IN THIS THIS ISSUE:
January 23, 2009
Issue #3-2009
Upcoming Events: City Managers Department Meeting — Monterey, Feb. 4-6
Personnel & Employee Relations — San Francisco, Mar. 12-13
Public Works Officers Institute & Mini Expo — Monterey, Mar. 25-27
Planners Institute & Mini Expo — Anaheim, Mar. 25-27
Page 4: Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
NEW ADMINISTRATION PROPOSAL TO DEFER LOCAL HIGHWAY USERS TAXES,
PROPOSITION 42 FUNDS AND MANDATE REIMBURSEMENTS
How Will Your City Services Be Affected?
The League needs information quickly about how individual cities would be affected by a new
proposal floated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Department of Finance (D0F) to offset state
cash flow woes. For more, see Page 2.
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE BUDGET TUNNEL?
As the budget deficit clock outside Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office this week ticked up to
more than $8.4 billion, there was news this week that legislative Republicans may be willing to
consider revenue increases in exchange for what they consider to be solid budget reforms that
control future spending. For more, see Page 3.
LEAGUE HONORS FOUR MEMBERS OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE
Hundreds of city officials were in town this week to honor the four legislators the League
recognized for their support of local government in 2008 at a special reception. The event was
held at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento following the first day of the 2009 New Mayors and
Council Members Academy. For more, see Page 3.'Cash Flow' Continued from Page 1...
Designed as part of a final budget package, the administration drafted legislation that would defer
the payment of the following revenues to cities and counties:
1) Seven-Month deferral of Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA) Funds: These are
revenues paid monthly to cities and counties from the per-gallon motor vehicle fuel tax.
The DOF proposal is to defer the payment of these funds to cities and counties in the
following way:
• Batch #1: Payments to cities and counties for revenues collected in January,
February, March and the first half of April (that would otherwise be paid in
February, March, April and May) would be instead paid in September 2009.
We estimate this deferral would amount to about $162 million for counties
and about $156 million for cities.
• Batch #2: Payments to cities and counties for revenues collected during the
second half of April, May, June and July (that would otherwise be paid in
May, June, July and August) would be instead be paid in October 2009. We
estimate this deferral would amount to about $165 million for counties and
about $160 million for cities.
2) Three-Month Deferral of Proposition 42 Transportation Revenues: These revenues
are paid quarterly to cities and counties from the state sales tax on gasoline. The DOF
proposal is to defer payment of the June 2009 (fourth quarter) local government
allocations until October 2009. This deferral would amount to about $68 million for
counties and $68 million for cities.
3) Two-Month Delay for Mandate Payments: The DOF proposal delays the payment date
for mandate claims from Aug. 15 to Oct. 16, 2009.
4) Seven-Month Deferral of State General Fund Aid to Counties: The DOE proposal
also would defer state General Fund payments to counties for a variety of social service
programs from February to August 2009.
Current Proposal Mirrors 2008 Deferral. City officials will recall that in 2008 HUTA payments to
cities and counties were deferred for the months of April, May, June, July and August and repaid
in September (ABX 3 7, Chapter 5, Statues of 2008), with a total value to cities and counties of
approximately $500 million. Language in that measure authorized Proposition 1B transportation
dollars to be temporarily used to backfill losses, and also authorized the September repayment to
be accrued during the 2007-08 fiscal year.
While the DOF proposal includes similar accrual language and permits Prop. 1B funds to be used
temporarily for HUTA and Prop. 42 purposes, it must be noted that Prop. 1B and other bond
revenues are not being distributed by the state due to inability of the state to issue bonds.
Please Tell Us ASAP: How Will Your City Services Be Affected? While cities were able to
weather the 2008 deferral of HUTA funds, the dramatic decline of our economy has since forced
cities to make many adjustments to their budgets. The League's fiscal consultant, Michael
Coleman, has estimated the city-by-city impacts, available at
httpliwwvv,raBiforniacityfinance.corni#CITY-STATE.
