IN THIS ISSUE: November 7, 2008
Issue #42-2008
Page 6: Despite Economy Most Local Revenue Measures Succeed
Page 7: November VLF Payments to Cities Suspended
Propositions 84 and 1E Funding Available to Cities
Page 8: DHS Announces Guide $3 Billion-Plus of Preparedness Grant Programs
Assembly Bill 32: Implementing California’s Climate Change Challenge
Page 10: CalTRUST Handling Financial Storm
Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
GOVERNOR PROPOSES CUTS, TAX INCREASES AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS TO
ADDRESS MASSIVE REVENUE SHORTFALL
No Borrowing of Local Property Tax or Gas Tax Revenues Proposed: No
Additional Revenue Grabs Contemplated
Having called the Legislature back for a special session on Wednesday, Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger held a press conference on Thursday, to release his proposed solution to the
state’s $11.2 billion shortfall for this fiscal year. This proposal, which contains cuts, taxes and an
economic stimulus plan, comes just six weeks after the Legislature passed and he signed the FY
2008-09 budget. The Governor cited the extreme volatility in the stock market, decreases in
consumer spending and the housing slump as causes for the drop in California’s revenues.
For more, see Page 2.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
FORMER LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS REMAIN FORCE IN LEGISLATURE
WITH NOVEMBER ELECTION RESULTS
Although term limits required many state legislative seats to change hands in Tuesday’s election,
the trend of legislators coming from local government continues. While several legislative races
remain too close to call, it appears that the Senate in the 2009-2010 Session will have at least 25
former local government officials, up from 24 in 2007-2008.* In the Assembly, however, the
numbers of former local elected officials decreases slightly from 44 in 2007-08 to 40 or 41 in
2009-10.** For more, see Page 4.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
ELECTION RESULTS: RESULTS ON STATE MEASURES WITH
LEAGUE BOARD POSITIONS
The League’s board of directors examined the eight of the 12 measures on the Nov. 4, 2008
ballot with potential impacts for cities. A significant factor in the League taking “no position” on
several of the measures was related to concerns over impacts to the state budget. Below are
results of these eight measures. For more, see Page 5. 2
‘Budget’ Continued from Page 1…
“We have a dramatic situation which takes a dramatic solution,” the Governor told the assembled
reporters. “We must stop the bleeding,” he continued. Where once the Governor said the state
had a spending problem he is now saying that California has a revenue problem.
Mike Genest, the director of finance, warned that without action now, California is poised to run
out of cash in February. In total, the Governor is recommending $4.5 billion of cuts and $4.7
billion in revenue raising measures. The gap between the Governor’s defined deficit of $11.2
billion and his proposed solutions of revenue generation and cuts will be largely filled by the
State’s FY 2008-09 reserves Education would take the greatest single hit under the Governor’s
plan.
The lynchpin of the Governor’s plan calls for a three-year, 1.5-cent state sales tax increase which
is projected to raise state revenues by approximately $3.5 billion in FY 2008-09. He has also
proposed to extend the sales and use tax to certain services, impose a tax on oil extraction,
increase alcohol and excise taxes by 5-cents per drink and increase vehicle registration fees by
$12. The increase in the vehicle registration fee is supposed to offset a portion of the cuts to
public safety programs.
The Governor also proposed to get the state’s economy back on track with an economic stimulus
package, which will in turn boost revenues. He proposes to expedite infrastructure bond funding
appropriations: $700 million in Proposition 1B local streets and roads funding, $800 million in
Prop. 1B funding for local transit agencies to accelerate local transit projects, and accelerate
$822 million in Prop. 1B funded projects administered by Caltrans. In addition, the Governor’s
proposal would accelerate $147 million of water and flood projects with funding from Props. 84
and 1E.
The League is continuing to analyze the Governor’s proposal in detail. The good news for cities is
that it protects Prop. 1A (property taxes) and Prop. 42 (sales tax on gas) revenues and does not
propose any additional shifts of local redevelopment funds.
Additional analysis on specific impacts for cities is below:
Additional Funding:
• Proposition 1B Local Streets and Roads: Among various “economic stimulus”
proposals, the Administration proposes to allocate all remaining local street and road
funds that have yet to be appropriated to cities and counties. Local agencies would have
to agree to encumber these funds by Dec. 31, 2009. Of the $700 million, approximately
$250 million remains available for cities and $450 million for counties.
• Broadened Sales and Use Tax Base: The proposal to broaden the sales and use taxes
to apply to specified services is projected to generate $151 million in FY 2008-09 and
$487 million in FY 2009-10 for cities and counties. In addition, the broadened tax base
would generate an estimated $27 million in FY 2008-09 and $89 million in FY 2008-10 for
Prop. 172 public safety funds.
• Temporary Sales and Use Tax Hike Benefits Proposition 42 Revenues: The
proposed temporary 1.5 cent increase of state sales and use tax also means that
revenues collected under Prop. 42 for transportation would also increase. DOF
estimates this can generate approximately $1.035 billion over three years, of which 20
percent would be allocated per the Prop. 42 formula to cities, or $207 million.
Public Safety Program Impacts:
• COPS/Juvenile Justice and Booking Fees Backed Out of General Fund: The
Administration proposes to rescind 50 percent of the General Fund allocations provided
in the recently adopted FY 2008-09 budget for the COPS/Juvenile Justice and Booking
Fee programs, and replace most of that funding them through revenues derived from
vehicle license fees that are currently used to support the administration of the 3
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) The DMV administration costs would in turn be
supplied through a proposed $12 dollar per vehicle increase in vehicle registration fees.
While all details of this proposal are still being revealed, the following chart supplied by
the Department of Finance indicates the reductions that would occur in FY 2008-09, as
well as projected funding levels for FY 2009-10.
Based on the chart below COPS and Juvenile Justice programs would experience a
decline of 13.4 percent over previously budgeted levels in FY 08-09, and 11.1 percent
less in 2009-10 compared to the amount originally budgeted in FY 08-09. Booking Fee
funding would remain at $31.5 million in both FY 2008-09 and FY 2009-10.
Administration officials point out that shifting these public safety programs to being
supported by the VLF rather than the General Fund should make them less vulnerable to
future budget cuts.
