blum

Opportunities to Save Pension Costs Through Collective Bargaining After Pension Reform

The Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 mandates uniform, generally lower benefit formulas for all “new members” of California public agency defined benefit retirement plans.

Article Features Jennifer ArmerSteve Sanders

Partnerships Make Roadways Safer

In tough economic times expectations remain high for cities to provide quality public services and facilities, though resources to fund desired projects are scarce. One strategy for overcoming…

Article President’s Message Bill Bogaard

The Impact of Our Crumbling Infrastructure on California’s Economy

The state’s goals around reducing greenhouse gas emissions are based on a vision that concentrates growth in urban cores and utilizes transit. To meet these goals, cities must be able to make…

Article Legal Notes Brian I. Hamblet

Making Drug Dealers Pay For Law Enforcement

Cities are increasingly using civil actions rather than criminal prosecution to curb illegal drug sales within their borders. Often such actions are taken either under general nuisance laws or the…

Perris Reaches Out to Make Sewer System Upgrade Possible

How one city overcame significant community resistance.

Article Features Dan Carrigg

2012 Legislative Year In Review

While the past few years have presented major challenges for cities, the events of 2012 included some bright spots as well. This article presents an overview of the year’s legislative…

Article Features Eric S. Berman

GASB’s New Defined Benefit Pension Standards: Sunshine or Rain for Cities?

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s release of new defined benefit pension standards could not have come at a better time or a worse time, depending on one’s point of view.

Article Features Helene Leckman Leichter

Make Volunteer Programs a Financial Asset, Not a Liability

As cities implement deeper budget cuts, volunteers are performing more physically and intellectually demanding functions.

Article Sustainable Cities Yvonne Hunter

Financing Energy Efficiency: Options And Issues to Consider

Efforts to finance energy-efficiency projects benefit from thinking ahead about the pros and cons of different options.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Making Strides on Public Pension Reform

The League made pension reform its top strategic priority in 2012 and succeeded in accomplishing this goal as the legislative session concluded.

Article City Forum John ByrneJon Penkower

A New Approach to Financing Energy Efficiency

A new program gives local governments access to tax-exempt financing for sustainable energy investments and projects.

San Carlos Adopts Innovative Contracting Techniques to Maintain Service Levels

Like many California cities, San Carlos has faced some serious budgetary challenges in recent years.