Editor's Note
For a printable copy of Priority Focus please visit the League Web site.
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In this Issue
Stories:
State Budget Agreement Appears Near Vote
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Update
Webcast of SWRCB Presentation on Economic Stimulus Funds Feb. 18
AB 32 Implementation Update
CCS Fiscal Reform Task Force Holds First Meeting
Speed Limit Setting Hearing Scheduled For Feb. 24
PPIC Survey Concerning the Economic Climate for Cities
2009 Employee Relations Institute: Passport to Tomorrow, March 12-13
2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute - March 25-27
City Managers' Department Present Top Awards in Field
Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Upcoming Events:
Public Works Officers Institute Registration Closes Feb. 27
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State Budget Agreement Appears Near Vote
A state budget deal appears close, and is anticipated to come up for vote in both houses this weekend. Details are sketchy, as the bills comprising the budget are still being written. And the deal being discussed could unravel if legislators balk at casting the two-thirds vote necessary in each house for passage. So far information the League has obtained indicates that the final package leaves cities’ revenues largely intact, which is very important given the many budget difficulties at the local level.
[FULL STORY]
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American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Update
Bill to Be Sent to President this Weekend
This week, the United States Senate passed their version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The $828 billion package passed with a vote of 61-39 after Democratic leaders worked with a small group of moderate Republican members to amend the bill enough to win some republican votes.
[FULL STORY]
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State Water Resources Control Board Holding Webcast on Federal Stimulus Funds
The State Water Resources Control Board will be holding an Economic Recovery Workshop webcast on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 1-3 p.m. to discuss potential funding from the federal stimulus for the California Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The webcast will focus on how applicants can prepare for funding and how to apply for the funds. According to CWSRF, fund priorities will be focused on “shovel-ready” projects that will create jobs immediately.
[FULL STORY]
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AB 32 Implementation Update
Editor’s Note: On Jan. 30, we ran a story on AB 32 Implementation. Since then, we have received a number of questions which prompted us to further clarify our original remarks. Therefore we have revised and updated the story.
With the passage of the AB 32 Scoping Plan by the California State Air Resources Board (ARB) in December, 2008 (see “Air Board Adopts Climate Change Scoping Plan” – Priority Focus, Dec. 12, 2008); we now begin the two-year process to implement the proposals outlined in the plan. On Jan. 29, the ARB provided an updated timeline of those ideas for 2009 and beyond.
[FULL STORY]
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CCS Fiscal Reform Task Force Holds First Meeting
State budget reform and restoration of local tax authority were identified as key issues to explore by the newly formed Cities, Counties and Schools (CCS) Partnership Task Force on Fiscal Reform. The group held its first meeting on Feb. 11, chaired by Richard Gordon, immediate past president of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and San Mateo County supervisor.
[FULL STORY]
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Speed Limit Setting Hearing Scheduled For Feb. 24
The California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC) will hold a special hearing to review the on-going issue of speed limit-setting in local communities, and under what circumstances speed limits can be altered to address local safety concerns. Cities are encouraged to attend and provide input on how this issue will impact their transportation and public safety needs.
[FULL STORY]
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PPIC Survey Concerning the Economic Climate for Cities
California cities will have an important opportunity to make their economic issues and concerns known if they participate in a new survey begin conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).
[FULL STORY]
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2009 Employee Relations Institute: Passport to Tomorrow, March 12-13
Join us for the Employee Relations Institute, scheduled March 12-13 at the Westin San Francisco Airport in Millbrae. We are sure this will be a rewarding event where human resource technicians, specialists and analysts can learn, network, meet a mentor, and become interested in participating in the League of California Cities legislative activities.
[FULL STORY]
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2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute - March 25-27
Register now for the League of California Cities Planners Institute scheduled March 25-27 in Anaheim at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. This year’s Planners Institute is filled with educational sessions designed to meet the priorities of planning professionals, as well as invaluable strategy sessions and networking opportunities.
[FULL STORY]
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City Managers’ Department Present Top Awards in Field
Rob Braulik, former assistant city manager for the City of Rocklin and Sean Joyce, Irvine city manager have been honored with the top awards in their field by the League of California Cities’ City Managers’ department.
[FULL STORY]
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Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Visit (and bookmark!) the League’s Legislative Resources Web page (www.cacities.org/legresources). You’ll find a roster and contact information for the League’s legislative staff; the online Bill Search program, background materials on lobbying your legislators, and more.
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