The City of Sacramento is one of many
California cities to put a general sales tax measure on
the ballot to bring in much-needed revenue for local
projects. Voter approval to renew or raise local sales
tax has given some cities a sustained source of revenue to
maintain critical services, invest in local infrastructure, and
create additional amenities for the community.
Through Santa Clarita’s College Internship Program interns get a
taste of work life after completing their degree and gain
exposure to key aspects of local government. The city benefits
because it develops the next generation of public sector
employees and provides professional development opportunities for
current employees. Santa Clarita’s succession planning strategy
has proven to be a success and can serve as a model for other
cities as they work to develop future city employees and
leaders.
Through their many years of service in local government these outgoing mayors and council members have sage advice about how to be an effective city leader and wise words for new mayors and council members as they embark on their journey to lead their city forward.
The National Civic League recognized Rancho Cucamonga for
promoting inclusive civic engagement to address health and
well-being in the community. The city’s ongoing efforts have
created stronger connections among residents, businesses,
nonprofits, and government leaders that have improved the quality
of life.
Developed by a volunteer team of recreation staff, the We Have
Project offers a forum for dealing with challenging issues,
including depression and anxiety, and links Norwalk teens and
youth with professional resources.
Developed by a volunteer team of recreation staff, the We Have
Project offers a forum for dealing with challenging issues,
including depression and anxiety, and links Norwalk teens and
youth with professional resources.
This plan is the result of advocacy and a collaborative process
with city staff, community-based organizations, and residents
that increased public engagement, public dialogue, and trust and
brought new leadership into planning processes.
As elected officials, we have the responsibility to work toward
the goals of equality and justice for all in the services we
provide to our diverse residents. It’s imperative that we commit
to addressing systemic racial bias wherever and whenever we
encounter it and provide greater access, transparency, and
oversight to build strong trust within our communities.
It’s helpful to remember that leadership isn’t always about
remaining stoic and displaying optimism. Allowing yourself to be
vulnerable is both human and acceptable, especially in
relentlessly difficult circumstances.
Library staff throughout California put on masks and gloves and
transformed their work with new processes and procedures and with
safety and community service as their top priorities.
City libraries and parks and recreation departments have
transformed their operations to serve and support their
communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the League remains a
strong organization that continues providing the resources cities
need to make informed decisions for their communities
Project Green Space is a robust urban forestry and green
infrastructure program convened by the city and driven by
residents. The program empowers community members to actively
reshape the future of their neighborhoods by adopting new trees
and planting and maintaining rain gardens.
City leaders worked hard to ensure that local government remained
accessible and residents were able to participate in council
meetings and obtain essential services.
An innovative public-private-nonprofit partnership transformed a
former car dealership site into housing for veterans, comprising
66 units that are 100 percent affordable.
With “safer at home” orders in effect in an attempt to flatten
the curve of COVID-19 spread, cities were on the front lines
maintaining essential services and working to protect residents
who were out of work or lost their job because of the crisis.