We need your help to fully tell the story of how local services would be impacted by this
proposal. Specifically, what would your city do to manage this proposed deferral of
funds? What programs and projects would be affected? How will this affect your
residents?
Please send a brief response to Dorothy Johnson at diohnson(@cacities.arci by 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27.
2/
League President Judy Mitchell thanks Assembly Member
Tom Be hill for his work with cities durin • 2008.
'Budget' Continued from Page 1...
Republicans have indicated for weeks that they would be willing to discuss revenue increases,
but only after the Legislature has passed reforms that cut programs and limit future spending. The
change is that the Republicans are signaling that they would be willing to vote for a
comprehensive package that includes both tax increases and reforms.
Quoted in the Sacramento Bee, Assemblyman Anthony Adams, R-Hesperia, said, "The reforms
have to be there. (We must be able) to tell constituents, 'Look, we had to raise taxes, we had to
go forward, but we've fundamentally altered the way in which Sacramento is going to be
budgeted — and we will not have these problems again because of it.'"
Administration Floats Proposal on Deferring Transportation and Mandate Payments to
Local Agencies. The League is asking city officials to provide us with information on how their
city would be affected by an administration proposal to defer payments to local agencies of local
highway users taxes, Prop. 42 funds and mandate reimbursements. (Visit
http://www.californiacityfinance.comittCITY-STATE for "New Administration Proposal to Defer
Local Highway Users Taxes, Proposition 42 Funds and Mandate Reimbursements".)
State Controller Chiang Refuses to Go Along with State Worker Furlough. Also this week,
State Controller John Chiang announced that he would not cut state workers' paychecks as
requested by the Governor, unless directed not to do so by the judge hearing a lawsuit brought by
state workers. The lawsuit challenges the Governor's order to state workers to take off two days a
month without pay.
The controller's decision is welcome news to state workers, but eliminates a budget-cutting tool
the Governor had hoped to use to minimize pressure on the state general fund.
The Governor and "big four" legislative leaders were scheduled to meet today to continue budget
discussions.
Tax Reform Commission Begins Work. Also this week, the Commission on the 21st Century
Economy held the first of three meetings yesterday in La Jolla to formulate a plan to overhaul
California's tax system. The commission plans to focus on changes that will reduce the volatility
in the state's revenue system, due in large part to the state's dependence on income taxes paid
by a relative few high-income taxpayers.
The commission will also consider extending the sales tax to services as a means of ensuring
more long-term growth in its revenues and making the state less dependent on income taxes.
'Special Reception' Continued from Page 1...
League President Judy Mitchell, Mayor of the
city of Rolling Hills Estates, presented the
awards honoring Assembly Member Tom
Berryh ill (R-Modesto), former Assembly
Member John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Assembly
Member Lori Saldaria (D-San Diego) and Sen.
Lois Walk (D-Davis). All four were recognized
for their leadership and support of local
government during the 2008 legislative
session.
Assembly Member Berryhill was recognized
for his response to metal theft, an issue that
has been plaguing farmers in his Central
Valley district as well as cities around the
state.
3League President Judy Mitchell thanks former
Assembly Member John Laird, now a member of the
California Integrated Waste Management Board, for
his work with cities.
Former Assembly Member Laird was recognized
for continuing to keep the needs of cities in mind
during his work on the state budget, and for his
efforts to pass his AB 2466. This law is important to
local government because it generates additional
public investment in renewable power by
authorizing a public agency to receive full credit
against its electric bill for any surplus power
produced by an eligible renewable generating
facility is a legacy for cities and the environment.
Assembly Member Saldarla was honored for her
balanced leadership as chair of the Assembly
Committee on Housing and Community
Development. The League honor also recognizes
her leadership in authoring AB 2280, which
improves the functioning of Density Bonus Law, an
incentive-based law designed to reward developers
of affordable housing.
Sen. Wolk was recognized for her solid support of local government during her six years in the
California State Assembly. In 2008, then Assembly Member Wolk assisted cities with the passage
of AB 642, which allows cities to use one firm to both design and build projects such as waste
water facilities, solid waste management facilities or water recyding facilities.
