Editor's Note
For a printable copy of City Advocate Weekly (previously Priority Focus) please visit the League Web site.
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DOF’s Proposal Borrows Local Property Taxes to Close State Deficit
Department of Finance (DOF) staff on Tuesday, May 5 informed local officials that they have prepared a May Budget Revision option for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to consider that borrows 8 percent of local governments’ property tax revenues, estimated at just over $2 billion. The League will strongly oppose any proposal that puts the funding of state government ahead of the public safety of city residents.
[FULL STORY]
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League’s Major Bill List
Each legislative session, the League tracks hundreds of bills with potential impacts to cities but focuses its lobbying on a much smaller amount of legislation with the greatest potential impact.
[FULL STORY]
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Budget Action Day Scheduled for Wednesday, June 3
The League is holding a special event in Sacramento on June 3, following the release of the May Budget Revise to bring city officials to lobby their legislators and administration officials on possible implications of the May 19 special election results. The timing of this session is designed to allow many city officials to come in just for the day.
[FULL STORY]
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League First Vice President Ken Cooley Leaves Board
With great regret, Rancho Cordova Vice-Mayor Ken Cooley, recently announced his resignation from the League board of directors executive committee. Cooley has served as first vice president since last year and was expected to seek the League’s presidency this summer for the 2009-2010 term.
[FULL STORY]
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State May be Liable for Municipal Bankruptcy Unless Cities Oppose Assembly Bill
Oppose AB 155 Now
The Assembly Appropriations Committee staff analysis of AB 155 (Mendoza) raises a number of concerns and notably considers the state’s liability a major factor in its conclusions. Sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters, the legislation would require local agencies contemplating bankruptcy to first obtain approval from the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission (CDIAC) prior to filing for bankruptcy.
[FULL STORY]
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Support Bill Promoting Sustainable and Livable Communities Through Grants
The League is encouraging cities to send a letter in support of AB 596 (Evans). This bill would create a fund to implement provisions enacted through SB 385 (2008). Specifically it would establish the Community Planning Grant and Loan Fund and authorize the Strategic Growth Council, upon appropriation by the Legislature to provide competitive grants and loans for planning projects that promote sustainable and livable communities.
[FULL STORY]
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Former San Leandro Mayor and League President Jack Maltester Passes Away
Jack Maltester, former San Leandro mayor and League of California Cities president, passed away on Friday, May 1. Maltester was 95 years old and died at the home in San Leandro where he was born in 1913.
[FULL STORY]
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Economic Recovery Update: Broadband Grants Available
The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released grant guidance for $13.4 million to expand broadband service to rural areas. Local governments are eligible to apply for grants from $50,000 to $1 million. Grant applicants must match 15 percent of the grant, either in cash or in kind. Applications will be accepted through June 19.
[FULL STORY]
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Upcoming Events
May
15 Last day for policy committees to hear and report nonfiscal Assembly bills to the Assembly floor.
29 Last day for fiscal committees to hear and report
June
1 California Emergency Management Agency Senior Leaders Summit, Los Angeles (Only a few seats are available; if interested, please email Dorothy Johnson by Friday May 15)
5 California Emergency Management Agency Senior Leaders Summit, Sacramento (Only a few seats are available; if interested, please email Dorothy Johnson by Friday May 15)
5 Last day for Assembly to pass Assembly bills
12 California Emergency Management Agency Senior Leaders Summit, Bay Area (Only a few seats are available; if interested, please email Dorothy Johnson by Friday May 15)
Upcoming League Events:
May
27-30 Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum, San Diego
June
3 Budget Action Day, Sacramento
[FULL STORY]
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