IN THIS ISSUE:
March 6, 2009
Issue #9-2009
Page 3: Clean Water Fund Deadline Fast Approaching
Page 4: Bill Restricting Harmful Local Sales Tax Shifts Moves from Committee
CEC and CDCSD to Host Web Meeting on Energy Funding Opportunities from Federal Stimulus
League Produces Webcast of AB 32 & SB 375 Road Show
Page 5: Air Resources Board Offering Local Government Assistance AB 32 Workshop — March 9
Page 6: CDCR to Discharge Deported Criminal Aliens from State Parole
NLC Promotes Mayors' Action Challenge for Children and Families
Page 7: US. EPA Honors California Cities for Energy Star Buildings
Information Requested on City Climate Change Activities
City Attorneys Spring Conference — May 6-8
Page 8: 2009 Advanced Leadership Workshops - May 29-30
2009 Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum - May 27-29
Welcome to City Advocate Weekly
Page 9: Job Opening? Western City Magazine Can Help You Find the Best Candidate
Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
LEAGUE OPPOSES AB 155: REQUIRES STATE
PERMISSION FOR LOCAL BANKRUPTCY
The League is opposing AB 155 (Mendoza — Artesia), which would require local agencies
contemplating bankruptcy to first obtain approval from a state-level Local Agency Bankruptcy
Committee, established by the bill, before filing for bankruptcy. For more, see Page 2.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 111411111••••••••••••••
LAO COMPLETES ANALYSIS OF MAY 19 BUDGET MEASURES
The non-partisan Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) has posted analyses on its Web site
(www.laci.ca.gov ) of the six budget measures that must be approved by voters at a special
election set for May 19, 2009. For more, see Page 2.
1111110111110••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
LEAGUE UPDATES "CITY FUNDING BOOK" ON
FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
The League of California Cities is continuing to update the "City Funding Book" released on Feb.
19. The book is intended to guide cities on how to access and apply for federal funds available
through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), signed by
President Barack Obama. For more, see Page 3.'AB 155' Continued from Page 1...
The Committee would consist of the State Controller, the State Treasurer, and the Director of the
State Department of Finance. The bill is supported by the California Professional Firefighters, Los
Angeles County Fire Fighters Local 1014, and Production Strategies Inc.
The League's concerns focus on why the author believes it is necessary to amend a long-
standing statute related to municipal bankruptcy (Chapter 9) and substitute, in a local decision-
making process, the judgment of state officials for that of the local officials elected to represent a
community.
Cities Not Responsible for State's Poor Credit Rating. An information sheet on the bill
prepared by the author's staff argues that the bill is needed to protect against a weakening of the
state's credit that might potentially occur if a city were to declare bankruptcy.
We frankly are astonished by this argument. The state today has one of the worst credit ratings in
the nation — not due to a city, but due to lack of confidence among major bond rating and financial
institutions that the state can't solve its own budget problems.
Further, municipal bankruptcy is rarely used — and when it is used, it is a last resort. Since the
adoption of Chapter 9 of the state Bankruptcy Code, 60 years ago in 1949, only two cities have
petitioned for its use: the City of Desert Hot Springs in 1994, and last year the City of
Vallejo. Municipal bankruptcy is not an attractive alternative for local communities, nor is it an
easy process. It is difficult, and certainly not popular with local voters — the ultimate decision-
makers at the local level.
State Should Focus on Solving State Budget Problems. The League believes that if the state
is concerned about agencies petitioning for bankruptcy, the most important assistance it can
provide is to fix its own budget problems quickly, and do so without borrowing, shifting, or taking
local revenues. Since 1986 the state budget has been late 22 times — in good economic times
and bad. Local agencies working to solve their own budget problems are greatly affected by the
uncertainty of whether a state budget will take, borrow or shift funds from local sources.
AB 155 Is A Questionable Solution in Search of a Problem. AB 155 will do nothing to address
the factors affecting the state's credit rating. It will insert state elected officials into what is
fundamentally a local decision-making process, and substitute the judgment of those state
officials for that of the local officials who are elected by a community to manage a city's affairs.
Moreover, most cities are doing a good job of managing their affairs.