The four legislators were also featured in the January issue of Western City magazine, which can
be accessed at www.westerncity.corn.
Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Visit (and bookmark!) the League's Leciistative Resources Web page
(www.cacities.orgilegresources). 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.|1013|
IN THIS ISSUE:
January 30, 2009
Issue #4-2009
Page 7: Upcoming Legislative Hearing to Address Group Homes
Page 8: 2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute, March 25 — 27
League Forms Water Task Force
Page 9: Assembly Committee Appointments Announced
Helen Putnam Awards: Celebrating Excellence in City Government
Page 10: Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE PASSED BY HOUSE
SENATE VERSION INTRODUCED
Wednesday afternoon the U.S. House of Representatives passed their version of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act) (HR 1 http://frwebgate.access.qoacioviccii-
binigetdoc.cgi ?dbnarne=1 I 1 cong bills&docid=thl eh.txt, pdf) by a vote of 244-188. The cost of
the package totals $819 billion, and consists of nearly $550 billion for upgrades to transportation,
infrastructure, construction health care programs, education and housing assistance, and energy
efficiency projects, and $275 billion in personal and business tax credits. For more, see Page 2.
NO BUDGET DEAL
There may be progress on the State budget, but it's not visible to the thousands of Capitol
watchers waiting for news that a deal is near.
"Big Five" discussions occurred several days this week. The pressure to reach a solution is
growing, as the state approaches the beginning of February — the month that State Controller
John Chiang identified as a time when he expects the state to run out of cash sufficient to pay all
its bills. Without a budget solution, Chiang has said that some vendors will receive IOU's instead
of actual payment, as he juggles the available funding to cover as many priority obligations as
possible. For more, see Page 5.
AB 32 IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
With the passage of the AB 32 Scoping Plan by the California State Air Resources Board (ARB)
in December 2008 (see "Air Board Adopts Climate Change Scoping Plan" — Priority Focus, Dec.
12, 2008) we now begin the two year process to implement the proposals outlined in the plan.
Yesterday, the ARB provided an updated timeline of those ideas for 2009 and beyond. For more,
see Page 6.'Federal Stimulus' Continued from Page 1...
The Act did not receive any support from House Republicans, who cited concerns with the cost of
the plan, the transparency of the process, and whether tax cuts or spending would be more
helpful to reviving the economy.
General provisions of the Act include preferences for infrastructure projects that can be obligated
within 120 days and unprecedented reporting and transparency requirements.
Release of Senate Version
The Senate released their version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (S
336 htto://frwebaate.access.gpo.goviccji-
binigetdoc.coi?dbname=111 corsq bills&docid =f:s336pcs.txt.pdf) late this week. At this time, the
bill is not in print, and less is known about the specifics of the proposal.
Next steps
Senate committees are expected to hear the Senate version early next week and plan to have it
considered before the full Senate by the end of the week.
Following passage of the Act in the Senate, it will be sent to Conference, where the House and
Senate will reconcile any differences in the bills.
Below is a brief comparison of funding included in the Act that may be important to cities. These
are preliminary numbers based on what we know of the two proposals, and does not include
information on the distribution process for most funds. This information will continually be updated
and refined as the Act is finalized. Please visit our Federal Economic Stimulus Updates webpage
for information provided by the National League of Cities, as well as future information and full
side-by-side comparisons of the House and Senate legislation.
WATER/FLOOD PROTECTION
Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations
House:
• $175 million to purchase and restore floodplain easements; and
• $175 million for watershed and flood prevention projects
Senate:
• $275 million total
Watershed Rehabilitation
House:
• $50 million
Senate:
• $120 million
Rural Community Advancement Program
House:
• $1.5 billion for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loans
Senate:
• $1.37 billion for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loans
Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund
House:
• $2 billion to states via formula to finance drinking water infrastructure improvements.
