February 24, 2006
Issue #8-2006
INFRASTRUCTURE DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE WHILE DEADLINE
FOR JUNE BALLOT NEARS
While there was a lot of activity around the State Capitol this week on the subject of infrastructure
bonds, there are growing concerns about whether the administration and legislative leaders can
develop a consensus package in time to place one or more bond measures on the June 2006
ballot. For more, see Page 2.
•••• ••• ••• •• •••• ••• ••• •• •••• ••• ••• ••
LEAGUE REQUESTS CITY TRAFFIC EXPERTS TO ATTEND SHSP SUMMITS
The League of California Cities, on behalf of the California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
Stakeholders committee, is asking city officials with technical expertise in city traffic to represent
cities at one of two SHSP Summits, to be held March 7 in Sacramento, and March 9 in Ontario.
For more, see Page 4.
•••• ••• ••• •• •••• ••• ••• •• •••• ••• ••• ••
DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR HELEN PUTNAM AWARDS
Does your city have a wonderful new program? Want to let others know about it? SING Your
City's Praises by entering the League’s prestigious 2006 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence
Program. The April 13 deadline is fast-approaching! For more, see Page 4.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Page 5: Poway Outlines Standard for Telecom Agreements;
Employee Relations Dept. Seeks Nominations for Excellence Award
Page 6: ‘Focus on Housing’: What’s in Your Inbox?
New ILG Guide Highlights Best Practices for Land Use Decision-Making
Page 7: Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee – Or Ask Leg Staff
1
Infrastructure Discussions Continued from Page 1…
The deadline for reaching agreement is considered to be March 10. Virtually all parties agree
that that a major investment is needed in California’s infrastructure; the debate is over where and
how those investments should be made.
The governor has put forth a plan that invests in transportation, education, public safety facilities
and other infrastructure needs such as levees and water systems. Republicans are committed to
the idea that bond money should be spent on “brick and mortar” projects to keep up with
widespread growth.
Assembly Republicans also support a “pay-as-you-go” approach, by dedicating a percentage of
the general fund each year to infrastructure needs, rather than relying primarily on general
obligation bonds. And Democrats appear determined that any bond package must include
housing, infill development, transit and education, in addition to consideration for environmental
issues.
Activities This Week: Hearings and Press Conferences
The Senate Transportation and Housing Committee held a hearing on Tuesday, February 21, to
ascertain what the committee’s priorities are for funding within an infrastructure bond.
Discussions were primarily focused on:
1) Spending bond funds solely on state facilities vs. regional transit and local streets and
roads;
2) Expansion of funding priorities in addition to congestion reduction to fund safety
enhancements (e.g. grade separation, bridge seismic retrofit, port security, transit
security);
3) Funding for high-speed rail;
4) Affordable housing; and,
5) Resources for infill development and creating linkages between transportation and
housing.
League Legislative Director Daniel Carrigg testified at the hearing and offered comment on the
necessity of funding and incentives for local governments to provide affordable housing.
The Conference Committee on Infrastructure Bonds held an informational hearing on Thursday,
February 23, during which State Treasurer Phil Angelides presented his suggestions for a bond
package. Treasurer Angelides talked about the nature of investments that need to be made and
commented that the state has an obligation and policy responsibility to direct funding to projects
that will accommodate growth in the state’s future.
Arguing that the way California grows will determine its economic competitiveness, Treasurer
Angelides urged the committee to consider five principles when directing infrastructure bond
funds:
1) Funds need to support smart growth for California.
2) Transportation resources should focus on mass transit and transit-oriented development.
3) Absent from the governor’s plan, California needs the ability to fund environmental
resource protections such as urban parks, coastal lands and open space acquisition.
4) Conservation and efficiency, in addition to new projects, must be included.
5) Port expansion and air quality must be considered symbiotically.
2 Angelides also joined in a press conference with representatives from environmental groups on
February 23, which the Sacramento Bee described as “blasting” the governor’s Strategic Growth
Plan for over-spending on highway construction and under-spending on public transportation.
A day earlier, speaking at a monthly luncheon of the Sacramento Press Club, the non-partisan
legislative analyst, Elizabeth Hill, presented her analysis of the budget proposal. She concluded
that the budget proposal misses an opportunity to reduce the state’s ongoing budget deficit, and
spends too much of one-time revenue increases. (To see the LAO report, visit www.lao.ca.gov.)
League Task Force Continues Discussions
The League’s Infrastructure Task Force is meeting to continue discussions on various aspects of
the proposals. One idea recently put forth is to give preference in allocation of bond funds to
local governments that are supporting the implementation of "Regional Blueprints" around the
state that place a priority on infill, transit-oriented, and more compact development.
Working for a June Ballot Package
It is still uncertain what the timeframe will be to reach consensus on an infrastructure package.
However, the governor has stated he would like to see something go before voters on the June
ballot. For this to happen, lawmakers must reach consensus by March 10, just three weeks
away.
Senate President pro tem Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez have said that they
are working together to make this happen, but have sent the message that it has to be done
right.” They agree that a consensus should be reached by June, before budget debates are in full
swing.
According to a recent article in the Sacramento Bee, Senator Perata and Assembly Speaker
Núñez have said that if the June deadline is missed, legislators should keep on working on a
public works package, although Perata said he was doubtful anything would be accomplished this
year.
“In any and all circumstances, if this doesn't get done before the primaries and before we start
our budget, we will never get it done,” Perata was quoted as saying.
The Importance of the March 10 Deadline: What You Can Do
The League is committed to working with all parties to ensure that timely action is taken on
negotiating a bond package in time for the June ballot. The League urges cities to contact the
governor and their legislators - asking them to work together to pass a consensus
infrastructure package by the March 10 deadline for getting a measure on the June ballot.
