City Advocate Weekly

League Opposes AB 155: Requires State Permission for Local Bankruptcy
The League is opposing AB 155 (Mendoza – Artesia), which would require local agencies contemplating bankruptcy to first obtain approval from a state-level Local Agency Bankruptcy Committee, established by the bill, before filing for bankruptcy.

[FULL STORY]

LAO Completes Analysis of May 19 Budget Measures
The non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has posted analyses on its Web site of the six budget measures that must be approved by voters at a special election set for May 19, 2009.
[FULL STORY]

League Updates “City Funding Book” on Federal Economic Stimulus Package
The League of California Cities is continuing to update the “City Funding Book” released on Feb. 19. The book is intended to guide cities on how to access and apply for federal funds available through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), signed by President Barack Obama.
[FULL STORY]

Clean Water Fund Deadline Fast Approaching
The State Water Resources Control Board has set a March 24, 2009 deadline to get projects on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) priority list to apply for funding.
[FULL STORY]

Bill Restricting Harmful Local Sales Tax Shifts Moves from Committee
Legislation designed to restrict a practice promoted by some tax consultants where a retailer is provided lucrative sales tax incentive to relocate the situs location of a business, but the physical location of the business is not moved, passed the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday.
[FULL STORY]

CEC and CDCSD to Host Web Meeting on Energy Funding Opportunities from Federal Stimulus
The California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Department of Community Services and Development (CDCSD) will host a web-based informational meeting on Friday, March 13, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. State officials will be presenting information about the estimated federal funds that are likely come to California state agencies to support existing and new energy programs and initiatives.
[FULL STORY]

League Produces Webcast of AB 32 & SB 375 Road Show
League legislative representatives Kyra Ross and Bill Higgins have been traveling the state in recent weeks, with a presentation they created to help city officials understand AB 32 and SB 375, the state’s recently enacted landmark climate change and regional planning legislation.
[FULL STORY]

Air Resources Board Offering Local Government Assistance AB 32 Workshop – March 9
On March 9, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will host a workshop for local government officials on cost-effective strategies to assist local governments in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of the ARB implementation of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). The workshop will be held in the Coastal Hearing Room from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Cal/EPA Headquarters building at 1001 I Street. It will also be available via webcast.
[FULL STORY]

CDCR to Discharge Deported Criminal Aliens from State Parole
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is adjusting its parole policy to discharge criminal aliens from state parole after they have been deported by federal authorities. The new discharge policy, being implemented immediately by CDCR's Division of Adult Parole Operations, is expected to reduce the number of parolees returned to state prison for the federal violation of illegally entering the

United States

.
[FULL STORY]

NLC Promotes Mayors’ Action Challenge for Children and Families
Echoing President Obama’s inaugural appeal for “a new era of responsibility,” the National League of Cities (NLC) is working with mayors across the nation to speak with one collective voice on behalf of the children and families in their cities -- and to hold themselves accountable for improving child and family well-being.
[FULL STORY]

U.S. EPA Honors California Cities for Energy Star Buildings
Once again, California cities are leading the way in sustainability. This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored the city of Los Angeles for having the most Energy Star buildings – structures that use approximately one-third less energy – in the nation. Leading the way with 25 buildings completed 2008, L.A. was joined by San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento and 21 other cities nationwide for U.S. EPA recognition.
[FULL STORY]

Information Requested on City Climate Change Activities
Has your city adopted policies or programs to help reduce greenhouse gases emissions? If so, the Institute for Local Government’s California Climate Action Network (CCAN) seeks your participation in a quick, online survey to gather information about local agency activities in any or all of five climate leadership areas: Civic Engagement, Green Building, Commercial Recycling, Land Use & Community Design, and Efficient Transportation.
[FULL STORY]

City Attorneys Spring Conference – May 6-8
Registration is now open for the City Attorneys Spring Conference at the Resort at Squaw Creek. This is the premier meeting for attorneys who specialize in municipal law. The sessions are planned to keep municipal attorneys up-to-date on court cases and other municipal law issues. The courses are also approved for MCLE credits.
[FULL STORY]

2009 Advanced Leadership Workshops - May 29-30
The Advanced Leadership Workshops, scheduled May 29-30 at the Paradise Point Hotel and Conference Center in San Diego, are two day workshops that are essential to city officials and staff of all levels. There are three workshops to choose from:
[FULL STORY]

2009 Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum - May 27-29

Register now for the Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum scheduled May 27-29 at the Paradise Point Hotel and Conference Center in San Diego. The educational sessions offered are designed to meet the priorities and needs of elected officials at all levels of their careers, as well as invaluable strategy sessions and networking opportunities.

[FULL STORY]

Welcome to City Advocate Weekly
Yes! You are reading the League’s weekly newsletter: City Advocate Weekly, formerly known as Priority Focus.
[FULL STORY]

Job Opening? Western City Magazine Can Help You Find the Best Candidate
List your job opening in Western City magazine. When you advertise your job opportunity in Western City, you also receive a Web site posting at no additional charge. Visit Western City's Web Site or call (800) 262-1801 for more information.
[FULL STORY]

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.

[FULL STORY]

E-MAIL TO A COLLEAGUE