*amounts in millions
Program 2008-09
Budget
Act
Special Session Proposal
2008-09
Special Session
Proposal
2009-10
GF GF VLF Total GF VLF
Citizens' Option
for Public Safety
(COPS)
$107,100 $53,550 $39,280 $92,830 $0 $95,823
Juvenile Justice
Crime Prevention
Grants
107,100 53,550 39,280 92,830 0 95,823
Booking Fees 31,500 15,750 15,750 31,500 0 31,500
Small and Rural
Sheriffs; Grants
16,650 8,325 0 8,325 0 0
Total Local
Government
Funding
$262,350 $131,175 $94,310 $225,485 $0 $223,146
The League has posted DOF’s spreadsheet with additional details on the impacts to local
government public safety funds online.
http://www.cacities.org/resource_files/27375.PSGrantsSpecialSessionProposal.pdf
• Reduces and then Eliminates Funding for Various Public Safety Programs Funded
Through the Office of Emergency Services. Funding for Vertical Prosecution Block
Grants, Rural Crime Prevention, California Multi-jurisdictional Methamphetamine
Enforcement Teams, High Technology Theft Apprehension, Sexual Assault Felony
Enforcement Teams, rural sheriffs and other public safety programs are proposed to cut
50 percent over budgeted levels in FY 2008-09 and not funded al all in FY 2009-10.
• Corrections Cuts to Save Funds: Various proposals have been advanced to save costs
for the Department of Corrections including: eliminating parole supervision for any
offender that has not committed a serious, violent or sexual felony; reducing time an
inmate must spend in prison for good behavior; and adjusting the financial threshold that
triggers a felony for a property-related crime.
Other Local Impacts:
• Proposes additional cuts of $229.9 million in FY 2008-09 and $306 million in 2009-10 for
transit agencies.
• Eliminates funding for Williamson Act.
The Governor’s summary of his Special Session FY 2008-09 budget is available on DOF’s Web
site. http://www.dof.ca.gov/documents/special_session_08-09_web.pdf
_____________________________________________________________________________
4
‘Legislative Election Results’ Continued from Page 1…
These legislators share their common experience on city councils and county boards of
supervisors. It is hoped that these legislators will continue to remember their local roots when
making decisions affecting local budgets and state legislation. The charts below list legislators for
the 2009-10 California State Legislature with local government experience and their term limits.
Senate Members from Local Government (25)
District Name Party Term Limit
1 Dave Cox R 2012
2 Pat Wiggins D 2014
3 Mark Leno D 2016
5 Lois Wolk D 2016
6 Darrell Steinberg D 2014
7 Mark DeSauliner D 2016
8 Leland Yee D 2014
9 Loni Hancock D 2016
10 Ellen Corbett D 2014
11 Joe Simitian D 2012
14 Dave Cogdill R 2014
15 Abel Maldonado R 2012
17 George Runner R 2012
18 Roy Ashburn R 2010
20 Alex Padilla D 2014
21 Carol Liu D 2016
23 Fran Pavley D 2016
27 Alan Lowenthal D 2012
28 Jenny Oropeza D 2014
29 Robert “Bob” Huff R 2016
31 Bob Dutton R 2012
33 Mimi Walters R 2016
34 Lou Correa D 2014
35 Tom Harman R 2012
39 Christine Kehoe D 2012
Assembly Members from Local Government (*40 or 41)**
District Name Party Term Limit
1 Wes Chesbro D 2014
3 Dan Logue R 2014
4 Ted Gaines R 2012
5 Roger Neillo R 2010
7 Noreen Evans D 2010
8 Mariko Yamada D 2014
9 Dave Jones D 2010
11 Tom Torkalson D 2014
12 Fiona Ma D 2012
13 Tom Ammiano D 2014
14 Nancy Skinner D 2014
19 Gerald Hill D 2014
20 Alberto Torrico D 2010
21 Ira Ruskin D 2010
23 Joe Coto D 2010
24 Jim Beall Jr. D 2012
28 Anna Caballero D 2012
31 Juan Arambula D 2010
34 Connie Conway R 2014
36 Steve Knight R 2014 5
38 Cameron Smyth R 2012
42 Michael Feuer D 2012
44 Anthony Portantino D 2012
49 Michael Eng D 2012
50 Hector De La Torre D 2010
51 Curren Price D 2012
52 Isadore Hall D 2014
53 Ted Lieu D 2010
54 Bonnie Lowenthal D 2014
56 Tony Mendoza D 2012
60 Curt Hagman R 2014
61 Norma Torres D 2014
65 Paul Cook R 2012
67 Jim Silva R 2012
68 Van Tran R 2010
69 Jose Solorio D 2012
71 Jeff Miller R 2014
72 Michael Duvall R 2012
73 Diane L. Harkey R 2014
79 Mary Salas D 2012
*Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, who previously served on the Los Angles City Council, won a seat
on the Los Angles County Board of Supervisors. A special election to fill this seat in Senate
District 26 will occur in 2009.
** The results for Assembly District 10 have not been confirmed. Jack Sieglock (R), a former San
Joaquin County supervisor and former Mayor of Lodi is running against Alison Huber (D), an
attorney. If Sieglock wins, there will be 41 former local government officials in the Assembly. If he
loses, there will be 40.
_____________________________________________________________________________
‘Elections Results’ Continued from Page 1…
Proposition 1A – Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st
Century: Issues $9.95 billion of general obligation bonds, $9 billion of which will be made
available in conjunction with federal and private funds for the planning and construction of a high-
speed train system, and $950 million of which will be available for capitol projects on other
passenger rail lines to provide connectivity to the high-speed train system.
• Position: No position
• Election Result: Passed
Proposition 3 – Children’s Hospital Projects: Issues $980 million in bonds to be used for
grants of approximately $98 million each for qualifying non-profit Children’s Hospitals to expand
and renovate to make more room to treat children, and to purchase life-saving medical equipment
for the treatment.
• Position: No position
• Election Result: Passed
Proposition 5 – Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act of 2008 (NORA): Expands drug
treatment diversion programs for nonviolent offenders; modifies parole supervision procedures
and expands prison and parole rehabilitation programs; allows for additional early release credits
for participation and performance in rehabilitation programs; changes the penalties for marijuana
possession; and makes various changes to the organization of rehabilitation programs in the CA
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
• Position: Oppose
• Election Result: Failed
Proposition 6 – Safe Neighborhoods Act (or the Safe Neighborhoods Act: Stop Gang, Gun,
and Street Crime): Creates and revises numerous state and local criminal justice programs to
address criminal street gang activity, firearms and narcotics, child abuse, victim protection, 6
juvenile offender programs, parole and community re-entry, juvenile and county jail facilities, and
the electronic monitoring of sex offenders.