There is a real risk that if infrastructure bonds are not on the June ballot, election year politics will
make it even more difficult to get a package for the November ballot. California cannot afford to
wait. We all know that our state infrastructure is badly in need of significant investment – and
working for this investment is a key League goal. Voters want action, and they want their
representatives to work together to achieve it.
_____________________________________________________________________________
3
SHSP Summits Continued from Page 1…
The goals of the summits are to:
• Increase awareness of the California SHSP
• Disperse information regarding California safety statistics
• Encourage, assist and receive input from all attendees working together to promote and
improve traffic safety in California with the ultimate goal of reducing fatalities and injuries
on all roads in California.
The summits will be held at both a northern and southern California location:
• Sacramento, March 7, at the Sacramento Hilton, located at 2200 Harvard Street in
Sacramento.
• Ontario, March 9, at the DoubleTree Hotel, located at 222 N. Vineyard Avenue, Ontario.
Seminar attendance will be limited; therefore registration will be on a “first-come, first-serve”
basis. The deadline for registration is March 1. Registration is $30. For more information,
and to register, please call Sacramento State University at (916) 278-4433, or visit
www.cce.csus.edu/conferences.
To view a draft agenda for the summits, visit the SHSP website at
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/survey/SHSP/. Further questions can be directed to League
Legislative Analyst Leticia Farris at lfarris@cacities.org.
More About the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
SAFETEA-LU established a new core Highway Safety Improvement Program that is structured
and funded to make significant progress in reducing highway fatalities. The program will identify
safety projects and strategies that address the key safety needs of the state.
A SHSP provides a comprehensive framework for data-driven decision-making, utilizing the four
E’s – engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency medical services. The SHSP
establishes statewide goals, objectives, and key emphasis areas in consultation with federal,
state, local, and private sector safety stakeholders. In addition, the SHSP identifies high-risk rural
roads, and is required to list the top five percent of locations with the greatest safety needs.
As required under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy
for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the California Department of Transportation will lead the effort to
develop the statewide Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP).
__________________________________________________________________________
Helen Putnam Awards Continued from Page 1…
This program recognizes outstanding cities that deliver the highest quality and level of service in
the most effective manner possible. Particular credit and attention is given to applications
specifically advancing the League's strategic priorities.
Visit http://www.cacities.org/helenputnam for details on the program and how to enter!
_____________________________________________________________________________
4
POWAY OUTLINES STANDARD FOR TELECOM AGREEMENTS
The city of Poway is not waiting for one of the new telecommunications companies – the former
telephone companies who now offer video and other cable-like services - to come knocking at its
door.
On February 15, Poway Mayor Mickey Cafagna wrote to AT&T to express his city’s interest in
obtaining “advanced telecommunications services.” He emphasized that “Our community
supports and welcomes competition for telecommunications and video services.”
He welcomed AT&T to come talk to the city about offering those services. But he also made
clear that Poway is only interested in talking about “a franchise or similar agreement” consistent
with the federal and state laws under which current franchise agreements for video service are
drafted.
Other cities who may have been approached by AT&T or Verizon, offering a contract but not a
franchise agreement, may find Poway’s approach an interesting one. Visit the League website at
www.cacities.org/telecom to view a copy of Mayor Cafagna’s letter.
____________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS DEPT. SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD
Do you know a city employee working in personnel, human resources or labor relations, who has
demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, expertise and innovation?
Now you have an opportunity to say “thank you” in a very special way, by nominating that
employee for the League’s Personnel and Employee Relations Department annual award
program.
Each year the department recognizes one or more members of the personnel/human
resources/labor relations profession for their achievements, whether specific or significant as an
individual effort, or for a career of commendable service to one or more municipal agencies.
The League shares those achievements with his/her peers when the award is presented at the
annual Employee Relations Seminar (ERS).
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2006 award. The Award Committee will review all
nominations received by the deadline (Friday, March 31) and notify the nominator. If your
nominee is selected for an award, we ask that you arrange for their attendance during an ERS
(North or South) for the luncheon ceremony. The 2006 ERS South will take place on Thursday,
April 20, at the Civic and Cultural Center in the City of Brea. ERS North will take place on
Tuesday, April 25, at the Foster City Recreation Center.
A copy of the nomination form is available on the League’s website. Click here to view and print
the nomination form. Please fax or email completed nomination forms no later than Friday,
March 31. Nomination forms may be faxed to Tony Cárdenas at (916) 658-8240, or sent via e-
mail to tcardenas@cacities.org.
_____________________________________________________________________________
5 ‘FOCUS ON HOUSING’: WHAT’S IN YOUR INBOX?
Is housing an issue in your city? Do you know someone who is interested in housing issues?
You may want to add your name to the growing list of subscribers receiving the League’s free,
electronic Focus on Housing newsletter.
Delivered each month to your e-mail inbox, Focus on Housing features interviews with policy
makers, advocates, environmentalists, builders, and others working on some aspect of
California’s housing needs. You’ll also find feature articles, updates on affordable housing
projects, information about upcoming housing seminars and forums and more.
The March edition of Focus on Housing publishes next week. To subscribe and view both the
current issue and back issue archive, visit www.imakenews.com/focusonhousing.
_____________________________________________________________________________
NEW ILG GUIDE HIGHLIGHTS BEST PRACTICES FOR LAND USE DECISION-MAKING
People relate to land use decisions and are often passionate
about them, because of the impact these decisions have on
their physical surroundings. Adherence to standard
procedures assures that constitutionally and statutorily
created due process rights are met even in the most heated
of debates.
To help local agencies design procedures that enhance
community confidence in government decision-making, the
Institute for Local Government (ILG), the League of California
Cities’ nonprofit research arm, has published An Ounce of
Prevention: Best Practices for Making Informed Land Use
Decisions.