Status: The bill has been referred to the Assembly Local Government Committee, but has not
yet been set for hearing. To view a copy of the League's letter of opposition, visit
www.cacities.orgibilisearch.
'LAO' Continued from Page 1...
As noted in last week's story about the final budget and trailer bills comprising the budget
package, these measures are needed to implement key components of the budget agreement
passed two weeks ago.
The following ballot measures comprise this package:
Proposition IA. State Finance (Budget Reform - Reserve Funds and Spending Cap).
Makes major changes to the way in which the state sets aside money in one of its "rainy day"
reserve accounts and how this money is spent Creates a Budget Stabilization Fund, which
requires the annual deposit of 3 percent of state General Fund (GF) revenues, except when the
amount in that fund would exceed 12.5 percent of the GE revenue estimate. Also creates a state
expenditure cap, limiting the Legislature's ability to withdraw money from the Budget
Stabilization Fund to one of three narrowly defined criteria.
2If this measure is approved, the duration of tax increases passed as part of the February 2009
budget package would be extended by one to two years. These tax measures include the state
sales and use tax, the Vehicle License Fee (VLF), the personal income tax rate, and lowering the
dependent tax credit.
Proposition 1B. Education Finance. Contingent upon provisions contained within Proposition
1A (spending cap). If both Proposition 1A and this measure are approved, schools and
community colleges will receive supplemental education payments totaling $9.3 billion in funding
obligations to schools commencing in FY 2011-12. These payments are in lieu of designated
maintenance factor payments to schools under Prop. 98 for FY 2007-08 and FY 2008-09.
Proposition 1C. Allows the State to Borrow from State Lottery Profits. One of the major
components of the state budget package. Makes major changes to increase lottery ticket sales
and allow the state to borrow $5 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal year from future lottery profits.
Proposition 113. California Children and Families Act: Use of Funds: Services for Children.
Temporarily redirects a significant portion of Proposition 10 after-school program funds to achieve
budgetary savings and makes permanent changes to state and local commission operations
Proposition 1E. The Mental Health Services Act: Proposition 63 Amendments. Allows for
the temporary redirection of some Prop. 63 funds currently used to support mental health
services, to be used instead to offset state costs that would otherwise be borne by the General
Fund.
Proposition 1F. State Officer Salary Increases. Amends the constitution to prevent the
California Citizens Compensation Commission from approving increases in the annual salary of
elected state officials in certain cases when the state General Fund is expected to end the year
with a deficit.
'Funding Book' Continued from Page 1...
The most recent version is now available on the Federal Economic Stimulus section of the
League's Web site (www.cacitieszmifedera/stimulus). (See also, "Clean Water Fund Deadline
Fast Approaching.")
The $787 billion appropriated in ARRA includes nearly $355 billion for upgrades to transportation,
infrastructure, construction, health care programs, education and housing assistance, and energy
efficiency projects; $144 billion in state and local fiscal relief; and $288 billion in personal and
business tax credits. Applications for some of the funding programs have very tight deadlines, so
it is important that cities act quickly to register their city to be eligible for the federal dollars.
Please note that the first few pages of the book provide important details on how to do this.
League staff will continue to update the book weekly as more information becomes available.
Clean Water Fund Deadline Fast Approaching
The State Water Resources Control Board has set a March 24, 2009 deadline to get projects on
the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) priority list to apply for funding.
ARRA provides a significant amount of funding for clean water grants and loans through the
State's existing CWSRF. Additionally, the California CWSRF is expected to receive approximately
$283 million to fund "shovel ready" projects that will create jobs.
The purpose of the CWSRF program is to implement the federal Clean Water Act and various
state laws by providing financial assistance for the construction of facilities or implementation of
measures necessary to address water quality problems and to prevent pollution of the waters of
the state.
3Eligible uses for the funds include construction of publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities,
local sewers, sewer interceptors, water recycling facilities, as well as expanded use projects such
as implementation of nonpoint source (N PS) projects or programs, development and
implementation of estuary Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans, and storm
water treatment.
Bill Restricting Harmful Local Sales Tax Shifts Moves from Committee
Legislation designed to restrict a practice promoted by some tax consultants where a retailer is
provided lucrative sales tax incentive to relocate the situs location of a business, but the physical
location of the business is not moved, passed the Senate Local Government Committee on
Wednesday.