States are required to use 50 percent of the amount of the grant in the form of a subsidy
to municipalities, including forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans, and grants for
projects included on the State's priority list.
Senate:
• $2 billion to the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund
2Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund
House:
• $6 billion to states via formula to finance publically-owned wastewater infrastructure
improvements. States are required to use 50 percent of the funds as subsidies to
municipalities for forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans, and grants for projects
on the State's priority list Twenty percent (20%) is required to be used for projects to
address water-efficiency goals, energy-efficiency goals, mitigate storm water runoff, or
encourage environmentally sensitive project planning, design, and construction.
Senate:
• $4 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund
PUBLIC SAFETY
Wildfire Management
House:
• $300 million for hazardous fuel reduction, forest health, wood-to-energy grants, and
rehabilitation and restoration activities on federal lands
• $550 million for state fire assistance hazardous fuels projects, volunteer fire assistance,
cooperative forest health projects, city forest enhancements, and wood-to-energy grants
on state and private lands
Senate:
• $300 million for hazardous fuel reduction, forest health, wood-to-energy grants, and
rehabilitation and restoration activities on federal lands
• $350 million for state fire assistance hazardous fuels projects, volunteer fire assistance,
cooperative forest health projects, city forest enhancements, and wood-to-energy grants
on state and private lands
Law Enforcement
House:
• $3 billion for Byrne JAG (formula) grants. These funds can be used for a variety of
purposes, including equipment, operations and support for other associated law
enforcement personnel (such as prosecutors, public defenders, etc.). These funds can
also be used to pay overtime expenses of officers on multi-jurisdictional task forces.
• $1 billion for competitive COPS hiring grant program to support the hiring of about 13,000
new police officers for three years. The grantee is responsible for at least 25 percent in
matching funds and must commit to use its own funds to keep the officer on board for a
fourth year.
Senate:
• $1.5 billion for Byrne JAG (formula) grants
• $1 billion for competitive COPS hiring program
• $100 million for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Southwest Border)
• $150 million for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Rural)
• $440 million for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Prevention,
Intervention, and Prosecution)
• $300 million for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Violence Against
Women)
• $100 million for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Victims Assistance)
• $50 million for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Internet crimes against
children)
ENERGY
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
House:
• $6.2 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program
• $3.5 billion for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants
Senate:
• $2.9 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program
• $4.7 billion for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants
3Institutional Loan Guarantee Program
House:
• $1 billion for loans to institutional entities for identifying, designing and implementing
sustainable energy infrastructure projects and grants for energy efficiency innovative
technologies projects on grounds and facilities of institutions. Local governments are
included in the definition of institutions.
Senate:
• No funds for institutional loan guarantee program
ENVIRONMENT
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
House:
• $300 million for grants and
diesel emissions
Senate:
• $300 million for grants and
diesel emissions
Grants and Loans
loans to states and
loans to states and
(new program)
local governments for
local governments for
projects that reduce
projects that reduce
Brownfields
House:
• $100 million for site assessment and clean-up grants, revolving loan fund and job training
Senate:
• $100 million for site assessment and clean-up grants, revolving loan fund and job training
TRANSPORTATION
Airport Improvement Projects
House:
• $3 billion for grants. Grantees must enter into contracts or other binding commitments for
no less than 50 percent of the funding within 120 days of enactment
Senate:
• $1.1 billion for grants
Highway Infrastructure
House:
• $30 billion, $804 million of which will go to roads and roadways on Indian Reservations
and national parks.
• Funds will be distributed in the following manner:|109| 55 percent ($16.0588) directly to State DOTs
2. 45 percent ($13.13813) mirrors the Surface Transportation Program
a. 10 percent ($1.3148) set aside for transportation enhancements
b. 90 percent ($11.8248) split:
62.5 percent ($7.398 to MPOs) suballocated by population
37.5 percent ($4.4348) to State DOTs
• Approximately half of the $30 billion is under a 120-day "use it or lose it requirement; if a
state has not obligated half of its apportionment within 120 days the difference between
the obligated amount and 50 percent will be taken back by FHWA and redistributed to
other states. (note: Money suballocated to a MPO has a "use it or lose it" requirement 30
days shorter than the state requirement. If a MPO has not obligated at least 50 percent of
its allocations within 90 days of allocation, it gives the money back to the state so that the
state can obligate before the state's 120-day deadline. The same thing happens to the
remaining half of the money on July 1.)