Ounce of Prevention highlights best practices that enable
local officials, planning commissioners, planners and agency
counsel to navigate decision-making processes. The
publication focuses on the typical decision-making process—from design and drafting ordinances
to issuing a final decision and hearing appeals—and identifies practical strategies to reduce the
risk of litigation.
The publication can be accessed through ILG’s website at www.ca-ilg.org/ounce. To order a
copy, visit the ILG publications page at www.ca-ilg.org/ilgpubs (price $20). Complimentary copies
will be sent to each city and county community development or planning director.
ILG is grateful for the financial support of the Public Entity Risk Institute and the Meyers Nave law
firm, which have underwrote the costs of production and are making it possible to provide copies
to local agencies throughout the state. (The Public Entity Risk Institute is a nonprofit corporation
based in Virginia that supports the development and delivery of education and training on all
aspects of risk management for public, nonprofit and small business entities.)
For more information, contact ILG Land Use and Housing Program Director Bill Higgins at
higginsb@cacities.org.
_____________________________________________________________________________
6 FIND A BILL, LEGISLATORS, LEG COMMITTEE – OR ASK LEG STAFF
Visit (and bookmark!) the League’s Legislative Resources 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.
_____________________________________________________________________________
7
March 3, 2006
Issue #9-2006
WANT MORE DETAILS
ON BILLS?
Visit the League of
California Cities
website at
www.cacities.org/
billsearch.
LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
FOR CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM FOR CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM FOR CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM FOR CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM FOR CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM
CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL
PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND -- ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND -- ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND -- ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND -- ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND -- ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT
CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE? CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE? CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE? CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE? CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE?
HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE
ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234 ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234 ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234 ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234 ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234
SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES! CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES! CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES! CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES! CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES!
LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY -- FEBRUARY, 2006 LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY -- FEBRUARY, 2006 LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY -- FEBRUARY, 2006 LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY -- FEBRUARY, 2006 LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY -- FEBRUARY, 2006
Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 2
Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3
Page 4 Page 4 Page 4 Page 4 Page 4
Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5
Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6
On March 1, the California Infrastructure
Coalition (CIC) — of which the League is a
member – held a press conference at the
State Capitol to kick-off a 10-day campaign
to encourage the governor and legislators to
work together to pass an infrastructure
bond by March 10 – the deadline to place a
measure on the June 2006 ballot.
For more, see Page 7.
???????????????????????? ??????????????
CIC ANNOUNCES INFRASTRUCTURE CIC ANNOUNCES INFRASTRUCTURE CIC ANNOUNCES INFRASTRUCTURE CIC ANNOUNCES INFRASTRUCTURE CIC ANNOUNCES INFRASTRUCTURE
BOND CAMPAIGN – ‘10 DAYS TO TAKE BOND CAMPAIGN – ‘10 DAYS TO TAKE BOND CAMPAIGN – ‘10 DAYS TO TAKE BOND CAMPAIGN – ‘10 DAYS TO TAKE BOND CAMPAIGN – ‘10 DAYS TO TAKE
CARE OF THE NEXT GENERATION’ CARE OF THE NEXT GENERATION’ CARE OF THE NEXT GENERATION’ CARE OF THE NEXT GENERATION’ CARE OF THE NEXT GENERATION’
As the California Infrastructure Coalition (CIC) campaign was rolling out,
there was continued movement on infrastructure in the State Capitol.
For more, see Page 9.
???????????????????????? ??????????????
INFRASTRUCTURE DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE INFRASTRUCTURE DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE INFRASTRUCTURE DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE INFRASTRUCTURE DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE INFRASTRUCTURE DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE
In a special conference call meeting on February 17, the League board of
directors voted to adopt a telecommunications policy to guide the League’s
positions and lobbying activities in the upcoming debate at both the state and
national level over a new regulatory framework for telecommunications ser-
vices. For more, see Page 10.
LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY
Chris McKenzie speaks at the March 1 CIC press
conference in Sacramento.
Page 7 Page 7 Page 7 Page 7 Page 7
Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 2 - PRIORITY FOCUS
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
On Monday, February 27, the governor’s office
briefed a number of city and county officials about
the details of the governor’s recent Emergency
Proclamation to repair 24 identified critical erosion
sites on project levees located in Sacramento,
Colusa, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties
before the start of the next flood season.
The director of California’s Department of
Water Resources (DWR), Lester Snow, began
the conference call briefing by explaining the
process for selecting the 24 critical sites. These
sites were identified by the Army Corps of Engi-
neers, with cooperation from the State Depart-
ment of Water Resources. Many city and county
officials participating in the call expressed appre-
ciation for the governor’s actions.
Without the emergency proclamation, officials
from the Schwarzenegger Administration esti-
mated that it would take about three years to
repair the erosion sites. With the proclamation,
they hope to complete the job by the end of this
year. Given the recent heavy rains and increased
chances for flooding, the administration indicated
that delaying repairs could put the whole state at
risk.
The governor has sent a joint letter with
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein to President
Bush requesting federal funding to assist in the
levee repair.
During the conference call, several partici-
pants inquired about other potential projects that
are not among the 24 slated for action. Director
Snow responded that inquiries and information
about such projects should be sent to his office.
Cities with concerns about other potential critical
sites in their area may contact Debbie Deanne of
DWR at (916) 653-7007.
For more information, links to the proclama-
tion, list of sites and a map of affected areas,
please visit the governor’s website at
www.governor.ca.gov.
LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S LOCAL OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON GOVERNOR’S
STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR
CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM CALIFORNIA’S LEVEE SYSTEM
The California Association for Local Economic
Development (CALED) will hold its 26th Annual
Conference & Spring Training on April 24-26, at the
Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel, in Palm Springs.
This year’s theme is “California – A Great
Place to be in Business!?!?!?” The conference
features a keynote address that will examine the
state’s manufacturing. Entitled “California’s
Manufacturing - Is it Declining, Growing, or Trans-
forming?” the address will begin with welcoming
comments at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 24, kicking-
off the three-day event.