• Position: No position
• Election Result: Failed
Proposition 7 – Solar and Clean Energy Act of 2008: Requires utilities, including government-
owned utilities, to generate 20 percent of their power from renewable energy by 2010, a standard
currently applicable only to private electrical corporations. It also raises requirement for utilities to
40 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2025.
• Position: Oppose
• Election Result: Failed
Proposition 9 – Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Law: Expands the legal rights of
crime victims and their ability to seek restitution; creates restrictions on the early release of
inmates from incarceration; and restructures the granting and revocation of parole.
• Position: Support
• Election Result: Passed
Proposition 10 – The California Renewable Energy and Clean Alternative Fuel Act: Issues
$5 billion in general obligation bonds to fund renewable energy generation, alternative fuels for
transportation, and energy efficiency and conservation programs.
• Position: No position
• Election Result: Failed
Proposition 11 – Redistricting. Constitutional Amendment and Statute: Changes the way
the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Legislature (Assembly and Senate), and the Board
of Equalization district boundaries are determined.
• Position: Support
• Election Result: Passed
_____________________________________________________________________________
Despite Economy Most Local Revenue Measures Succeed
California voters decided the fate of over 380 local measures on Tuesday, Nov. 4, including 239
concerning taxes, fees or bonds for cities, counties, special districts and schools. Residents of the
community of Rossmoor in Orange County decided not to incorporate. Across the state, 95
school bond measures, seeking approval of a total of nearly $22.5 billion in elementary, high
school and community college bonds were on the ballot. There were also 21 school parcel tax
measures requiring two-thirds voter approval.
Among the non-school local fiscal measures most (81) concern cities, with 20 concerning
counties and 21 special districts. Among the city measures, most (56) are majority vote general
tax measures. Four city measures are referenda to repeal existing taxes or fees, and 21 are
special taxes or bonds requiring two-thirds voter approval. Among the county measures, nine are
majority vote general taxes, and 12 are two-thirds vote bonds or special taxes. The special district
measures are all two-thirds supermajority measures, except for one referendum to repeal a
special district fee.
As in prior elections, majority vote measures are proving much more successful than special
taxes requiring two-thirds vote supermajority approval. Forty-six of 65 general taxes are passing
(71 percent), while just 17 of 33 non-school special taxes are passing (52 percent). School parcel
taxes are faring better with 81 percent passing. More than nine of ten 55 percent-vote school
bonds are passing.
Across almost every category, approval rates of local revenue measures are as high or higher
than those of similar measures since 2001.
A sizable number of provisional and drop-off absentee ballots are still being counted. The fate of
a number of these measures could change with the completion of the final tallies.
A full report on local ballot measures can be found at www.californiacityfinance.com
http://www.californiacityfinance.com/Votes0811prelim.pdf 7
____________________________________________________________________________
November VLF Payments to Cities Suspended
Very low revenue collected from Motor Vehicle License Fees during October resulted in the
inability of the State Controller’s Office to make November payments to cities.
A letter detailing the funding shortfall has been posted on the League’s Web site.
http://www.cacities.org/resource_files/27374.nov8letter.pdf
_____________________________________________________________________________
Propositions 84 and 1E Funding Available to Cities
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB xx1 on Sept. 30, which contained appropriations for the
Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) program through Propositions 84 and 1E.
Funding available breaks down into several categories which are included below. A full list of
appropriations is posted on the League’s Web site.
http://www.cacities.org/resource_files/27373.IRWM_Grant_Status_102108.pdf
• Stormwater flood management projects through Prop. 1E: $150,000,000
• Implementation and planning grants through Prop. 84: $181,791,000
Department of Water Resources Holds Workshops on IRWM Program
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has scheduled three workshops in November to
discuss how the department will implement Prop. 84 IRWM and Prop. 1E grants. Details are
below:
Nov. 18: Riverside
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Location:
3737 Main Street, Magnolia Room 204
Riverside, CA 92501
Nov. 19: Sacramento
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: California Environmental Protection Building
1001 “I” Street, 2nd Floor, Coastal Hearing Room
Sacramento, CA 95814
Note: This workshop will be broadcast at www.calepa.ca.gov/broadcast. Questions or comments
can be e-mailed during the broadcast to DWR_IRWM@water.ca.gov
Nov. 21: Goleta
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: Goleta Sanitary District
1 William Moffett Place
Goleta, CA 93117
Meeting material for all three meetings will be posted online prior to Nov. 18 at
www.grantsloans.water.ca.gov/grants/irwm/integregio_news.cfm.
Please contact Linda Woolridge at (916) 653-6255 or TDD (916) 653-6934 if you need
accommodation due to a disability.
____________________________________________________________________________
8
DHS Announces Guide $3 Billion-Plus of Preparedness Grant Programs
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency
released FY 2009 Application Guidance for 14 federal grant programs. There is more than $3
billion available in federal funding to assist state and local governments in strengthening
community preparedness. This funding is part of the federal investment to strengthen the nation's
ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters or other
emergencies.
DHS announced for the first time FY 2009 targeted allocations under the State Homeland
Security Program and Urban Areas Security Initiative, which includes new areas in California.
For more information about these and other federal grant opportunities, please visit
http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=46633.
____________________________________________________________________________
Assembly Bill 32: Implementing California’s Climate Change Challenge
NEW: The California Air Resources Board (ARB) will be discussing ARB’s Scoping Plan (Plan)
on Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. While this discussion of the Plan is just that, a discussion, (because the
decision on approving the Plan will be at the December ARB meeting), it is important that local
government voices be heard. City officials are encouraged to attend the meeting in person or
watch the meeting online.
Further information can be found at: www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2008/ma112008.htm
Background
In 2006, California enacted the most forward reaching environmental law of its kind, AB 32
(Nuñez, Chapter 488, Statutes of 2006). AB 32 requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. By requiring California to reduce its emissions, the
stage has been set for a major transition in the state to a sustainable, clean energy future.
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is the lead state agency for implementation of AB 32.
ARB met the first milestone required by AB 32 in 2007 when it developed a list of nine discrete
early action measures. In 2007, ARB also developed an inventory of historic emissions,
established greenhouse gas emission reporting requirements for major emitters, and set the
numeric limit for the 2020 emission reduction mandate under AB 32.