SB 27 is identical to last year's AB 697, which the League supported after many amendments
were taken to ensure the bill had no unintended consequences. That bill was vetoed by the
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, among 136 bills he vetoed without any particular stated
prejudice, other than in reaction to the budget standoff.
SB 27 would prohibit a city, county, or city and county, including a chartered city or county, from
entering into any form of agreement that results, directly or indirectly, in the payment, transfer,
diversion or rebate of any amount of Bradley-Burns local sales and use tax proceeds to any
person for any purpose when both of the following apply: (1) the agreement results in a reduction
in the amount of Bradley-Burns tax proceeds received by another local agency from a retailer
within the territorial jurisdiction of that other local agency; and (2) the retailer continues to
maintain a physical presence within the territorial jurisdiction of that other local agency.
Currently before the Senate, SB 27, with broad support and no opposition, is expected to find
its way to the Governor's desk for signing. A copy of the League support letter can be found on
the Bill Search function on the League's Web site (www.cacities.orgibillsearch).
CEC and CDCSD to Host Web Meeting on Energy Funding Opportunities from
Federal Stimulus
The California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Department of Community Services
and Development (CDCSD) will host a web-based informational meeting on Friday, March 13,
from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. State officials will be presenting information about the estimated
federal funds that are likely come to California state agencies to support existing and new energy
programs and initiatives.
For more information about this briefing and how to participate, please go to:
http://votarenergv.ca.ciovirecoverylmeetincisi .
Written comments and questions are also welcome before, during and after the March 13 web
meeting. Please fill out the on-line form at httpliwww.energvzagovirecovery/contactusi.
Reinvestment Act of 2009 and estimated funds coming to the California Energy Commission are
available at the Energy Commissions California Energy-Related Economic Recovery Web site at:
httc://wvvw.energy.cagovirecovery. You are encouraged to register on the Listserv at this Web
site to receive the most current information on the federal stimulus.
League Produces Webcast of AB 32 & SB 375 Road Show
League legislative representatives Kyra Ross an d Si!! Higgins have been traveling the state
recent weeks, with a presentation they created to help city officials understand AB 32 and SB
375, the state's recently enacted landmark climate change and regional planning legislation.
4Now city officials everywhere can view this presentation from the comfort of their desks, through a
Webcast of the presentation: "AB 32 & SB 375 Implementation — 2008, 2009 and Beyond."
The webcast will be available for viewing on the "Climate Change & SB 375 Updates" section of
the League Web site (http://www.cacities.orqiindex.isp ?dispiaytype=11&sto 27615) next week.
The view the power point slides of the AB 32 & SB 375 Implementation — 2008, 2009 and beyond
please visit
http://wwvv.caoities.orgiresource fiies/27730.AB%2032%20tiodate%20PPT%2020Feb09.pdf
The League is very grateful to the City of Roseville for volunteering their Roseville Community
TV Studio Channel 18 Comcast/77 SureWest production studio to videotape and produce the
presentation. Special thanks to the team who gave up a Friday night to help with this
presentation: Media Specialist Mark Murphy: City of Roseville, Utility Exploration Center; Patty
Short: volunteer producer; Brett Van Blaricom: Comcast, manager of the studio; and Jessie Nix,
Comcast.
Air Resources Board Offering Local Government Assistance AB 32 Workshop —
March 9
On March 9, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will host a workshop for local government
officials on cost-effective strategies to assist local governments in reducing greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions as part of the ARB implementation of the California Global Warming Solutions
Act of 2006 (AB 32). The workshop will be held in the Coastal Hearing Room from 9 a.m. to 12
p.m. at the Cal/EPA Headquarters building at 1001 I Street. It will also be available via webcast.
California's Climate Change Scoping Plan encourages local governments to adopt GHG
reduction goals consistent with statewide targets to reduce emissions by about 15 percent. In
addition, SB 375 sets out a process for achieving these GHG reductions through better land use
and transportation planning.
The public workshop will focus on ARB's efforts related to reducing GHG emissions with an
overview of local government related climate change activities and how they contribute to the
statewide goals of AB 32 and SB 375 implementation.