A number of topics will be featured at the daily
sessions, including manufacturing, building,
technology, and much more. The cost for this
event is $495 until March 15 for everyone. After
that date, CALED members pay $595, while non-
members pay $695. For more information (includ-
ing a draft agenda) and to register, visit the
CALED website at www.caled.org.
CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL CALED ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN APRIL
Lost in some of the discussions about the
infrastructure bonds is the fact that one infrastruc-
ture bond already is scheduled to be on the June
2006 ballot.
Proposition 81, a $600 million general obliga-
tion bond to fund library construction, was placed
on the ballot by the Legislature in 2004 by SB 1161
(Alpert). $300 million of the bond would be allo-
cated to those library proposals that were deemed
eligible, but for which funding ran out during the
last library bond. The remaining $300 million would
be for new proposals.
The League is in support of Proposition 81. In
addition, the League believes that the library bond
should remain on the June ballot and not be
delayed to the November ballot. At this time, no
one seems to be talking about moving the bond to
November.
????? ???????????????????
PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND PROPOSITION 81 – LIBRARY BOND
ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT ON JUNE 2006 BALLOT ON JUNE 2006 BALLOTPRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 3 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
The League continues to urge cities to write their
members of Congress to describe the impact that
proposed cuts to Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funding would have on your city.
The League has posted information about the
issue on its website Advocacy Center, including a
sample letter that can be sent online to members of
Congress, a sample resolution that your city can
adopt, and a sample op-ed or letter to the editor that
can be adapted with local details about CDBG
projects in your city.
To access the materials, you must use a log-
in and then select the “Federal Center” tab.
Please be sure to send copies of any letters
to write to League Policy Analyst Genevieve
Morelos, email gmorelos@cacities.org, fax (916)
658-8240. The League will make good use of your
letters during the National League of Cities’ Congres-
sional Cities’ Congressional City Conference in
Washington, D.C., March 11 – 15. They will be
presented to members of the California congres-
sional delegation, and help tell the story of how
important CDBG is to California cities.
‘Dear Colleague’ Letter
On February 27, the League also sent an action
alert to its members, urging cities to call their mem-
bers of Congress to ask them to co-sign a “Dear
Colleague” letter from Representatives Christopher
Shays and Barney Frank.
The Shays-Frank letter would be sent to House
Budget Chairman Jim Nussle and Ranking Member
John Spratt, urging them to oppose the proposed cut
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funding in the Bush Administration’s FY 2007 budget.
The deadline for signatures to the letter was March 3.
CDBG Funding Critical for Local Community
Development Projects
President Bush’s proposal would fund the CDBG
program at $3.03 billion – a 25 percent reduction than
its current funding level of $4.18 billion. If passed,
the reduced funding would be a significant blow to
affordable housing and economic revitalization
activities in communities throughout California.
For 30 years the CDBG program has provided
funding that has allowed cities to take innovative
approaches to community development, including
homeownership promotion, job creation, youth
employment opportunities, after-school programs,
and gang intervention activities.
In FY 2006, CDBG will provide more than $474
million in funding to California. If the President’s
proposal is enacted, it will consolidate the CDBG
program and may severely reduce or eliminate
funding for hundreds of local California programs in
FY 2007.
While March 3 was the deadline to co-sign the
“Dear Colleague” letter, even after that date CDBG
remains a high priority.
If you haven’t yet written to your representatives
to describe the impact that CDBG cuts would have
on their city – please do so today. Visit the Advo-
cacy Center on the League’s website at
www.cacities.org for samples.
CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE? CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE? CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE? CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE? CDBG FUNDING: HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR REPRESENTATIVE?
Only Western City magazine brings you
practical ideas and information you need to
know about local government in California.
Western City magazine presents big-picture
policy issues and trends in a format suited
for busy professionals, with concise feature
articles and in-depth series that explore
statewide issues. Stay informed about city
issues across California. Subscribe today.
Visit: www.westerncity.com/pf.
You Could Have Your Own
Subscription to
Western City magazine.
Subscribe Today!Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 4 - PRIORITY FOCUS
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
With the February 24 deadline for bill introduc-
tion behind us, League staff members are assess-
ing the range of bills introduced in many areas that
affect cities, including housing – a key League
priority. There are a number of measures that will
be of interest to city officials.
The League is sponsoring a number of bills
designed to implement the recommendations of
the League’s Housing/General Plan Task Force.
The task force met for more than a year under the
leadership of San Diego Council member and
League Second Vice President Jim Madaffer.
Much of their work involved discussions with
members of the building community about pos-
sible changes to state housing law.
While the effort did not produce consensus
between cities and the builders, there are a num-
ber of ideas for housing reforms that were adopted
by the League board of directors. These are now
contained in a package of newly introduced bills
that the League is sponsoring or will support.
These include the following:
1. SB 1754 – Lowenthal. 100 high-density
housing infrastructure investment districts.
2. AB 2503 - Mullin. Affordable Housing Trust
Funds: dollar for dollar ERAF return for
local contributions to affordable housing
trusts.
3. AB 2468 - Salinas/Daucher. Housing
Element Self-Certification where locals
elect to zone affordable housing RHNA
allocation “by right.”
4. AB 2484 - Hancock. Exemption from
Density Bonus Law for parcels already
zoned at high density.
5. AB 2158 - Evans. Requiring COG’s to
consult with LAFCO while developing
RHNA allocation.
6. AB 2572 - Emmerson. Improving the
development of the RHNA number. Bill
currently addresses student housing. This
will likely be a vehicle for larger discussion.
7. AB 3042 - Evans. Increased Flexibility to
Transfer RHNA numbers between
jurisdictions.