The focus for ARB in 2008 was a document referred to as the “Scoping Plan.” The Scoping Plan
(Plan), which under AB 32 must be approved by ARB by Jan. 1, 2009, proposes a
comprehensive set of actions designed to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions in California.
It is essentially the plan on how the state will achieve the necessary reductions in greenhouse
gas emissions by 2020. The Plan includes actions in areas such as energy efficiency,
transportation, green building, recycling and waste, housing, high speed rail, industrial emissions,
water, agriculture and land use planning.
Under the Plan, actions may be implemented through direct regulations, alternative compliance
mechanisms, monetary and non-monetary incentives, voluntary actions, and market-based
mechanisms such as a proposed cap-and-trade system. The Plan was released on Oct. 15, 2008
and will be considered for approval at the ARB Board hearing on Dec. 11, 2008.
Key Issue Areas for Local Governments in ARB’s Plan:
• Voluntary 15 percent reduction in local government GHG emissions. The Plan
encourages local governments in California to track emissions using their recently
adopted Local Government Operations Protocol as well as encourages local
governments to adopt a reduction goal for municipal operations emissions and move 9
toward similar goals for community emissions that parallel the State commitment to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 15 percent from current levels by
2020.
• Maximize Energy Efficiency Building and Appliance Standards, and Pursue Additional
Efficiency Efforts Including New Technologies, and New Policy and Implementation
Mechanisms. The Plan sets targets for annual energy demand reductions statewide. The
reductions include actions like: “zero net energy” buildings, green building codes,
appliance efficiency standards, improved compliance and enforcement of existing
building standards and voluntary efficiency and green building targets beyond mandatory
codes. For municipal utilities, it also includes more aggressive utility programs to achieve
long term energy savings, including Renewable Portfolio Standards for municipal utilities
mandating all utilities, achieving a 33 percent renewable energy mix by 2020.
• Establishment of Regional Transportation-Related Greenhouse Gas Targets. In
September, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 375 (Steinberg, Chapter 728,
Statutes of 2008), which establishes mechanisms for the development of regional targets
for reducing passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. The Plan states that 5 million
metric tons of emissions will be reduced as a result of transportation related planning
programs, or almost 3 percent of the total needed to achieve AB 32’s 2020 target. This
number, however, is a placeholder as the Plan states that the total target “will ultimately
be determined during the SB 375 process.”
• Adopt Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Efficiency Measures. The Plan suggests
requiring aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance retrofits of medium and heavy-duty
vehicles to improve fuel efficiency. It also suggests hybridization of medium and heavy-
duty vehicles, specifically those used in urban, stop-and-go applications to achieve
increased fuel efficiency.
• Expand the Use of Green Building Practices to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of
California’s New and Existing Inventory of Buildings. The Plan pulls from a number of
areas to produce greenhouse gas savings through buildings that exceed minimum
energy efficiency standards, decrease consumption of potable water, reduce solid waste
during construction and operation, and incorporate sustainable materials. The Green
Building strategy under the Plan also includes siting considerations — noting that
buildings that are sited close to public transportation or near mixed-use areas can work in
tandem with transportation-related strategies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Local governments are encouraged under the Plan to adopt “beyond-code” local green
building requirements.
Additionally, the Plan anticipates that the State Building Standards Commission will adopt
a mandatory code in 2011 which will institute minimum environmental performance
standards for all occupancies. The Plan also envisions green building zero-energy targets
in the future. Furthermore, the Plan recommends the establishment of an environmental
performance rating system for homes and commercial buildings and further recommends
that California adopt mechanisms to encourage and require retrofits for buildings that do
not meet or exceed minimum standards of performance.
• Reduce Methane Emissions at Landfills. Increase Waste Diversion, Composting and
Commercial Recycling. Move Toward Zero-Waste. The Plan recommends reduction in
landfill methane, through the Discrete Early Action measure for landfill methane control.
This measure is expected to be presented to the ARB Board for approval at their January
2009 Board Meeting. The Plan also suggests policies like Extended Producer
Responsibility and Environmentally Preferable Purchasing along with commercial
recycling and increased production and markets for compost to achieve higher levels of
recycling and promotion of zero-waste goals.
What’s Next?
Rulemakings and other regulatory actions outlined in the Plan and noted above will take place
over the next two years. Under AB 32, the Plan must be in place by January 2009, and measures 10
outlined in the Plan must be in place by January 2012. League staff will continue to update its
membership over the next two years through League list serves, Priority Focus, and through
League policy committees dealing with climate change issues.
Resources for Getting Started
The California Climate Action Network (www.ca-ilg.org/climatechange) has information for city
officials interested in more information and resources about how to get started to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions. There is a section with best practices at www.ca-
ilg.org/bestpractices.
CCAN is a program of the Institute for Local Government, the League and the California State
Association of Counties’ nonprofit research arm.
_________________________________________________________________________
CalTRUST Handling Financial Storm
In the middle of the financial market turbulence, the Investment Trust of California (CalTRUST)
held a conference call on Oct. 23 to update participants on the market, the CalTRUST portfolios
and the merger of Wachovia (the CalTRUST investment advisor) and Wells Fargo. The League of
California Cities is a sponsor of CalTRUST.
The call was well attended with the CalTRUST board of directors and approximately 40 agencies
participating. Russ Gould, senior managing director of Wachovia Portfolio Services and members
of the Evergreen Investments team (Evergreen Investments is the asset management arm of
Wachovia) providing an update on the situation.
The CalTRUST accounts are currently being managed in a conservative manner, with a high
level of liquidity and the portfolio is well-diversified. The Short-Term Account maintains its
“AA/S1+” rating from Standard & Poor’s; in fact the average credit quality of securities in the
Short-Term Account as of Sept. 30 was “AAA.” Due to the already conservative positioning of
both the Short- and Medium-term accounts, no dramatic changes to the investment strategies are
foreseen at this time.
The Wachovia/Wells Fargo merger is expected to close before the end of the year and will make
for one of the world’s strongest financial institutions with over $1.4 trillion in assets and over $700
billion in deposits.
For more information on CalTRUST, please contact Lyle Defenbaugh, Wachovia Portfolio
Services director of client relations at (916) 441.6200 or contact CSAC Finance Corporation
Program Manager Laura Labanieh at (916) 327-7500 ext. 536.
