Public Trust and Ethics

Overview

Public Trust and Ethics

Article Legal Notes Hongdao Nguyen

What Cities Should Know About Public Records in Private Accounts

Local agency employees’ personal accounts and devices may be subject to the state’s Public Records Act.

Article Features Jennifer Cohen

Planning for Self-Driving Cars

Public officials need to act quickly to enact policies and plans.

Article Features Ryder Todd Smith

Protecting Your Professional Reputation Online

Public figures need to pay attention to more than just newspaper coverage.

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 Features George Khalil

Data Loss Prevention and Cybersecurity: A Practical Guide

Adapting and responding to cyber threats and protecting critical infrastructure are essential for cities.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Melissa Kuehne

Increasing the Effectiveness of Public Engagement Efforts

Online tools can bring more diverse voices to the local decision-making process.

Article City Forum Megan Macpherson

10 Changes Shaping Local Government Communications

Social media and other tools are impacting city strategies.

Article Features Sarah RubinMahvash Hassan

Immigrants, the Economy and Civic Engagement

Immigrants contribute significantly to California’s economy, both as employers and workers. The cities of Brawley, Oakley and Mountain View offer examples of how engaging immigrant communities…

Article President’s Message Joanne Mounce

How Volunteerism Enriches Communities

The small-town feeling of community that many of us experienced as youngsters has become more elusive. Volunteering gives us a sense of connectedness and offers multiple benefits.

Article Features

Mather Veterans Village: A Place to Call Home

A new community for formerly homeless veterans with disabilities comprises 50 apartments, with plans underway to expand the project, add more housing and provide permanent supportive services on-site.

Article Features Dane Hutchings

California Voting Rights Act Reform Spurs Collaboration

The League and stakeholders negotiated a reform package that balances increased civic outreach with cost mitigation for cities.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Melissa Kuehne

ILG Releases Updated Ethics Resources

To help local officials navigate complex state and federal laws, ILG recently updated two of its flagship ethics resources.

Article Executive Director's Message Dan Carrigg

Proposition 54 Launches a New Era of Legislative Transparency

The measure won’t put the “gut and amend” game out of business, but it helps California voters, journalists and the democratic process.

Article City Forum Eva SpiegelAmanda Cadelago

Open & Public: Newly Revised Guide to the Brown Act Now Available

City officials, residents and journalists find this practical guide to be an invaluable resource.

Article President’s Message Joanne Mounce

How Effective Is Your Council?

After the election is over it can be hard to put aside the competitive mindset, move beyond politics and begin working as a cohesive team.

San Diego Focuses on Accountability, Transparency

After years of fiscal challenges, the city implemented innovative programs to boost efficiency and accountability.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Some Final Thoughts About Leadership, Democracy and the League

During a ballot measure campaign, a critic said, “If you’re going to try to kill the king, you’d better succeed.”

Article Features Cory Golden

Homelessness in California

The League is taking unprecedented steps in response to an alarming increase in the state’s homeless population.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Speaking the Truth to Ourselves About Homelessness

Cities have a responsibility to work with their county, state and federal partners to provide the services needed to address this issue.​

Article President’s Message L. Dennis Michael

Navigating the Ups and Downs of the Council-Manager Relationship

First and foremost, the relationship between the city council and the city manager is a partnership that serves the community.