8. AB 2259 - Salinas. Extends the sunset
date on legislation advocated by the
League in 2000, which permits LAFCO’s
to review urban expansions in
unincorporated areas. This bill may also
be a forum for stakeholder discussions
about the past effectiveness of the law.
There is also a package of bills relating to
group homes that the League will either sponsor
or support. These include:
AB 3005 (Emmerson) — Requires the Direc-
tor of Social Services (DSS) to consider com-
ments from local governments on adjacent land
use issues, prior to siting a new DSS six-or-fewer
group home.
AB 3006 (Emmerson) — ADP website search
reformat (same principal co-authors as above)
AB 3007 (Emmerson) — 300-foot ADP-home
siting limitation (same principal co-authors as
above.
AB 3008 (Emmerson) — spot bill in code
sections pertaining to licensure of alcohol/drug
abuse treatment facilities.
AB 3009 (Emmerson) — spot bill on ‘sex
offenders’ that may be used to address the
parolee home issue
AB 1795 (Bermudez) — requires proof of that
local governments have been notified, prior to
issuing license for new DSS six-or-fewer facility.
Bills of Concern
Additionally, there are a number of housing
bills with which the League is likely to have con-
cerns. Some of the most significant include:
HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE HOUSING STILL A HOT LEGISLATIVE ISSUE
Continued on Page 7PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 5 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
The Institute for Local Government’s (ILG) new
AB 1234 webpage (www.ca-ilg.org/
ab1234compliance) offers a variety of resources
to help cities and other local agencies meet new
state ethics laws requirements, including new
mandatory ethics training requirements.
AB 1234 requires elected and appointed
officials to take two hours of ethics training if they
receive compensation for their service or are
reimbursed for their expenses. Local officials who
are subject to the training requirements and who
are in office as of January 1, 2006, must receive
that training by the end of the year.
In addition, newly elected and appointed
officials must receive their first training within one
year of commencing service. After that, the
requirement is every two years. A “frequently-
asked-questions” document, also located on ILG’s
AB 1234 webpage answers many questions about
the scope of these and other new ethics require-
ments.
Here are some of the resources ILG has
developed to help local officials meet the require-
ments of AB 1234. All of these are located at
www.ca-ilg.org/ab1234compliance:
• Regional and Other Workshops. ILG
and the League of California Cities are offering
regional workshops for officials to satisfy AB
1234’s requirements. Those planned so far are
listed, along with links to registration information.
Sessions will also be offered at the League Plan-
ners Institute (March in Monterey), Executive
Forum (July in Monterey) and Annual Conference
(September in San Diego).
• Self-Study Materials. ILG is developing
self-study materials for those who can’t make it to
in-person trainings. The first half will be published
in the April edition of Western City magazine and
is available now, while the second half is in pro-
duction and will be posted prior to publication in
June.
ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234 ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234 ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234 ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234 ILG ETHICS TRAINING RESOURCES HELP CITIES COMPLY WITH AB 1234
• In-House Trainers. ILG’s website also
offers support for agencies that want to do AB
1234 training in-house, including official guidelines
on course content. Handouts and other support-
ing materials are available, including a handout on
the “ethics principles” aspect of AB 1234’s training
requirements (thanks to the support of the law firm
Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard) and a
new Key Ethics Law Principles for Local Officials
(formerly the ethics law bookmark), updated in
light of AB 1234’s requirements (thanks to the
support of the law firm Richards, Watson &
Gershon).
ILG also encourages local officials and their
staff to think of AB 1234’s two-hour requirement as
a minimum and to document any ethics-related
education activities that go beyond the minimum
or are beyond the four-corners of AB 1234’s
requirements.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get the
League’s most useful reference tool.
This comprehensive California directory
provides important contact information
for mayors, council members and city
department heads. The directory also
features the League’s staff directory,
League partners, affiliate organizations
and a wide variety of advertisers.
INFORMATION YOU NEED, RIGHT
A T YOUR FINGERTIPS!
Purchase this publication online at
www.cacities.org/store or call (916) 658-
8257 for an order form. City officials
price $30, non-city official price $65,
plus shipping & handling.
THE 2006 CITY HALL
DIRECTORY IS
COMING SOON!Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 6 - PRIORITY FOCUS
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
A measure that would significantly limit local
flexibility under the California Redevelopment Law
passed of Senate Local Government Committee on
March 1 with a 5-0 vote. Three members of the
committee (Sens. Tom Torlakson –D, Antioch,
Dave Cox – R, Fair Oaks and Dick Ackerman – R,
Irvine) voted for the bill with the understanding that
issues and concerns raised in the hearing would be
addressed and the committee would revisit the bill.
The bill is authored by Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-
San Diego), who also chairs the Senate Local
Government Committee. The League and the
California Redevelopment Association (RDA) are
both opposing the bill, as are the California Con-
tract Cities Association and several individual cities.
The committee vote came after a lengthy
discussion of the bill, during which the League, the
City of Oakland, RDA and others presented testi-
mony about the harmful effects the bill would have
on cities’ ability to eradicate blight, clean-up envi-
ronmentally polluted properties, build affordable
housing, and create jobs and economic opportunity.
Although there are concerns with other aspects
of the bill, much of the opposition testimony fo-
cused on the “metrics” approach to defining “blight”
in Sections 2 and 13 of the bill. Redevelopment
agencies must make a finding of blight before an
area can be declared a redevelopment area.
SB 1206 would change that process, by impos-
ing numerical standards to define factors used in a
finding of blight (e.g. economic factors such as
“depreciated or stagnant property values” and
“abnormally high business vacancies,” as well as
quality of life factors such as “residential over-
crowding” and “high crime rate”).
Support for the measure came from tax groups,
the urban counties caucus and the Attorney
General’s office. The California State Association
of Counties (CSAC) does not yet have a position on
the bill, testified in support of the concept of reform.