Participants will receive a Local Government Toolkit which includes important information on cost-
saving actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including energy efficiency and conservation,
renewable energy, green transportation, green building, waste reduction and recycling, water
conservation, recycling and reuse, and environmentally preferable purchasing.
The toolkit will also include financial resources and case studies that highlight California local
governments that have successfully and profitably reduced GHG emissions. This toolkit is a
compendium of guidance and resources to assist local governments to reduce GHG emissions
and save money.
You can view the public workshop notice at:
htt ://www.arb.ca viodlocalaction/meetin simeetin s.htm. A workshop agenda and
presentation will also be posted to this Web site prior to the workshop meeting.
More information on local government activities will be available at ARB's Local Action for Climate
Change Emission Reductions Web site at:
www.arb.ca.goviccilocalactionilocalaction.htm
For further information, please contact Dana Papke, staff lead for the Local Government Toolkit,
at (916) 324-9615 or dpapke(a,arb.ca,qov or Annmarie Mora, manager, at (916) 323-1517 or
amoraarlica.clov.
5CDCR to Discharge Deported Criminal Aliens from State Parole
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is adjusting its parole policy
to discharge criminal aliens from state parole after they have been deported by federal
authorities. The new discharge policy, being implemented immediately by CDCR's Division of
Adult Parole Operations, is expected to reduce the number of parolees returned to state prison
for the federal violation of illegally entering the United States.
Under prior CDCR policy, once a criminal alien had served their time for violating California law,
and been deported back to their country of origin, CDCR would verify that they were out of the
country and the parole division would place them on an agent's caseload, with no active
supervision. Under the new policy, those criminal aliens will be discharged from parole.
According to CDCR, this change in policy will not affect local law enforcement's ability to search
for and arrest these individuals due to their undocumented presence in California. There are
existing procedures for law enforcement in California to determine if an individual is in this Gauntry
illegally. CDCR has stated they are committed to working with local law enforcement in turning
these cases over to the federal government for proper adjudication.
The parole discharge plan is expected to save $10 million annually, helping ease the $400 million
budget cut handed down to CDCR. For more information about this parolee policy change, please
visit http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Paroielindex.html.
NLC Promotes Mayors' Action Challenge for Children and Families
Echoing President Obama's inaugural appeal for "a new era of responsibility," the National
League of Cities (NLC) is working with mayors across the nation to speak with one collective
voice on behalf of the children and families in their cities — and to hold themselves accountable
for improving child and family well-being.
The new Mayors' Action Challenge for Children and Families (www.mayorsforkids.org ) calls on
mayors to set at least one bold, measurable, locally-defined goal in each of the following areas to
ensure that every child has:
• Opportunities to learn and grow;
• A safe neighborhood to call home;
• A healthy lifestyle and environment; and
• A financially fit family in which to thrive.
Founded by 26 of the nation's most prominent mayors and unveiled at NLC's Congress of Cities
in November 2008, nearly 100 mayors have already joined the Challenge. These mayors are
working hard to cope with the economic crisis, which has highlighted the importance of long-term
investments in children and families that serve as the underpinning for local growth and vitality.
Setting Measurable Targets to Ensure Accountability. Following the maxim that "what gets
measured gets done," numerous mayors have already established ambitious local benchmarks
for measuring progress and are implementing concrete strategies to achieve their goals. As their
cities experience severe fiscal strain, they have resolved to work more efficiently by collaborating
with other community partners and will develop timetables for evaluation and action to guide local
efforts.
To learn more about and sign on to the Mayors' Action Challenge for Children and Families, visit
wwvv.mayarsforkids.orq. For general questions about the Challenge, contact Michael Karpman at
(202) 626-3072 or kammannIc.orct.
6U.S. EPA Honors California Cities for Energy Star Buildings
Once again, California cities are leading the way in sustainability. This week, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored the city of Los Angeles for having the most
Energy Star buildings — structures that use approximately one-third less energy — in the nation.
Leading the way with 25 buildings completed in 2008, L.A. was joined by San Francisco,
Riverside, Sacramento and 21 other cities nationwide for U.S. EPA recognition.