_________________________________________________________________________
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.
_____________________________________________________________________________
IN THIS ISSUE: November 14, 2008
Issue #43-2008
Page 4: Prop. 1B Local Streets and Roads Applications Now Available Online
Infrastructure Bond Matrix Has Available Funding Information
Page 5: President-Elect Barack Obama Comments on Need for Infrastructure Investment
Register Now for Dec. 2 Conference on AB 32 and Local Government
Sustainable Cities Feature: The Gateway Cities Clean Air Program
Page 7: Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
BUDGET SHORTFALL ANALYSIS - INCREASED TAXES,
REVENUE REDUCTIONS, NO BORROWING
LAO Recommends Large-Scale Permanent Hit to Redevelopment
Less than a week after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a proposed budget to close the
$11.2 billion shortfall for FY 2008-09, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released an analysis
of the Governor’s latest proposal. LAO concurs with the Administration’s assessment and projects
that the budget shortfall over the next 20 months is $27.8 billion. While the Governor did not
propose an additional shift of redevelopment funds, the analysis recommends a permanent
annual shift of $400 million in redevelopment funds. For more, see Page 2.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
FORECLOSURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COMMENTS DUE NOV. 28
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is releasing its plan
online today, Friday, Nov. 14 for distributing funds to local governments under the Neighborhood
Stabilization Program (NSP). The plan can be found at www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/nsp/index.html. HCD
is accepting comments on the plan until Nov. 28. For more, see Page 3.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
LEAGUE MAKES ECONOMIC STIMULUS RECOMMENDATIONS
TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA’S ADVISORS
With the flurry of activity related to President-Elect Obama’s incoming administration, advisors are
gathering input on policy directions for 2009. As part of this process, the League was asked for its
recommendations on important components of an economic stimulus package for California
cities. For more, see Page 3. 2
‘Budget’ Continued from Page 1…
LAO’s analysis supports the Governor’s framework to close the gap with a combination of cuts
and tax increases and recommends that the Legislature take quick and aggressive action to solve
the problem. LAO further suggests alternative revenue increases and program reductions to
ensure minimizing harm to the state’s taxpayers and core programs, and raises concerns about
future shortfalls.
According to the LAO analysis, the Governor's proposal, including a three-year, 1.5-cent state
sales tax increase to raise state revenues by approximately $3.5 billion in FY 2008-09, extending
the sales and use tax to certain services, imposing a tax on oil extraction, increasing alcohol and
excise taxes by 5-cents per drink, would essentially close the $28 billion gap. However, in three
years when the sales tax increase ends and available funds from the lottery are borrowed, the
state’s budget problem would grow once again to between $9 billion to $11 billion annually.
The analysis also provides some alternatives to the Governor’s proposed budget solutions
including several that would impact local governments:
• Increasing the required redevelopment Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF)
shift to schools from $350 to $400 million in the FY 2008-09 budget, and making this shift
on an annual basis.
• Making a vague proposal related to the Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS),
Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Grants, Booking Fees, and Small and Rural Sheriffs’
Grants programs. While the Governor’s proposal is to shift these programs off of the
general fund and backfill a portion of the loss through Vehicle License Fees (VLF), the
LAO is not looking at backfilling COPS or Booking Fees from VLF. It has not been
determined whether LAO will propose backfilling the Juvenile Justice program.
• Increasing VLF fee revenues from the current rate of 0.65 percent to a full 1 percent, and
using those revenues to shift additional state responsibilities to counties.
• Shifting funding from water and regulatory programs to fees, with the rationale that
beneficiaries of state services should pay the state’s costs of providing these services,
and that regulatory programs should be fully funded by regulated entities. League staff is
still trying to get more information on this proposal to determine how it could affect local
governments.
• Partially shifting funding for wildland fire protection in state responsibility areas to new
fees. Property owners benefitting from the service would also pay a share of state costs.
The state would still bear one-half the cost of protecting wildlands from fire.
• Repealing the Animal Adoption Mandate and paying prior years’ costs over time.
• Eliminating California Gang Reduction Intervention and Prevention program and Internet
Against Crimes Against Children Task Force. Program funds for the next several years
would be transferred from the Restitution Fund to the General Fund.
• Sweeping all Motor Vehicle Account revenues not subject to Article XIX to be used for
general purposes. The League is still attempting to determine if this proposal affects local
funding.
• Eliminating the state’s First Five Commission established by Proposition 10 (1998) and
redirecting 50 percent of these funds to children’s health or childcare programs. This
would target resources to high-priority state programs while allowing some local priorities
to be supported. Prop. 10, which added a 50-cent tax per cigarette pack and annually
generates approximately $700 million for education, health and child care programs
related to early childhood development, would impact counties because of the new
burden of running administrative services this state commission currently provides.
Corrections/Public Safety: LAO also proposes a number of policy changes to state prison inmates
designed to save state costs that will have impacts on local public safety and law enforcement
resources:
• Change so-called “wobbler” crimes to misdemeanors. Offenders diverted from prison
would still be subject to criminal sanctions at the local level;
• Release all no-lifer inmates 30 days early;
• Exclude inmates with less than six months to serve from prison;
• Reduce time served for parole revocations; and 3
• Exclude parolees with technical and misdemeanor violations from prison. Offenders could
be diverted to community sanctions.
LAO’s analysis of the Governor’s proposed budget is available online.
http://www.lao.ca.gov/2008/bud/nov_revise/nov_revise_overview_111108.pdf
The Legislature is holding a hearing today to examine both the Governor’s proposal and LAO’s
analysis. As further developments occur with the Special Session the Governor has called to
address the revised budget shortfall, updates and analysis will be provided through Priority
Focus, the League’s Web site (www.cacities.org) and the League’s listservs.
_____________________________________________________________________________
‘Foreclosure Program’ Continued from Page 1…
The NSP program works very similarly to the Community Block Grant Program, where the most
affected jurisdictions (according to a federal formula) will receive funding directly from the federal
government while HCD distributes funding to the remaining affected communities. The just-
released HCD plan addresses the funding that will flow through California.
Because of the expedited process required in the law, HCD must submit its plan to the federal
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by Dec. 1, which is why the HCD
deadline for comments is Nov. 28. A hearing at the HCD offices in Sacramento is scheduled for
Nov. 21.