The Western Center on Law and Poverty, an
affordable housing advocacy group, also supported
the concept of tightening the definition of blight.
Committee member Torlakson asked many
key questions and pointed out a number of flaws
with the “metrics” tests and other provisions of
the measure. The bill passed after Sen. Kehoe
expressed her willingness to work with all con-
cerned parties, and committed to bring the bill
back to the committee.
Background. SB 1206 is one of numerous
bills recently introduced in the wake of the Su-
preme Court’s decision in Kelo v. City of New
London, which upheld the use of eminent domain
in cases involving economic development
projects.
Recent legislative interim hearings on the
effects of the case, have helped to verify that the
Kelo decision did not change California law,
which was already more restrictive than
Connecticut’s. But, despite the lack of clear
evidence of a significant impact of Kelo in Califor-
nia, the hearings also resulted in additional
legislative focus on the practices and activities of
redevelopment agencies. This has provided the
opponents of redevelopment an opportunity to
advocate for limits to redevelopment law – even
when the proposed reforms have little to do with
eminent domain.
What’s Next? The League urges city offi-
cials to carefully review this measure and assess
its impacts on their cities’ ability to addressed
blighted conditions and build affordable housing,
and to contact their legislators on this bill. The
measure will be heard next in the Senate Judi-
ciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Joe Dunn (D -
Santa Ana) – who is, along with Sen. Machado D
- Linden, a co-author of the measure.
Restore and protect local control for cities
through education and advocacy to
enhance the quality of life for all Californians.
Our Mission
SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SB 1206 (KEHOE) PASSED BY SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEEPRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 7 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
• SB 1800 (Ducheny). This measure
requires all local governments to establish
20-year land supplies for housing. This is
an extremely complex bill with many
impacts on local land use authority. Cities
need to review this bill now!
• SB 1177 (Hollingsworth) – further limits
local options under density bonus law.
• AB 2922 (Jones) – requires a 50 percent
redevelopment agency set aside for
affordable housing.
• AB 2511 (Jones) – a land use/housing
measure with numerous restrictions on
local land use authority.
• SB 1330 (Dunn) – makes numerous
changes to attorney fee provisions
affecting housing development.
City attorneys are urged to study these bills
carefully to determine how they impact your city!
HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING from page 4 from page 4 from page 4 from page 4 from page 4 ? ????????????
SING Your City’s Praises by entering
the 2006 Helen Putnam Award for
Excellence Program.
This program recognizes outstanding cities
that deliver the highest quality and level of
service in the most effective manner pos-
sible. Particular credit and attention is given
to applications specifically advancing the
League’s strategic priorities.
Visit www.cacities.org/helenputnam for
details on the program and how to enter!
CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES! CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES! CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES! CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES! CALLING ALL CALIFORNIA CITIES!
CIC CIC CIC CIC CIC from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1
? ?????????????????
Working with the theme “10 Days to Take
Care of the Next Generation,” CIC representatives
stressed the importance of investing in infrastruc-
ture now, as opposed to waiting for the November
ballot, when election year politics may make it
even more difficult to reach consensus on a
package.
“We have just 10 days to take care of future
generations,” said League Executive Director
Chris McKenzie, who also serves as chairman of
the CIC board of directors. “We applaud the
leadership of the governor and our legislators in
pushing forward their infrastructure proposals.
We urge these leaders to work together to ad-
dress California’s pressing infrastructure needs
before true disaster strikes our state.
“We simply can’t wait any longer. A compre-
hensive, sustainable funding mechanism to
ensure that California can provide for future
generations is essential.”
Joining McKenzie at the podium were CIC
board members Jim Keene, Executive Director,
California State Association of Counties; Bill
Hauck, President, California Business
Roundtable; Catherine Smith, Executive Director,
California Special Districts Association; and Sam
Hassoun, representing the Associated General
Contractors. Approximately 10 other CIC mem-
bers also joined the speakers on the platform.
“Without a solid infrastructure, employers are
reluctant to bring new jobs and facilities to our
state,” Hauck said. “It has been decades since
we have made a substantial commitment to
California’s aging infrastructure. The time has
come to immediately address this shortfall. The
June ballot provides a great opportunity to begin
the process of fixing California’s inadequate
systems and facilities.”
The press conference came on a day when a
Field Poll was released, showing strong statewide
voter support for an infrastructure package. The
CIC had also run a large ad that day in the Sacra-
Continued on Page 8Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 8 - PRIORITY FOCUS
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
mento Bee, announcing the start of the 10-day
campaign.
Public Works Officers Join at San Diego
Press Conference
A similar press conference was conducted the
following day in San Diego, where the League’s
Public Works Officers’ Department was holding its
annual conference. League Executive Director
McKenzie again served as emcee
for the event, joined by other CIC
representatives and a number of
public works officers.
Those speaking including Jack
Boda, Director, Mobility Manage-
ment And Project Implementation,
San Diego Area Governments;
Brad Barnum, Vice President of
Government Relations, Associated
General Contractors; Lisa Rapp,
public works director for the City of
Lakewood; and Peter Rei, Trans-
portation Committee Chair, County Engineers
Association of California.
Both Rapp and Rei stressed the urgency of
getting an infrastructure package on the June
ballot was critical to California’s development.
“We work every day to maintain safe roads,
reliable water systems and well-maintained parks
and schools,” Rapp explained. “It can’t be done
without a significant investment, and we need that
investment now.”
Rei agreed, adding that safety is also a pri-
mary concern.
“Too many of our roads are crumbling and our
flood-control measures are inadequate to keep our
families and businesses safe,” Rei said. “That’s
why we’re calling on our elected leaders in Sacra-
mento to create a strong plan that they can put
before the voters in June and begin to offer long-
overdue resources to meet our needs and the
needs of the next generation.”