Energy Star buildings generally use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less greenhouse
gas emissions, commented U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. According to the U.S. EPA,
in 2008 more than 3300 commercial buildings and manufacturing plants earned the Energy Star —
EPA's label for high energy efficiency.
To learn more about the Energy Star for buildings and plants, visit http://www.energystar.govi .
To learn more about best practices for green building and energy efficiency, visit the Institute for
Local Government's California Climate Action Network at tmfmca-ilq.orgiclimatechanqe.
Information Requested on City Climate Change Activities
Has your city adopted policies or programs to help reduce greenhouse gases emissions? If so,
the Institute for Local Government's California Climate Action Network (CCAN) seeks your
participation in a quick, online survey to gather information about local agency activities in any or
all of five climate leadership areas: Civic Engagement, Green Building, Commercial Recycling,
Land Use & Community Design, and Efficient Transportation.
This survey builds upon the information gathered by the Public Policy Institute of California in
2008 and is an opportunity to highlight the good work going on in your community. Survey results
will ultimately afford the opportunity to share information among cities and counties.
The CCAN survey is undertaken in cooperation with the California Air Resources Board and the
California Integrated Waste Management Board to demonstrate how cities and counties are
actively engaged in efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and address climate change. Your city
may have previously received the survey by e-mail, but if not, it can be accessed at www.ca-
ilq.orgiclimatechange.
City Attorneys Spring Conference — May 6-8
Registration is now open for the City Attorneys Spring Conference at the Resort at Squaw Creek.
This is the premier meeting for attorneys who specialize in municipal law. The sessions are
planned to keep municipal attorneys up-to-date on court cases and other municipal law issues.
The courses are also approved for MCLE credits.
The program planning committee has put together a plethora of sessions covering a wide range
of issues and updates to meet a wide variety of needs. There is a pre-conference session
"Writing that works: 20 ways to transform your prose." In addition to the requisite law updates on
various issues, there are also session on public works contracts; public employee/military
reservist issues; public sector insolvencies and bankruptcies; AB 32/SB 375; elimination of bias
and much, much more.
Register online today at www.cacities.orgievents and scroll down to the May calendar. The
registration and housing deadline is Friday, April 10. You must first register online before you will
be sent the link to reserve hotel nights.
72009 Advanced Leadership Workshops - May 29-30
The Advanced Leadership Workshops, scheduled May 29-30 at the Paradise Point Hotel and
Conference Center in San Diego, are two day workshops that are essential to city officials and
staff of all levels. There are three workshops to choose from:
• Workshop 1: Redevelopment: Building Better Communities (Friday), and Economic
Development for Cities (Saturday).
• Workshop 2: A Toolbox of Meeting Management and Group Process Skills for Local
Elected Officials
• Workshop 3: City Finances What You Need to Know
These workshops are instructed by leading industry experts and will prove to be highly beneficial
to you the attendee and you city.
Register online today at www.cacities.orgievents and scroll down to the May calendar and look
under the main calendar title for the Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum. The
registration and housing deadline is Friday, May 1. You must first register online before you will
be sent the link to reserve hotel nights. NOTE: You can only register for one (1) workshop as it
continues over two days.
2009 Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum - May 27-29
Register now for the Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum scheduled May 27-29 at the
Paradise Point Hotel and Conference Center in San Diego. The educational sessions offered are
designed to meet the priorities and needs of elected officials at all levels of their careers, as well
as invaluable strategy sessions and networking opportunities.
There are excellent keynote speakers, ranging from past senators to an organizational expert, as
well as great networking opportunities with other elected officials and corporate partner
companies specializing in goods and services essential to municipal governments.
Your program planning committee has designed sessions to assist your city in recognizing the
opportunities that can arise from adversity, tools and solutions to be used during challenging
times, lessons to be learned for issues facing California cities and various insights from experts.
Register online today at www.cacities,orqieverrts and scroll down to the May calendar. The
registration and housing deadline is Friday, May 1. You must first register online before you will
be sent the link to reserve hotel nights.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Welcome to City Advocate Weekly
Yes! You are reading the League's weekly newsletter: City Advocate Weekly, formerly known as
Priority Focus.