• Priority will be given to projects that can award contracts within 120 days are included in
an approved state and/or local TIP are projected for completion within a 3-year time
frame and are located in economically distressed areas.
4Senate:
• $27 billion for highways, streets, and roads investments. The majority of the funding will
be distributed as grants using a formula set in current federal law, and will be distributed
in two parts:
Q The first half will be provided to state governments to be obligated within 180
days of distribution.
o The second half will be split 20 percent to states, and 80 percent to regional
transportation agencies. These funds must be obligated within one year of
distribution.
• $5.5 billion for competitive grants to state and regional governments for transportation
investments. The projects are required to have a significant impact on the nation, a
region, or a metropolitan area.
Public Transit
House:
• $9 billion for supplemental grants for public transit investment
• Grantees must enter into contracts or other binding commitments for no less than 50
percent of the funding within 120 days of enactment
Senate:
• $8.4 billion for public transportation. This funding will be distributed by formula to local
areas using current federal formulas. The funds will be distributed in two parts, with
requirements for the first half to be obligated within 180 days, and the second half to be
obligated within one year of distribution.
HOUSING/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Public Housing Capital Fund
House:
• $5 billion total. $4 billion will be distributed by formula, and $1 billion will be distributed
through competitive grants to public housing authorities
Senate:
• $5 billion total
Community Development Block Grants
House:
• $1 billion to be distributed using the FY 2008 distribution formula
• Priority to be given to projects that can award contract within 120 days of receipt of funds
Senate:
• No funds for Community Development Block Grants
Neighborhood Stabilization Program
House:
• $3,4 billion competitive grant program for state, local governments, and non-profits
Senate:
• $2.25 billion total
MISCELLANEOUS
Wireless and Broadband Deployment Grant Program (new program)
House:
• $1 billion for Wireless Deployment Grants
• $1.8 billion for Broadband Deployment Grants
• Eligible local governments are those who are, or intend to be, a provider of wireless voice
service, advanced wireless broadband service, basic broadband service, or advanced
broadband service.
Senate:
• No funds included for Wireless and Broadband Deployment Grants
5'State Budget' Continued from Page 1...
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Wins: State Worker Furloughs Can Proceed. The Governor
won an important victory Wednesday, when a Sacramento superior court judge rejected
arguments from two state employee unions that the Governor lacks the authority to furlough state
workers as a means of reducing state costs. The judge said the state's current budget crisis and
lack of funds represented an emergency and the Governor's order was "reasonable and
necessary under the circumstances." He ordered the State Controller, who had sided with the
unions and refused to cut state worker paychecks, to implement the Governor's plan by cuttings
state workers' paychecks by ten percent. The move will save the state an estimated $1.3 billion.
League Alerts Administration of Impacts of Local Funding Deferrals. Information provided by
more than 40 cities this week made it possible for the League to provide information to the
Governor's administration budget and transportation officials about specific local impacts that
would likely occur if a plan to delay payments to local agencies of funds from several sources
became part of the final budget-balancing package.
As reported last week in Priority Focus, the proposal is defer local payments of Highway Users
Tax Account (HUTA) funds for seven months; Proposition 42 transportation funds for three
months; and mandate payments for two months. The League asked cities to provide information
on what impact these deferred payments would have on their ability to provide services.