Cities that are expecting to participate in this program are strongly advised to review these
materials and contact HCD with questions.
Background
The American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221) included
among its numerous provisions the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which provides
$3.9 billion nation-wide to state and local governments to purchase abandoned and foreclosed
homes and residential property. The intent is to rejuvenate neighborhoods and communities that
are hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. This funding allows localities to renovate and rehabilitate
those homes, eliminating blight and reinvigorating and stabilizing the affected neighborhoods.
The funds can be used to:
1. Purchase and rehabilitate homes to sell, rent or redevelop;
2. Create land banks for homes that have been foreclosed upon;
3. Demolish blighted structures;
4. Redevelop demolished or vacant properties; and
5. Establish financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed upon
homes and residential properties.
Homes that are purchased with the NSP funds must be sold or rented to low or moderate income
families.
_____________________________________________________________________________
‘Economic Stimulus’ Continued from Page 1…
The recent economic downturn has had a significant impact on cities’ budgets and resulted in
cuts to many vital services such as public safety, parks and libraries. An economic stimulus
package that includes either direct cash assistance, block grants with broad flexibility, and funds
to invest in infrastructure and adaptation to climate change would be helpful. Cities are poised to
put these funds to use immediately and can produce results that would strengthen cities and the
overall economy on multiple levels.
In outlining recommended provisions for the federal economic stimulus package, the League
proposed nine federal investment opportunities at the local level.
• Fully Fund Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG); 4
• Support Transit-Oriented Infill Infrastructure;
• Provide Funding for Storm Water Management;
• Funding for Maintenance and Upgrades of Local Streets and Roads;
• Restore Rental Housing Tax Break;
• Support $10 Billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding in the Next
Stimulus Package;
• Support $1 Billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for Energy Efficiency;
• Provide Incentives to Upgrade Vehicle Fleets and Heavy Equipment; and
• Return to Previous Federal “Revenue Sharing” Programs.
Cities with advocates in Washington, D.C. are encouraged to share the League’s
recommendations with them because they may be approached for input during the new
administration’s policy development. The League has posted its economic stimulus
recommendations online. http://www.cacities.org/resource_files/27384.League's
EconomicStimulusPrioritiesupdated08FINAL.pdf
_____________________________________________________________________________
Prop. 1B Local Streets and Roads Applications Now Available Online
The Department of Finance (DOF) released application instructions this week for the FY 2008-09
allocations of Proposition 1B Local Streets and Roads (LSR) funds. Application information and
instructions are available at http://www.dof.ca.gov/bonds/proposition_1b_disbursements/2008-
09_appropriation/.
The FY 2008-09 state budget includes a $187 million appropriation for cities from the Prop. 1B
Local Streets and Roads (LSR) account (counties have a separate allocation). This appropriation
is available on a first-come, first-served basis to cities that have already received their full
allocation in FY 2007-08. Cities must meet the following criteria to be eligible for funding:
1. Received full allocation for FY 2007-08;
2. Submitted a Prop.1B LSR Annual Report to DOF for FY 2007-08;
3. Agreed to use the funds only for projects that do not currently have dedicated funding;
4. Must commit the funds to projects before July 1, 2009: and
5. Must certify that the unencumbered balance of their road fund is no more than three
months of anticipated Highway User Tax Account (HUTA) and Prop. 42 incomes. If the
unencumbered balance exceeds this amount, the city must have agreed to decrease the
unencumbered balance be either of the following:
a. An amount equivalent to the allocation received in FY 2008-09, or
b. Until the unencumbered balance is no more than three months of anticipated
HUTA and Prop. 42 incomes.
Note: For the purpose of this item, “unencumbered” means any portion of funding that is not
designated, through prior approval by the city council, for use on the planning, review, design, or
construction phase of a project currently underway at the time of the road fund report.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Infrastructure Bond Matrix Has Available Funding Information
The League has created a special matrix outlining all monies available to cities from the 2006
Infrastructure Bond Package. With information on more than 50 different funding sources, as well
as contact resources, this matrix is an invaluable tool for city officials interested in securing
available funds. The matrix is regularly updated in order to provide city officials with the most
accurate information on bond status. It was most recently updated on Monday, Nov. 3.
In addition to regularly publishing the matrix, the League will also provide notice of funding
opportunities and longer stories on specific items of interest, such as Proposition 1B Local Streets
and Roads funding, through Priority Focus and the League’s various listservs.
5
The latest copy of the matrix is posted on the League’s Web site.
http://www.cacities.org/resource_files/27383.2006InfrastructureBondsUpdateOct08final32Sept20
08.pdf
_____________________________________________________________________________
President-Elect Barack Obama Comments on Need for Infrastructure Investment
Citing a loss of more than $1.2 million jobs within the last year, President-Elect Barack Obama
once again discussed the importance of a plan to create jobs which should include a major
investment in infrastructure.
President-Elect Obama and his transition team spent last weekend outlining his key priorities.
Among them is an economic stimulus package being discussed by Congress. The plan is
reportedly centered around infrastructure spending and is expected to include anywhere from $60
billion to $100 billion in funding.
The League of California Cities is working with the National League of Cities (NLC) to urge
Congress to include local governments in any infrastructure or economic stimulus package.
Additional information about NLC efforts can be found on its Web site at
www.nlc.org/advocating_for_cities/index.aspx.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Register Now for Dec. 2 Conference on AB 32 and Local Government
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is offering a conference on Dec. 2 in Sacramento
on its research into how local governments in California address and adapt to climate change.
Titled “Emerging Issues in Climate Policy: Promoting Local Initiative, Addressing Impacts”, the
half day event will focus on the role local governments will play in helping the state reduce
emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 to meet AB 32’s goals. The California Research Bureau is co-
sponsoring the event.
Speakers include:
• Louise Bedsworth, PPIC researcher
• Ellen Hanak, PPIC researcher
• Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi
• Ron Loveridge, mayor, Riverside
• Julia Burrows, deputy city manager, Roseville
Event details:
9 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. conference with lunch provided
California State Association of Counties Conference Center
1020 11th Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Registration:
The event is free but space is limited so city officials are encouraged to register immediately by
contacting PPIC via e-mail at events@ppic.org to reserve a spot.
____________________________________________________________________________
Sustainable Cities Feature: The Gateway Cities Clean Air Program
The Gateway Cities Clean Air Program successfully completed its six year pilot project in October
and now the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are taking the ambitious air quality
improvement program to the next level.