Campaign Countdown Continues
CIC is also releasing Eye on Infrastructure
Special Report, a supplement to Eye on Infra-
structure, CIC’s monthly newsletter. These
special reports began publishing on March 1, and
will continue to publish until the March 10 deadline
of placing an infrastructure investment plan on the
June 2006 ballot. To view these reports, visit the
CIC website at www.calinfrastructure.org.
In addition, other press events
are scheduled in the Bay Area and
in the Coachella Valley next week,
continuing the effort to encourage
action on this issue by the Friday,
March 10 deadline. City officials
interested in these press confer-
ences are urged to contact their
League Regional Representatives,
who are organizing the events.
The Importance of the March 10
Deadline: What You Can Do
There is a real risk that if infrastructure bonds
are not on the June ballot, election year politics will
make it even more difficult to get a package for the
November ballot. California cannot afford to wait.
We all know that our state infrastructure is badly in
need of significant investment - and working for
this investment is a key League goal. The Field
poll this week confirmed that voters support
funding for infrastructure, and that they want their
representatives to work together to achieve it.
With infrastructure a top priority for the
League, we are committed to working with all
parties to ensure that timely action is taken on
negotiating a bond package in time for the June
ballot. The League urges cities to contact the
governor and their legislators – thanking them
for the work that they are doing, and encouraging
them to continue to work together to pass a
consensus infrastructure package by the March
10 deadline for getting a measure on the June
ballot.
???????????? ??????????????????????????????????????
CIC CIC CIC CIC CIC from page 7 from page 7 from page 7 from page 7 from page 7PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 9 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1
????????? ??????????????????????????????
The governor had called a “Big Five” meeting
(governor, Senate President pro Tem Don Perata,
Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman, Assembly
Speaker Fabian Nunez, and Assembly Minority
Leader Kevin McCarthy) for the same time as the
CIC State Capitol press conference down the hall.
Democratic leaders came away from that
session expressing frustration with what they saw
as the governor’s shifting funding priorities, refer-
ring specifically to his recent proposal to increase
bond funding for levees and flood control from
$2.5 billion to $6 billon.
Later that day, reacting to the CIC press
conference, Sen. Perata issued a letter directed to
Chris McKenzie, as president of the CIC board of
directors, expressing frustration with what he
called “the moving target before us.”
On March 2, the governor held a quickly-
convened press conference, in which he said he
was optimistic that he and the Legislature could
come to an agreement on a package.
Afterwards he held a meeting with Speaker
Nunez. Sacramento Bee columnist Dan
Weintraub, writing in his blog, had this to report
about the meeting:
“The speaker said his meeting with the gover-
nor was by far the best they have had on the issue
this year. He said he sensed a new urgency on
the governor’s part to get a deal done. He said the
governor said he was open to including affordable
housing and natural resources in the bond pack-
age, and said he would work with the Dems on
public transportation funding if they would work
with him on roads. And Núñez said the governor
explained his decision this week to ask for more
flood control money in a way that made some
sense.”
The Legislature’s Conference Committee on
Infrastructure Bonds met later that day and heard
reports from some of the various policy commit-
tees who had held hearings to review specific
bond proposals in their various areas of jurisdic-
tion. While it was clear that committee members
had made progress defining their priorities for
funding, a number of times legislators from both
sides of the aisle talked about the importance of
taking the time necessary to “do it right.”
The tone of the discussion among conference
committee members and legislators presenting
the reports from their policy committees was
thoughtful and collegial. Particularly encouraging
were the discussions between Republicans and
Democrats, both on the committee and among
legislators presenting reports.
While expressing clear differences of opinion
on approaches and priorities, there was talk of
coming up with “hybrid systems” on hot button
issues such as design-build contracts for infra-
structure projects (proposed by the governor,
supported by Republicans and opposed by Demo-
crats), and the Assembly Republicans’ proposal
for a “pay-as-you-go” approach to funding infra-
structure, instead of bonding.
Co-chairman Sen. Kevin Murray summed up
the tenor of the discussions when he said, “At
least until we have to vote on things seems like
everybody is holding hands and singing kumbaya.”
The Conference Committee plans to hold
hearings next week, considering in detail the
reports from the various policy committees.
To view the committee reports from the As-
sembly Transportation and Assembly Water Parks
and Wildlife Committees, please visit the individual
committee web pages at www.assembly.ca.gov.
The Senate Education, Environmental Quality,
Natural Resources and Water, Public Safety, and
Transportation and Housing Committee reports
are available at www.senate.ca.gov.Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 10 - PRIORITY FOCUS
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
????????????????????????????????? ?????????????
Continued on Page 12
TELECOM TELECOM TELECOM TELECOM TELECOM from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1
This debate is being fueled by the revolution-
ary changes in telecommunications technology.
Cable companies want to become telephone
providers and telephone companies want to
deliver video services and it is all possible be-
cause of the new technology.
The board action followed by one week a
February 10-11 board meeting, during which the
board of directors heard presentations and en-
gaged in an extensive Q&A with representatives
from the “new” AT&T, Verizon and the California
Cable Television Association. The industry repre-
sentatives described the services they envision
providing to local communities and were more
than willing to point out why the services of their
particular company were superior to the competi-
tion.
The cable industry argued for maintaining the
status quo of the current local franchising pro-
cess. Verizon and AT&T are concerned that the
traditional franchising process will be a barrier in
getting their product/service to market in a timely
manner.
On the following day, the board considered
and debated parameters for a telecommunica-
tions policy that would guide the League’s posi-
tions and reactions to telecom reform discussions
in Congress and the Legislature. The debate was
complex and involved, with the board ultimately
deciding to use the follow-up conference call the
following week to finalize their telecommunica-
tions policy.
Reform Moving in Congress and
Legislature
The adoption of the policy is timely, as regula-
tory reform discussions appear to be heating up in
both Congress and the California Legislature. In
California, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and
Assembly Utilities and Commerce Chairman
Lloyd Levine (Van Nuys) have introduced a spot
bill (AB 2987) that could be the vehicle for regula-
tory reform discussions here in California.