More than 40 cities responded, providing specific examples of how deferral of these funds will
directly translate into local project delays. In a transmittal sent to administration officials, League
Legislative Director Dan Carrigg wrote:
"Several frustrated respondents described [the proposal as] an 'anti-economic stimulus.' For
some cities this means waiting up to a year on street rehabilitation and for others, stopping
construction on major infrastructure projects indefinitely because of the costs to stop construction
and start again. Public works officers also point out that these delays will occur during the
spring/summer construction period, and also at a time when they have been receiving lower bids
that would allow these projects to be stretched further. In addition, some cities report a delay in
HUTA payments would mean losing staff in their municipal public works/transportation
departments."
While sympathetic with the state's cash flow challenges, Carrigg urged the administration officials
to consider approaches that minimize the amount of disruption cities would experience as they
work to stimulate important economic activities at the local level.
'AB 32' Continued from Page 1...
In 2009 and 2010, the focus of the climate change work at the ARB and other state agencies will
be to adopt regulations implementing the Scoping Plan. ARB plans to continue to use their formal
structure of public workshops, draft regulations and formal comment periods for these
regulations. Under existing law, the regulations developed in the next two years, will go into effect
no later than Jan. 1, 2012.
The key requirements for any regulations developed in this process must meet the following:
• Use open public process for new regulations
• Minimize costs and maximize benefits
• Protect low-income communities
• Complement existing smog and air toxics programs
• Minimize greenhouse gas emission leakage and administrative burdens
The following measures contained within the ARB Soaping Plan and adopted by the ARB as
itema.re evp.cted to go before the AR L=1:ioarci for adoption in 2009:
6_ .....• • • • ........................ ..: . S:cipping AB :•:.:32: ::.- :Key
Scoping Plan
Measure
• • ............. ........ ... • .....
Mark 4gca
:. • ,.... ...... .
. Go vernment Implementation
... ... ...:. . :
Projected
Implement
ation Date
- .,..::.::.• •-• ..... .............
Million
Tons of
GhG
Reductions
by 2020
Type of
Action
(Regulation,
Voluntary,
etc)
Link to Regulations
Responsible
Lead State
Agency
Projected Date
Measure to be
Adopted by
Lead A gency
Pavley tailpipe
emissions (AB
1493)
ARB Sep 2004 2009-2016 27.7 Regulation www.erb.ca.gov/rxiccrnst
crns.htm
Ship Electrification
at Ports**
ARB Dec 2007 2010 0.2 Regulation w-vmarb.cagoviportsishor
epowerishorepower.htm
Tire Pressure
Program**
ARB Feb 2009 2010 0.1 Regulation vvvvw.arb.cacloviccitire-
pressureitire-pressure.htm
Low Carbon Fuel
Standard**
ARB April 2009 2010 15 Regulation http:wacb.ca.qovifues
flefslIcfs.htm
Landfill Methane
Control**
ARB April 2009 2012 1 Regulation http://www.arb.ca.qoviccila
adfjilsitprid.htm
Green Buildings DGS, ARB,
CEC, CPUC,
HCD
Ongoing unknown 26 NA i tt :11\p‘vw.b.ca our s
d sidsidefault htrn
Commercial
Recycling
CIWMB 2010 unknown 5 Mandate www.ciwrrib.ca .clovkiimate
/Recyclinciidefaut.htm
Regional
Transportation
Related
Greenhouse Gas
Targets
ARB, Local
Government
Regional
Planning
Agencies
Sep 2010 Set targets
by 2010.
5 NA httro7www.arbxa.gov1ccirt
acirtaahtm
ARB- California State Air Resources Board
CEC- California Energy Commission
CPUC- California Public Utilities Commission
DGS- California Department of General Services
HCD- California Department of Housing and Community Development
** Discrete Early Action Items are required under AB 32 to be enacted and enforceable by
January 1, 2010.
A full timeline of all ARB implementation measures can be found at:
http://wvvw,arboa.ciovicciscopinciplan/meetings/012909/sp measures implementation timeline 0
12909.pdf
Upcoming Legislative Hearing to Address Group Homes
Mark you calendars now for the Wednesday, Feb. 18 informational hearing of the Assembly
Human Services Committee, from 1:30 — 5 p.m. at the State Capitol. The hearing will focus on
siting of residential facilities for people with disabilities and children.