Why the name change? After discussions with many readers and our staff, we concluded that
City Advocate Weekly better reflects the purpose and intent of our newsletter. This name change
is just one part of the League's effort to better serve its members by updating and streamlining
our communications tools. Subscribers will automatically receive City Advocate Weekly without
having to re-subscribe.
8Job Opening? Western City Magazine Can Help You Find the Best Candidate
List your job opening in Western City magazine. When you advertise your job opportunity in
Western City, you also receive a Web site posting at no additional charge. Visit
www.westerncity.com or call (800) 262-1801 for more information.
In a hurry to get the word out? Place your ad on our Web site today by visiting:
www.westerncity.comigostiobs.
Interim Management Needs?
MuniLink is the League of California Cities' interim management employee
directory. Featuring searchable categories of interim resumes, MuniLink is still the
best online tool to connect with highly trained municipal veterans eager to meet
your agency's needs.
SEARCHING THE ONLINE DIRECTORY IS FREE for agencies looking for products and
services, and offers individuals and companies a fast and effective way of connecting with city
officials in California.
MuniLink is a joint project of the League, the Institute for Local Government and Western City
magazine. Proceeds from MuniLink benefit the League's research and advocacy efforts on
behalf of cities.
Visit Today! www.cacities.orciimunilink
Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Visit (and bookmark!) the League's Legislative 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.|10 13|
IN THIS ISSUE:
March 13, 2009
Issue #10-2009
Page 3: NLC Hosts Webcast on Implementing the Economic Recovery Act: Funding for Highways, Roads, Bridges, and Transit
Page 4: One Year After Second Chance Act: New Funds To Stop The Prison Cycle
Job Opening? Western City Magazine Can Help You Find the Best Candidate
Page 5: Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Upcoming Events:
17 Treasurers Office, Federal Economic Stimulus Funding, Treasurer and Finance Director to determine whether California's
share of federal economic stimulus package will trigger two budget adjustments (www.treasucerea.gov). Also webcast on
the Treasurer's Web site.
18 Pooled Money Investment Board Meeting (httolivw.treasurer.ca.clovionlia4aifiomthclates.asp) Visit the State
Treasurer's Web site to view the agenda for this meeting. hit orw.treasurer.cauovi iaifi mth-
acenda/20090318.pdf)
19 Local Speed Limit Setting Hearing, California Department of Transportation — California Traffic Control Devices
Committee http://wwvv.dot.ca.novihclitraffoostskIntechinewtechi
25 9 a.m., State Capitol, Room 126, Local Government and Housing and Community Development Committees are holding a
joint hearing on what locals are planning to do with economic stimulus funds.
26 SB 1407 Implementation Training: Hosted by CA Public Parking Association, Sacramento
tt Jiwwwca .a,arkinor./defu1t.as, K
Upcoming League Events:
25-27 Public Works Officers Institute, Monterey (wvvw.eacities omlevenls)
25-27 Planners Institute & Mini Expo, Anaheim (wwv.Lcacities.orqlevents}
"AB 32 & SB 375 IMPLEMENTATION — 2008, 2009 AND BEYOND"
WEBCAST NOW AVAILABLE
With help from the Roseville Community TV Studio, League legislative representatives Kyra Ross and Bill
Higgins have created a two-part Web presentation in an effort to help city officials understand the AB 32
and SB 375. For more, see Page 2.
CALIFORNIA CITY OFFICIALS FOCUS ON FEDERAL ISSUES
AT NLC 2009 CONGRESSIONAL CITY CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
California city officials attending the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference next
week in Washington, D.C., will join with hundreds of city officials from around the country next week in
general sessions, workshops, and strategy meetings built around NLC's advocacy priorities for the first
session of the 111th Congress. For more, see Page 2.
OOOOOOOOO OOO 00 • • 000 • ••• • • ••• • • •• • ••
ANOTHER BANNER DOLLAR YEAR FOR U.S. COMMUNITIES
The U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance recently concluded its annual board of directors
meeting and reported to its national and state sponsors that 2008 was another successful year of
providing a wide and expanding range of prnritictg and services at the best pricing nvni!Ahle to cities,
counties, schools and nonprofit organizations. Total purchases for the year exceeded $1.4 billion resulting
in savings of over $200 million to participating agencies.