Reports from Washington D.C. this week were
that Congressman Joe Barton, chairman of the
Energy and Commerce Committee, plans to move
to mark up this month of legislation that would
focus on letting the former regional Bell operating
companies rapidly enter the video marketplace to
compete head-on with the cable industry. The
mark up would occur in the Energy and Com-
merce Telecommunications and the Internet
Subcommittee.
“My position is that there should be a national
[video] franchise,” Barton said after addressing a
National Association of Broadcasters’ gathering.
While the phone companies now offering video
services seek such a national franchise, cable
operators — who had had to obtain franchises at
the local level — argue the Bells should be subject
to similar rules in order to offer video services.
Last year the League joined with the National
League of Cities (NLC) in opposing the Barton
proposal. (Please visit the League’s special
website Telecom page at www.cacities.org/
telecom to view a copy of this letter.)
League Urges Cities to Write Legislators
and Members of Congress
While passage of legislation this year estab-
lishing a new regulatory framework for telecom is
far from certain, it does appear that there are
serious discussions moving in both Congress and
the Legislature. Earlier this week, the League
issued an action alert to cities, asking them to sign
onto a League letter to the California congressional
delegation that urges the delegation to consider
the League’s newly-adopted telecommunications
principles as they move forward with the reform of
federal telecommunications law. The letter along
with a list of cities who have signed on will be
delivered to the California delegation during the
National League of Cities Congressional City
Conference in March.PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 11 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
The telecommunications debate at both the federal and state levels promises to be a key issue for
cities in 2006. The primary goal for local government interests in the debate is to provide the best tele-
communications services to all of the constituents in our communities. A key factor in achieving this level
of service is to enable competition among all telecommunications providers.
Traditional franchising at the local level has served the valuable purpose of tailoring service to unique
local conditions and needs and assuring responsiveness of providers to consumers. The continued
involvement of local government in any new state or federal regulatory scheme by way of locally negoti-
ated agreements is an essential component of telecommunications regulations, best serves the needs
of consumers, and is consistent with the goal of providing consumers greater choice in telecommunica-
tions options.
Any new state or federal standards must conform to the following principles:
REVENUE PROTECTIONS
• Protect the authority of local governments to collect revenues from telecommunications provid-
ers and ensure that any future changes are revenue neutral for local governments.
• Regulatory fees and/or taxes should apply equitably to all telecommunications service providers.
• A guarantee that all existing and any new fees/taxes remain with local governments to support
local public services and mitigate impacts on local rights-of-way.
• Oppose any state or federal legislation that would pre-empt or threaten local taxation authority
RIGHTS-OF-WAY
• T o protect the public’s investment, the control of public rights-of-way must remain local.
• Local government must retain full control over the time, place and manner for the use of the
public right-of-way in providing telecommunications services, including the appearance and aesthetics
of equipment placed within it.
ACCESS
• All local community residents should be provided access to all available telecommunications
services.
• T elecommunications providers should be required to specify a reasonable timeframe for deploy-
ment of telecommunications services that includes a clear plan for the sequencing of the build-out of
these facilities within the entire franchise area.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND GOVERNMENT (PEG) SUPPORT
• The resources required of new entrants should be used to meet PEG support requirements in a
LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY LEAGUE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY
FEBRUARY, 2006 FEBRUARY, 2006 FEBRUARY, 2006 FEBRUARY, 2006 FEBRUARY, 2006
Continued on Page 12Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 12 - PRIORITY FOCUS
March 3, 2006 - Issue #9
LEAGUE TELECOM POLICY LEAGUE TELECOM POLICY LEAGUE TELECOM POLICY LEAGUE TELECOM POLICY LEAGUE TELECOM POLICY from page 11 from page 11 from page 11 from page 11 from page 11
balanced manner in partnership with incumbent providers.
• For cities currently without PEG support revenues, a minimum percentage of required
support needs to be determined.
INSTITUTIONAL OR FIBER NETWORK (INET)
• The authority for interested communities to establish INET services and support for educa-
tional and local government facilities should remain at the local level.
PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
• The authority for E-911 and 911 services should remain with local government, including any
compensation for the use of the right-of-way. All E-911 and 911 calls made by voice over internet
protocol shall be routed to local public safety answering points (PSAPs); i.e., local dispatch centers.
• All video providers must provide local emergency notification service.
CUSTOMER SERVICE PROTECTION
• State consumer protection laws should continue to apply as a minimum standard and should
be enforced at the local level. Local governments should retain the authority to assess penalties to
improve customer service
OTHER ISSUES
• Existing telecommunications providers and new entrants shall adhere to local city policies on
public utility undergrounding.
The League is scheduling meetings with all members of the Senate and Assembly committees
where this legislation will be heard. In addition, the League is seeking city officials to sign on to a letter
that will go to the California Congressional delegation outlining the key telecommunications policy
issues. City officials will be contacted by League Regional Representatives in the month of March to
set up meetings with state legislators and members of Congress. We encourage all city officials to
engage in this issue. We are at a critical point where telecommunications policies will be set at the
state and/or the federal level for possibly the next 25 to 30 years. This will have a tremendous influ-
ence on the services the businesses and residential consumers in your community will receive.
???????????? ???????????????
The League is also urging cities to contact their California legislators to ask them to consider the
League principles in their discussions about changes to telecommunications regulations.
Bookmark www.cacities.org/telecom.
To stay up to date on telecommunications reform issues that affect cities, please bookmark the
League’s special website telecom page. You’ll find background materials, action alerts and updates on
this very important issue for cities.
TELECOM TELECOM TELECOM TELECOM TELECOM from page 10 from page 10 from page 10 from page 10 from page 10