The siting and location of residential group homes is a major concern for many of California's
cities. The staff of the Assembly Human Services Committee has been working with League staff
on the scope of the hearing, and quite a bit of thought and consideration has gone into the
construction of the agenda.
While the final agenda has yet to be released, the hearing will consist of several different issues
presented by group homes. Topics to be addressed include perspectives from the State of
California; local governments, including cities and counties; and providers of group homes.
Local government participation is a critical portion of this hearing, especially with regard to the
notion of local concerns, local planning efforts to address siting issues and potential future
recommendations. While the League has identified a number of cities with experiences to share
about the challenges of siting of group homes in neighborhoods, we are looking for additional
examples, and possible witnesses to testify at such a hearing. Specific issues include over-
concentration of group homes in neighborhoods, code violations, and disproportionate increases
in public safety calls.If your city has examples to be shared, please contact League staff, Lucas Frerichs, at
Ifrerichscadties.orq.
2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute, March 25-27
Don't miss out on this year's Planners Institute, filled with educational sessions designed to meet
the priorities of planning professionals, as well as invaluable strategy sessions and networking
opportunities. The Institute will be held on March 25-27 in Anaheim at the Marriott Hotel and
Convention Center. You will want to attend if you are a: Planning Director, Redevelopment
Director, Planning Commissioner, Planning Staff, Community Development Director, Mayor or
Council Member
Mark your calendar to come see Keynote Speaker Van Jones, the Founder/CEO of Green For All
in Oakland. Jones testified before Congress at a hearing on Jan. 15 that focused on creating jobs
and stimulating the economy through renewable energy and energy efficiency. Jones' testimony
can be read at htto://www.greenforali.orq/blogigreen-for-aikestifies-before-congress-green-the-
stimulus-and-create-a-clean-enercw-corps#testimony-before-the-select.
Below are featured workshops you won't want to miss out on!
• California Environmental Quality Act 101 (CEQA Basics)
• Preparing and Adopting Effective General Plans
• Using Prop 1C and Other State Funds to Achieve Housing Element Goals
• Urban Design: What Cities Can Do for You and What You Can Do for Your City
• Group Homes vs. The Neighborhood — Can They Get Along?
• Planning Cities for a New Era
• SB 375 — the intersection of Climate Change, Land Use and Transportation
• Housing Elements and Housing Laws: What Every Commissioner Should Know
• Development Blueprint: A Look at Mixed-Use in Downtown Anaheim
• Practical Solutions for Production of Affordable Workforce Housing
• Using Performance Measurement to Deliver Efficient, Quality Development Review
Services
• Best Practices in Local Affordable Multi-family Housing Preservation Strategies
• Bridging the Gap: City Planning and Available Water Supplies
Register online today at www.cacities.orgievents. The registration and housing deadline is
Tuesday, March 3. You must first register online before you will be sent the link to reserve hotel
nights. The Anaheim Marriott Hotel & Convention Center has lowered their housing price from
$189 to $169 (plus applicable state & local taxes per room night). If you have already registered
for the hotel, they will honor the lower price.
League Forms Water Task Force
Over the last year, water supply, conveyance, quality and conservation have been actively
discussed at League meetings. Last summer, the League Board of Directors created a specific
forum for consideration of water policy issues by approving a new Water Task Force. The scope
of the new Task Force is broad: water supply, conveyance, conservation, quality, wastewater and
stormwater. The board's direction to the Task Force is two-fold: first, what should be the League's
involvement in statewide water policy discussions? Second, if the League should be involved,
then should the Task Force develop policies or principles to assist in that involvement, to be
voted on by League Policy Committees and the Board of Directors?
There has been strong membership interest in the new task force, as indicated by the
overwhelming number of city officials the League has received since last summer, requesting
appointment to the group. The League has been reviewing and coordinating membership
requests, and identifying topics for the task force to review. Recently, the Board Executive
Committee voted to approve two members per League regional division as voting members and
8encourage all other interested city officials to participate, but not as voting members. Task force
member selection was delegated to each regional division.
