What impact does the public’s distrust of government officials
have on how people perceive leadership? Why do some unpopular
leaders later achieve prominence while other more popular
leaders…
Romantic relationships in the public agency workplace raise a
number of ethical issues and carry significant risks. This
article explores the problems such relationships can create for
the agency…
Approximately 2.5 million “lawful permanent residents” living in
California are eligible to become U.S. citizens. Local officials
can leverage their leadership to encourage naturalization…
Most residents want to know how decisions — particularly budget-related decisions — are made at the local level and how much a particular course of action is going to cost the city and its…
In the wake of the Bell scandal the League condemned the breach
of public trust and took steps to facilitate public access to
critically important city government information, such as the
salaries…
California’s Fair Political Practices Commission recently
reorganized and — in some instances — relaxed the rules on when a
public official may accept free or discounted travel. The
changes…
The competency of both local officials and staff provides a basis
for establishing public trust and confidence. Elements of ethics,
public input and transparency also play a key role.
Artist and speaker Erik Wahl’s performance at the League’s recent annual conference inspired city officials to think creatively about the skills they may have that can be put to work in serving…
Many cities are experiencing very painful financial difficulties. Elected city officials grapple with budget challenges nearly every day. But cities are using a number of innovative approaches to…
In light of a recent court decision, cities should make sure
their practices are consistent with the due process rights of
parties involved in quasi-judicial proceedings.
The City of Santa Maria’s Listos program emphasizes sharing
emergency and disaster preparedness skills, using a culturally
appropriate curriculum that overcomes language and trust
barriers.
How does innovation occur in local government? What can local
officials interested in seeing their agencies engage in
innovation do to support innovation?
Rather than have a national “conversation” about race, President
Obama suggested, in effect, that we have millions of
conversations about it over the next few years.
The Institute for Local Government is offering several sessions
at the League of California Cities 2013 Annual Conference & Expo
to provide educational opportunities for city officials.
Most people are generally unaware of what lies beneath the
streets they travel on each day. Understanding the sub-surface
infrastructure is an important local government consideration.
Technology offers many ways for local governments to increase and enhance the transparency of their operations. A proactive approach is best when it comes to providing information to residents and…