A sub-unit of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the Gateway Cities
Council of Government (GCCOG) comprises 27 cities in south eastern Los Angeles County 6
including Long Beach, Whittier, Downey, Norwalk, Cerritos and Lakewood. The smaller council of
government covers about 2 million people in a larger region of 20 million. GCCOG launched its
clean air program in 2002 after staff examined a South Coast Air Quality Management District
study which found high concentrations of diesel particulates along the freeway corridors in its
region. Jack Joseph, GCCOG deputy director says staff was concerned because these
particulates are related with higher instances of cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Wanting to improve local air quality, the GCCOG applied for federal funding to start a pilot
program in 2002 to provide grants to diesel truck owners who would turn in their older model truck
cabs to purchase newer vehicles. The program wrapped up on Oct. 1, 2008.
GCCOG initially received $1.2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ultimately,
the project secured a total of approximately $30 million in six years from a number of agencies
including the California Air Resources Board, the South Coast Air Quality Management District,
the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles.
When the program first launched earlier this decade, a variety of trucks qualified such as trucks
working out of the ports as well as cement and asphalt haulers. However, as the two local ports
became more involved and provided more funding, the focus shifted to trucks transporting goods
out of the ports.
The age of the trucks replaced ranged from the late 1960s to mid 1990s. Unlike a vehicle that
runs on gasoline, diesel engines can run upwards of a million miles and because they are
extremely costly to replace, a diesel truck can remain on the road for decades—the older the
model the more it pollutes. According to Joseph, a newer used cab costs approximately $60,000
and a brand new one can run between $100,000 and $120,000.
Under the program, diesel truck owners—trucks that typically pull 40 foot containers of goods out
of the ports—could apply for a grant that would cover about two-thirds of the cost of a newer, less
polluting “cab.” The grant amount was determined by how much air quality would improve with
the newer model based on the age of the scrapped cab and the miles it was driven annually.
Program participants entered into an agreement with GCCOG stating that they would stay in the
trucking profession for five years and would drive 85 percent of their miles in the region.
“The reason we required participants to pledge to remain in the program for five years is because
we wanted to keep the benefits in the region,” said Joseph who continued “We hope that they
stay in the profession and area beyond five years so there are even longer term benefits.”
In six years, the pilot took 650 older diesel trucks off the road replacing them with newer models.
GCCOG’s staff estimates that for every older truck scrapped in the program, one ton less of
nitrous oxide (NOX) is released over a five year period. NOX is one of the components
responsible for smog formation. Additionally, each newer model on the road reduces particulate
emissions by six-tenths of a ton over the same period.
Although the pilot project ended last month, it had tremendous impact beyond the 650 trucks
replaced. The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are taking it to the next level. “It was a pilot
program that worked and when pilot programs work, it moves on to a larger and more permanent
program. That’s exactly what happened in this situation and we feel good about it,” said Joseph.
The two ports are now expanding the program dramatically and have a goal to take 16,000 older
diesel trucks off the road. It has been estimated that 45 percent of cargo coming into the U.S.
comes into either the Port of Long Beach or Los Angeles so improving the efficiency of vehicles
transporting these goods goes a long way to improving the air quality in southern California.
GCCOG is now moving onto new air quality improvement projects in its region, including a plan to
improve the 710 freeway, which is the major route to move cargo out of the ports and into the
region.
Additional information about GCCOG can be found on its Web site at www.gatewaycog.org.
_____________________________________________________________________________
7
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.
_____________________________________________________________________________
IN THIS ISSUE: November 21, 2008
Issue #44-2008
Page 2: PPIC Reports: 75 Percent of Cities and Counties Addressing Climate Change
Page 3: Register Now for Dec. 2 Conference on AB 32 and Local Government
Page 4: State Agency Addressing Rapid Decline in Commodity Prices for Recycled Materials
Sustainability Feature Request: On the Green Front
Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Special Note: Priority Focus will not publish on Friday, Nov. 28 due to the Thanksgiving
Holiday. The newsletter will resume publishing in Friday, Dec. 5.
CURRENT SPECIAL BUDGET SESSION MAKES LITTLE PROGRESS
Governor May Call New Legislature into Special Session
As the economic news worsened, the Legislature made little progress this week to resolve the
shortfall in the less than two-month old FY 2008-09 state budget. There has been some activity
on the budget recently but no major agreement with time running out on the special session
which ends on Nov. 30. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a memo on Nov. 19 stating that
he will immediately call a special session of the new Legislature when it convenes on Dec. 1 if the
current Legislature does not take action. He has the power to do this under the provisions of
Proposition 58, which would require legislators to address the current budget year’s deficit within
45 days. For more, see Page 2.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES ELECTS RIVERSIDE
MAYOR RON LOVERIDGE FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge was elected National League of Cities (NLC) first vice president
during its Congress of Cities convention in Orlando, Fla., last week. Elected to a one year term,
Loveridge will assist the NLC president in leading the board of directors to shape priorities, direct
advocacy, research and organizational membership activities. The Riverside mayor is in line to
become NLC president in 2010. For more, see Page 2.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
L.A. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ED REYES
ELECTED TO NLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During the National League of Cities (NLC) Congress of Cities in Orlando, Fla., last week, Los
Angeles City Council Member Ed Reyes was elected to the 2009 NLC board of directors. Reyes
is one of 18 new board members elected at the meeting. NLC’s board of directors is comprised of
the president, first vice president, second vice president, past presidents in government service,
and approximately 40 other members. For more, see Page 2. 2
‘Budget’ Continued from Page 1…
When the Governor called a special session on the budget earlier this month, he announced that
California already has a revenue shortfall of $11.2 billion for the current fiscal year. Shortly after,
the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) reported that this shortfall is projected to grow to $28 billion
when combined with the FY 2009-10 deficit.
In the past week, several budget activities have occurred in the State Capitol. The Assembly
Budget Committee met on Friday, Nov. 14 to discuss the Governor’s budget proposal and LAO’s
analysis. The Governor has been meeting with legislative leaders as well as the “Big Five” plus
incoming Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento). The Senate and Assembly were
scheduled to meet this weekend but postponed until Tuesday, Nov. 25.
The League will continue to provide regular updates on state budget developments as they occur
through Listservs, Priority Focus and www.cacities.org.