The first Task Force meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 16 from 11 am. - 3 p.m.,
at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. This meeting will coincide but not conflict with the
League's Legislative Action Days and League Board Meeting in Sacramento that day.
If you have further questions or would like to participate on the Task Force, please contact your
League Regional Public Affairs Manager. League Policy Analyst Lucas Frerichs
(ifrerichscacifies.ora) or League Legislative Representative Kyra Ross (kross(acacities.arq) are
also available to answer questions.
Assembly Committee Appointments Announced
Assembly Speaker Karen Bass this week announced her appointments to all Assembly legislative
committees. The chairmanships had been announced the week of Jan. 16, but the information on
the memberships of the various committees had not yet been made public.
Senate committee chairs and members were announced by Sen. President Pro Tenn in
December 2008.
A listing of all Senate committee members can be found on the Senate Web site at
http://vv-ww.senate.cagovi-nevvsenic.,ommitteesistanding.htp.
Assembly committee members can be found on the Assembly Web site at
http://www.assembly ,ca.goviacslacsframeset8text.asp.
The following members will comprise the Senate and Assembly Local Government Committees.
City officials should review these lists carefully and take note of members that represent their
cities. You will want to maintain contact with these members about city issues and concerns in
the weeks and months ahead.
Assembly Local Government Committee
Chair: Assembly Member Anna M. Caballero, D-Salinas
Vice-Chair: Assembly Member Steve Knight, R- Palmdale
Mike Davis, D - Los Angeles
Michael Duvall, R- Brea
Mary Hayashi, D - Hayward
Paul Krekorian, D - Burbank
Nancy Skinner, D - Berkeley
Senate Local Government Committee
Chair: Sen. Patricia Wiggins, D - Santa Rosa
Vice Chair: Sen. Dave Cox, R - Fair Oaks
Samuel Aanestad, R - Grass Valley
Christin Kehoe, D - San Diego
Lois Wolk, D - Davis
Helen Putnam Awards: Celebrating Excellence in City Government
Enter Your City's Innovative Program Today and Compete for Statewide Recognition
Each year the League of California Cities honors outstanding work in cities across the state
through the League Partner-sponsored Helen Putnam Awards for Excellence. If your city has
done remarkable, innovative work in any of the 10 categories listed below now is the time to get
your deserved recognition. It is an opportunity to thank your employees and collaborators, gain
the appreciation of your residents and feel proud of outstanding contributions made to better your
city.
9The award recognizes the successes of California cities as demonstrated by beneficial
innovations, resourceful efficiencies, improved public service, and overall enhanced public trust
and support. The award also provides a great opportunity to have a community celebration of the
good work you are doing.
Categories for the 2009 Helen Putnam Awards
1. Community Services and Economic Development
2. Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics and Community Involvement
3. Health and Wellness Programs
4. Housing Programs and Innovations
5. internal Administration
6. League Partners Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations
7. Planning and Environmental Quality
8. Public Safety
9. Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation
10. Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government
Additionally, this year will mark the first President's Advocacy Award. This prestigious award
honors a distinguished program that best advocates for the League Board's annual strategic
priorities. One outstanding winner will be chosen from the ten categories. Additionally, as in past
years, a Cities, Counties and Schools (CCS) Partnership Award will be given to the applicant that
exhibits a proven effort in demonstrating a culture of collaboration among local jurisdictions. The
CCS Partnership is a collaboration of the League, California State Association of Counties and
California School Boards Association.
To qualify, simply demonstrate that your city offered a program or service that has proven
measurable and successful within a minimum of one year of actual implementation.
The submission deadline is April 9. For your convenience, applications and more information is
also available at www.cacities.orWhelenputnam. New this year, applications can be submitted
electronically.
Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Visit (and bookmark!) the League's Legislative Resources Web page
(www.cacities.orgilecresources). 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.
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