For more, see Page 3.'Wel:mast' Continued from Page 1...
The series, "AB 32 & SB 375 Implementation — 2008, 2009 and Beyond" is now available for viewing on
the "Climate Change & SB 375 Updates" section of the League Web site at
http://www.cacities.ory/index.jsp?displaytype=11&story=27615 . The PowerPoint slides used for the
presentation are also available at
http://www.cacities.org/resource fi1es127730.A13%2032%20Update%2OPPT%2020Feb09.pdf.
Of specific interest to cities is Landfill Methane Capture regulation, due out this month, which would
require new collection systems at uncontrolled landfills. Ross and Higgins have traveled the state
presenting information on the implementation of the climate change laws to various regions upon request.
Many thanks to the production studio team at the city of Roseville's Community TV Studio Channel 18
Comcastf77 SureWest. The team gave generously of their time on a Friday evening to make this
production possible, and they did an excellent job. They are: Media Specialist Mark Murphy, City of
Roseville, Utility Exploration Center; Patty Short, volunteer producer; Brett Van Blaricom, Comcast,
manager of the studio; and Jessie Nix, Comcast. Thanks also to Roseville Government Relations
Manager Ellen Powell, who put us in touch with Mr. Murphy at the city's Utility Exploration Center.
For more information about how AB 32 and SB 375 will affect your city please visit: www.arb.oa.qov,
wwvLcacities.orq and www.ca-ilg.org or contact Kyra Ross at krosscacities.orq and Bill Higgins at
bhiclqins0.c-achles.orei.
'Conference' Continued from Page 1...
Sessions will cover a range of topics, including immediate steps cities can take to maintain vital services
and programs in their neighborhoods while economic recovery efforts get under way; creating a "green
economy;" and a discussion of new and proposed federal initiatives related to education, poverty, youth
development and health reform.
California city officials will also benefit from a number of important events with members of the California
Congressional Delegation and Obama Administration officials, organized by the League of California
Cities.
These include:
Monday, March 16
• 1:45 — 3:15 p.m. Western Municipal Association (WMA) at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, Diplomat
Ballroom (located adjacent to the Marriot Wardham).
• 6 — 7:30 p.m. League Reception at Marriott Wardman Hotel in the Thurgood North Room.
Members of the California Congressional Delegation have also been invited to this event.
Tuesday, March 17
• 2:30 p.m. Meeting with California Senator Barbara Boxer in 406 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Wednesday, March 18
• 11 a.m. — 12 p.m. Roundtable Discussion on SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization with California
Congressional Delegation Members in Room 234 of the Cannon House Office Building
WMA will also hold a session at the conference in Washington, D.C. California city officials are
encouraged to participate in all WMA discussions, including a strategic planning session on how to
achieve a good fit between WMA policies and the policies of state leagues on western regional issues.
'Communities' Continued from Page 1...
Program highlights for 2008 included an expanded e-commerce program enabling participants to
purchase more products on-line and an expanded green program offering thousands of eco-friendly
2brands and products as well as valuable information and resources to help participants make educated
decisions about green procurement.
In other action, NLC Executive Director Don Borut was elected Chairman of the Board of U.S.
Communities. Chris McKenzie and Dan Harrison of the League of California Cities both serve on the
board of directors.
U.S. Communities is a nonprofit that assists public agencies in reducing the cost of purchased goods and
services through pooling the purchasing power of public agencies nationwide. This is accomplished
through competitively solicited contracts for quality products through lead public agencies. There is no
cost for a city to participate.
Through co-sponsorship by the League of California Cities, U.S. Communities brings cities in California
the best government pricing available anywhere. Over 350 California cities use one or more U.S.
Communities contracts. The most committed users are large cities; but by taking advantage of the same
pricing as large cities, small cities enjoy the largest percentage savings.
For general information about U.S. Communities, visit: www.uscommunities.orq. For green procurement
products and resources, visit: www.goweencommunities.orq.
NLC Hosts Webcast on "Implementing the Economic Recovery Act: Funding for
Highways, Roads, Bridges, and Transit"
The National League of Cities held its second economic recovery webcast on Wednesday, March 11,
entitled "Implementation of the Economic Recovery Act: Funding for Highways, Roads, Bridges, and
Transit."