_____________________________________________________________________________
‘Loveridge’ Continued from Page 1…
First elected to the Riverside City Council in 1979, Loveridge was elected mayor in 1994. A
professor of political science at the University of California, Riverside, the mayor holds a PhD
from Stanford University. Loveridge is also a member of the California Air Resources Board, the
South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Southern California Association of
Governments.
Loveridge has a long history of service with the League of California Cities and NLC. He served
as League president from 2003-2004, leading the organization during the successful passage of
Proposition 1A, which protects local revenues from being used by the state. For NLC, Loveridge’s
service includes his tenure on the board of directors, his position as vice chair of the City Futures
Panel on Equity and Opportunity, chairmanship of the American-Canadian Cities in 2004-2005
and participation on NLC’s International Council.
When Loveridge becomes NLC president next November, he will be the first Californian to serve
in the position since former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley held the post in 1974.
_____________________________________________________________________________
‘Reyes’ Continued from Page 1…
Elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 2001, Reyes represents some of the nation’s most
densely populated areas. He has a background in urban planning and as a council member, he
has worked to create almost 70 acres of new park space in the city by transforming rail yards into
green space.
Reyes serves as chair of the Los Angeles City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management
and Ad Hock Los Angeles River committees and is vice chair of the Housing, Community and
Economic Development Committee. In these positions he’s worked to expand the city’s housing
stock, spearheaded the city-wide passage of zoning policies to encourage mixed-use
developments around underused commercial and transportation corridors and more.
Reyes’ NLC board of directors term is two years. He joins other California city officials on the NLC
board including Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge who was elected NLC first vice president at the
Orlando meeting. Also serving on the NLC board in 2009 are Robin Lowe, council member,
Hemet and Tzeitel Paras-Caracci, council member Duarte. Both board members terms expire in
November 2009.
_____________________________________________________________________________
PPIC Reports: 75 Percent of Cities and Counties Addressing Climate Change
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released a study earlier this week examining local
responses to climate change. The study is titled Climate Policy at the Local Level, and among the
report’s highlights is the finding that 75 percent of California’s cities and counties are actively
engaged in climate change issues. The study found that cities and counties in the San Francisco 3
Bay Area and the Sacramento Metro Area have the highest rate of activities related to addressing
climate change.
Citing a lack of concrete information on what local governments are doing to address climate
change, PPIC instigated the study in collaboration with the League, the California State
Association of Counties and the Institute for Local Government (ILG). The survey was conducted
over a seven month period beginning in May 2008 with 280 cities and 30 counties responding.
This represents 73 percent of California’s population.
Key Findings
• Approximately 75 percent of cities and counties are working on climate change issues;
• Approximately 33 percent of cities and counties are participating in one or more efforts
that encourage local climate policy action;
• More than half of all cities and counties have completed (or are planning to conduct)
emissions inventories of municipal facilities and operations;
• 42 percent are also doing this process for their larger communities;
• More than half of the cities and counties surveyed have completed (or are planning to
complete) climate action plans; and
• Cities and counties, similar to the state, are more focused on mitigation efforts (such as
investments in energy efficiency technologies) than adaptation efforts (such as strategies
to prepare communities for natural disasters resulting from climate change).
The complete study can be found on PPIC’s Web site at www.ppic.org
(http://www.ppic.org/main/publication.asp?i=849)
PPIC also released a study titled Preparing for the Inevitable: State Global Warming Strategy
Needs to Plan for Climate Change on Nov. 17. This study examines how California institutions
are preparing for climate change challenges. The study can also be found on PPIC’s Web site at
www.ppic.org. http://www.ppic.org/main/publication.asp?i=755
ILG’s California Climate Action Network offers resources for city and county officials interested in
strategies to address climate change locally. Information can be found on ILG’s Web site at
www.ca-ilg.org/climatechange.
____________________________________________________________________________
Register Now for Dec. 2 Conference on AB 32 and Local Government
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is offering a conference on Dec. 2 in Sacramento
on its research into how local governments in California address and adapt to climate change.
Titled “Emerging Issues in Climate Policy: Promoting Local Initiative, Addressing Impacts”, the
half day event will focus on the role local governments will play in helping the state reduce
emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 to meet AB 32’s goals. The California Research Bureau is co-
sponsoring the event.
Speakers include:
• Louise Bedsworth, PPIC researcher
• Ellen Hanak, PPIC researcher
• Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi
• Ron Loveridge, mayor, Riverside
• Julia Burrows, deputy city manager, Roseville
Event details:
Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the conference runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. conference with
lunch provided.
California State Association of Counties Conference Center
1020 11th Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814 4
Registration:
The event is free but space is limited so city officials are encouraged to register immediately by
contacting PPIC via e-mail at events@ppic.org to reserve a spot.
_____________________________________________________________________________
State Agency Addressing Rapid Decline in Commodity Prices for Recycled
Materials
The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) announced its intention last week
to work with cities and counties coping with the impact of rapidly declining prices for recycled
goods. The state agency is planning to hold a meeting in Sacramento early December to discuss
short and long term solutions to ease the situation. The League will update members with
information on the meeting when details are released.
Recycling paper, cardboard and plastics helps California combat climate change and generates
vital revenues. Scientists report that the methane gas produced by decomposing paper products
and other organic materials is 23 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
The state leads the nation in waste diversion: California converts approximately 52 million tons of
solid waste annually into newer higher value products. Recently prices for these recycled
commodities rapidly declined and local governments are under pressure to secure additional
storage space for goods ready for recycling.
____________________________________________________________________________
Sustainability Feature Request: On the Green Front
Priority Focus regularly runs a feature highlighting the sustainability efforts/programs many cities
are implementing. We are constantly on the look out for creative ways that cities are becoming
green or finding a way to involve their community and reduce their carbon footprint.
The stories are typically 300-600 words and although the focus is generally on one aspect of what
an individual city is doing on this front, on occasion, a multi-city effort is profiled.
We are interested in reviewing your city’s Sustainability Plan or Green Plan to learn about your
city’s programs.
Please e-mail a copy of your Sustainability Plan to Adrienne Sprenger, League communications
specialist at asprenger@cacities.org. For file sizes larger than 4 MB, please e-mail us a link to
your plan on your Web site or burn a copy to CD and mail to:
Adrienne Sprenger
League of California Cities
1400 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
____________________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________________