Editor's Note
For a printable copy of City Advocate Weekly please visit the League's Web site.
|
|
Annual Conference Theme, “Strong Cities, Strong State, Strong Nation,” Echoes Importance of Local Revenue Stability
Annual Conference Wrap Up
The need for stronger protection for local revenues was repeated again and again throughout the League’s 111th Annual Conference in San Jose, Sept. 16-18. This year’s theme “Strong Cities, Strong State, Strong Nation,” was a testament to the fact that when our local communities are strong, the entire nation benefits.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
DOF Establishes Prop. 1A Repayment Interest Rate at 2 Percent
The Department of Finance (DOF) announced that the state will pay a rate of 2 percent to local agencies for any funds borrowed by the state pursuant to Proposition 1A. The League has posted the letter from DOF to local governments online.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
Bills on the Governor’s Desk: Veto and Signature Requests
Below is a list of bills currently on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk, along with a brief description, that the League is urging him to sign or veto. The Governor has until Oct. 11 to make his decisions on legislation.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
Oct. 10 Federal Stimulus Funding Reporting Deadline Looms
Is Your City Ready?
Accountability and transparency are important values imbedded in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Consistent with those goals, Section 1512 of ARRA requires states, cities and counties receiving stimulus grants to register and submit quarterly reports on who is receiving ARRA funds and in what amounts; what projects are funded; and the status of completion and impact on job creation.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
Franchise Tax Board Reminds Local Agencies of Existing Nonresident Withholding Responsibilities
Representatives from the state Franchise Tax Board (FTB) asked the League to distribute the following information on existing state nonresident withholding requirement to cities. Similar outreach by the FTB has occurred with other local government associations.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
Federal Stimulus Act Updates
Oct. 10 Accountability Deadline Looms
Under Section 1512 of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), states, cities and counties receiving stimulus grants must register and submit quarterly reports on who is receiving ARRA funds and in what amounts, what projects are funded, and the status of completion and impact on job creation.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
Hemet Council Member Robin Lowe Elected League President
Board Elects New Officers and At-Large Members
The League announced the election of new officers at the closing general session of last week’s annual conference. The newly elected officers form the 2009-2010 executive committee of the board of directors. The League’s bylaws call for officers to serve one year terms.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
Register Now for NLC 2009 Congress of Cities and Exposition, Nov. 10-14
National Meeting Promises Not-to-Miss Valuable Resources for Local Officials
Scheduled this year for Nov. 10-14 in San Antonio, TX, the National League of Cities (NLC) Congress of Cities is an opportunity to gather information to help their cities survive and thrive in the tough economy. More than 4,000 participants, including more than 2,000 city officials are expected at the 2009 Congress of Cities and Exposition. Attendees will join thousands of city officials from across the country to share information and city innovations.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
DWR Issues Updated Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released an updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to help local governments reduce water waste in landscapes. Landscape irrigation, on average, accounts for half of urban water use according to DWR. This ordinance can help local governments reduce runoff, green waste generated by landscape projects and help conserve water.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
Upcoming Events
September
30 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Cities Campaign Seminar: Davis. Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Davis Council Member Don Saylor and West Sacramento Council Member Mark Johanneson invite Mayors, Council Members, City Managers and Planning, HR, RDA Directors to join them at the Davis Senior Center from 3:45-7:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Sept. 22 to Willie Beaudet, CCS Partnership, at (916) 323-6011 or RSVP online. To learn more about the HEAL campaign, please visit www.HEALCitiesCampaign.org.
October
6 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Pre-Bid Conferences for the State Energy Plan (SEP) Solicitations, conducted by California Energy Commission (CEC) staff. The three specific program areas are: Municipal Financing District Program (AB-811-type programs); California Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit Program; and Municipal and Commercial Building Targeted Measure Retrofit Program. The pre-bid conferences meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the CEC: 1516 9th Street, Hearing Room A, Sacramento. Also available by remote access over the Internet by WebEx. For details visit the CEC Web site.
7 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The California Energy Commission (CEC) will hold a hearing to consider adopted revised guidelines for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, developed and were adopted on Sept. 16. The Guidelines describe the eligibility and procedural requirements for applying for EECBG funds. Please visit to CEC Web site for a copy. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. at the CEC building, 1516 9th Street, Hearing Room A, Sacramento. Audio from this meeting will be broadcast over the Internet using the CEC WebEx Internet Conferencing System. For details please visit the CEC Web site.
10 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. All recipients of federal stimulus funding must report information to granting agencies, as required by Section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For more details, see story, “October 10 Federal Stimulus Funding Reporting Deadline Looms.” More information on reporting requirements is available in the Chapter on “General and Accountability Provisions in ARRA” the League’s City Funding Book on the League’s Web site.
15 The Great California Shakeout: Statewide Earthquake Preparedness Drill
28 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Cities Campaign Seminar: Arcata. Arcata Mayor Mark Wheetley and Eureka City Council Member Linda Atkins invite Mayors, Council Members, City Managers and Planning, HR, RDA Directors to join them at the B Street Community Center in Arcata from 3:45-7:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Oct. 14 to Heather Stevens, City of Arcata, (707) 822-7091 or RSVP online. To learn more about the HEAL campaign, please visit www.HEALCitiesCampaign.org.
[FULL STORY]
|