The webcast reviewed the $27.5 billion in funding for federal surface transportation dollars to be
distributed to the state and local government projects covered in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law February 17, 2009.
Speakers for the webcast included NLC President Kathleen M. Novak, mayor, Northglenn, Colo., NLC
Federal Relations Director Carolyn Coleman, NLC Principal Legislative Counsel, Federal Relations. Leslie
Wollack and Will Schroeer, state policy director for Smart Growth America.
Wollack briefed city officials on the formula grants going to local governments and how they can be used.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has created the Transportation Investment Generating
Economic Recovery (TIGER) team to accurately track the money as its being spent and insure that all
accountability requirements are being met. Local officials are encouraged to work with their state's DOT
and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to implement the use of the federal stimulus funds.
Schroeer presented next with an overview from Smart Growth America on how the transportation money
can be and should be spent. The Smart Growth Web site also provides two guides detailing this
information at www.smartgrowtharnericaorg. Participants were able to submit questions via e-mail during
the presentation.
The NLC webcast and presentation slides are available for viewing on www.NLCTV,orq. Please see the
"Recent Events" section and click on the presentation titled "Implementation of the Economic Recovery
Act: Funding for Highways, Roads, Bridges, and Transit."
You may also view the webcast on the Federal Economic Stimulus section of the League's Web site at
www.cacities.orel/federalstirnulus.
One Year After Second Chance Act: New Funds to Stop the Prison Cycle
by Mitchel Herckis and Katie Seeger, National League of Cities
3Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice (D0J) announced that it is seeking applications for grant
funding under the Second Chance Act Prisoner Re-entry Initiative. The grants will fund demonstration
projects that provide offenders with educational and job placement services, substance abuse treatment,
housing and mental and physical health care to ease their re-entry into communities. Proposals for grant
funding are due April 20.
Almost one year ago, President George Bush signed the Second Chance Act into law in a formal White
House ceremony that featured a bipartisan group of House and Senate members. The law, which created
the demonstration grants, is aimed at helping inmates released from prison readjust to society. President
Obama is also supportive of re-entry programs and included $75 million for the Second Chance Act in his
FY 2010 budget proposal.
Once a cause with few advocates, the need for transitional services for ex-offenders has become glaring
with an estimated 650,000 people released from prison and another 10 to 12 million people released from
local jails each year.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 50 percent will end up back in the justice system.
With the Pew Charitable Trusts estimating taxpayers are expected to pay as much as $27.5 billion on
prisons alone from 2007 to 2011 on top of current corrections spending, many states and localities are re-
evaluating methods for dealing with criminal offenders.
To assist local leaders in applying for the grant, the Justice Center of the Council of State Governments
released a comprehensive guide. To access this information, visit the Justice Center's website:
http://justicecenter.cso.orgi. Additional information is available on the DOJ's Bureau of Justice Assistance
Web site, including the grant announcement and frequently asked questions. Visit
htto://www.ojo.usdol.gov/BJA/grantiSecondChance.html for more information.
Job Opening? Western City Magazine Can Help You Find the Best Candidate
List your job opening in Western City magazine. When you advertise your job opportunity in Western City,
you also receive a Web site posting at no additional charge! Visit www.westemcity.com or call (800) 262-
1801 for more information.
In a hurry to get the word out? Place your ad on our Web site today by visiting:
www.westerncity.comipostiobs.
Interim Management Needs?
MuniLink is the League of California Cities' interim management employee directory. Featuring
searchable categories of interim resumes, MuniLink is still the best online tool to connect with highly
trained municipal veterans eager to meet your agency's needs.
SEARCHING THE ONLINE DIRECTORY IS FREE for agencies looking for products and services, and
offers individuals and companies a fast and effective way of connecting with city officials in California.
MuniLink is a joint project of the League, the Institute for Local Government and Western City magazine.
Proceeds from MuniLink benefit the League's research and advocacy efforts on behalf of cities.
Visit Today! www.cacities.orgimunilink
Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Visit (and bookmark!) the League's Legislative 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|