Editor's Note
For a printable copy of City Advocate Weekly please visit the League's Web site.
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Assembly Member John Pérez to Become New Speaker of California Assembly
After much speculation, it was announced on Thursday, Dec. 10, that Assembly Member John Pérez (D-Los Angeles) will become speaker of the Assembly, replacing Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) who terms out of the Assembly in 2010. Assembly Member Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) was also vying for the position but stepped aside on Thursday, making way for Pérez to assume the leadership. Supported by Bass during his run for the speakership, the freshman Assembly member was elected to the Legislature in 2008.
[FULL STORY]
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California Communities Star Bond Program Offers Cities a Cost-Effective Financing Tool
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the federal government is providing a way for cities to issue taxable Build America Bonds (BABs) and Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds (RZEDs). These bonds can be used for capital projects that cities may be currently undertaking or planning to break ground in the near future.
[FULL STORY]
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Federal Stimulus Funding: Updates
GAO Analysis Report on Quarterly Reports by Funding Recipients
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has informed Congress that while recipient reporting of federal stimulus dollars went relatively smoothly, errors were made. In a report released on Nov. 19, GAO cited projects in which jobs were reportedly created but no funds expended; projects with nearly $1 billion spent but no jobs created; and inconsistency in the guidance and counting of Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs).
[FULL STORY]
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President Obama Proposes Expanded Funding for Infrastructure, Job Creation, Energy Efficiency
Cities Urged to Contact Congressional Representatives to Push for Funding
The White House Office of Public Engagement conducted a one-hour conference call on Tuesday, Dec. 8, to follow-up on President Obama’s speech announcing proposals to accelerate job and economic growth.
[FULL STORY]
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Submit 2010 Annual Conference Topics Now
The League is accepting session ideas for the 2010 League Annual Conference. Proposals are due by Thursday, Jan. 7 at 12 p.m. Proposals received by the deadline will be reviewed by the Annual Conference Program Planning Advisory Committee.
[FULL STORY]
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Sedalia Sanders Honored by Women in Municipal Government
During the National League of Cities’ Congress of Cities in San Antonio, TX, last month, El Centro Council Member Sedalia Sanders was honored by Women in Municipal Government (WIMG). A former League president and current board member, Sanders was recognized with WIMG’s 2009 Annual Leadership Award for her outstanding achievements as a local elected official including her support of women at the local government level.
[FULL STORY]
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New Resources Are Available From the Institute for Local Government
The Institute for Local Government’s (ILG) California Climate Action Network now features new resources on its Web site for local agencies.
[FULL STORY]
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New Site Certification Program to Stimulate Regional Business Development
The Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Dale Bonner recently announced the creation of the statewide Site Certification Program.
[FULL STORY]
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Upcoming Events
December
14 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Applications due for federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) competitive grants for “Retrofit Ramp-up Program” and “General Innovation Fund”. For details, please visit the EECBG Web site. More information is also available in the League’s City Funding Book on the League’s Web site.
21 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NEW DEADLINE and updated information for the three State Energy Program competitive solicitations totaling up to $95 million. (Prior deadline was Nov. 30.) Local jurisdictions, non-profits or private organizations can submit to the California Energy Commission (CEC) their proposals for the Municipal Financing Program ('AB 811-type programs'), the California Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit Program, and the Municipal and Commercial Building Targeted Measure Retrofit Program. For the Solicitation and more information, please visit CEC’s Web site.
January
12 California Energy Commission (CEC) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) application due. For details, please visit the EECBG Web site. More information is also available in the League’s City Funding Book on the League’s Web site.
Upcoming League Events:
January
20 - 22 New Mayors & Council Members Academy
February
3 - 5 City Managers Department Meeting
[FULL STORY]
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