February 10, 2006
Issue #6-2006
WANT MORE DETAILS
ON BILLS?
Visit the League of
California Cities
website at
www.cacities.org/
billsearch.
LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE CONSIDERS STATE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE CONSIDERS STATE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE CONSIDERS STATE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE CONSIDERS STATE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE CONSIDERS STATE
PROPOSALS PROPOSALS PROPOSALS PROPOSALS PROPOSALS
Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3
The Bush administration released a $2.77 trillion FY 2007 budget proposal
last week that would increase overall spending by 2.25 percent above last
year’s budget. Non-defense discretionary spending, however, was cut by
$2.2 billion from current levels, touching programs that are important to cities.
For more, see Page 2.
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BUSH BUDGET PROPOSAL CUTS CDBG BY 25 PERCENT BUSH BUDGET PROPOSAL CUTS CDBG BY 25 PERCENT BUSH BUDGET PROPOSAL CUTS CDBG BY 25 PERCENT BUSH BUDGET PROPOSAL CUTS CDBG BY 25 PERCENT BUSH BUDGET PROPOSAL CUTS CDBG BY 25 PERCENT
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A newspaper or TV station in your town may be taking part in “Sunshine
Week,” a week of recognizing the importance of preserving open government,
on March 12-18. For more, see Page 2.
SUNSHINE WEEK SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE SUNSHINE WEEK SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE SUNSHINE WEEK SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE SUNSHINE WEEK SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE SUNSHINE WEEK SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE
OF OPEN GOVERNMENT OF OPEN GOVERNMENT OF OPEN GOVERNMENT OF OPEN GOVERNMENT OF OPEN GOVERNMENT
LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE
TASK FORCE CONSIDERS TASK FORCE CONSIDERS TASK FORCE CONSIDERS TASK FORCE CONSIDERS TASK FORCE CONSIDERS
STATE PROPOSALS STATE PROPOSALS STATE PROPOSALS STATE PROPOSALS STATE PROPOSALS
The League’s Infrastructure Task
Force met on February 7 to review the
various infrastructure bond proposals put
forward by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Senate pro Tem Don Perata, Assembly
Speaker Fabian Nunez and other legisla-
tors. For more, see Page 3.
Caltrans Director Will Kempton
addresses with League Infrastructure
Task Force.Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 2 - PRIORITY FOCUS
February 10, 2006 - Issue #6
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SUNSHINE SUNSHINE SUNSHINE SUNSHINE SUNSHINE from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1
In its second year, this national event features
participating daily and weekly newspapers, maga-
zines, online sites, and radio and television broad-
casters running editorials, op-ed columns, and
other content focused on driving public discussion
about why open government is important to
everyone, not just journalists.
Last year, 50 news organizations in California
participated in the event. This year, Hodding
Carter III, an award-winning print and broadcast
journalist, former State Department spokesman,
and past president of the John S. and James L.
Knight Foundation, has joined the Sunshine Week
national open government initiative as honorary
chairman.
For more details on Sunshine Week, visit
www.sunshineweek.org.
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CDBG CDBG CDBG CDBG CDBG from page from page from page from page from page 1 1 1 1 1
A key concern for cities is the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
The budget proposes that this program would
remain at the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) – something that the League
of California Cities and its members, along with
cities throughout the nation, fought successfully to
retain last year. The budget proposal, however,
reduces the CDBG program to $3.03 billion — 25
percent lower than its current funding level of
$4.18 billion.
In Washington, D.C., the National League of
Cities (NLC) joined with a coalition of organiza-
tions representing local elected officials, cities and
counties, and housing and community develop-
ment organizations, in calling on Congress to
reverse the CDBG cuts. If approved, the $1 billion
cut for formula grants for cities and states would
represent the lowest level of funding for this
program since 1990.
NLC and the national coalition also expressed
concern that the 25 percent reduction in CDBG
funding will pose serious threats to cities’ ability to
provide important services and economic recov-
ery for their citizens. (For more information on
NLC’s reaction to the federal budget, and the
coalition of other national organizations working
with NLC, please visit www.nlc.org.) To view a list
of budget proposals for key federal programs of
interest to city, visit the League’s Federal Issues
page at www.cacities.org/fedpriorities.
Why CDBG Matters
CDBG is an important tool used by local and
state officials as they tackle their most serious
community development challenges. It provides
funding for public works and infrastructure, decent
affordable housing, public services and economic
development. Many of these activities are carried
out at the local level by private companies, such
as construction contractors, plumbers and electri-
cians, as well as by non-profit community-based
providers.
Because of its flexibility and use in a variety of
projects, local and state governments and devel-
opment officials have come to rely on the program
as the cornerstone of any new community revital-
ization effort. Every dollar of the CDBG pro-
gram invested in communities is leveraged by
three dollars in private funding, bringing much-
needed investment, jobs, and the chance for a
fresh start to blighted communities.
Last year, a national coalition that included
thousands of cities, counties and other local
organizations, successfully convinced Congress
to reject the Bush administration’s proposal to
eliminate the CDBG program in the FY 2006
federal budget. Members of Congress were
impressed with the number and scope of projects
made possible by the CDBG program in urban
and rural communities. Just a few months ago,
the Bush administration and Congress recognized
once again the effectiveness of the CDBG pro-
gram and delivered $11.5 billion in targeted CDBG
funding to the Gulf Coast for reconstruction
activities after the 2005 hurricane season.
The League of California Cities board of
directors will meet February 10-11 to consider this
issue and others when it adopts federal priorities
for the League in 2007.PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 3 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
February 10, 2006 - Issue #6
The group was appointed last month by League
President Alex Padilla, a member of the Los Angeles
City Council. The task force of city officials was
drawn from the leadership and membership of four
different League policy committees and the execu-
tive committee of the League. Chaired by League
First Vice President Maria Alegria, mayor of Pinole,
the group’s mission is to review the infrastructure
proposals that have been introduced and formulate
preliminary League positions for consideration by
the League board of directors at its February
meeting.
At the February 7 meeting, the task force re-
viewed the proposals and underlying issues in the
full range of infrastructure proposals put forward by
Gov. Schwarzenegger and state legislators.
Caltrans Director Will Kempton was on hand for a
portion of the meeting to present the governor’s
proposals relating to transportation infrastructure
and answer questions.
Recommendations Sent to League Board of
Directors
The task force developed a number of recom-
mendations that will be presented to the League
board, including general principles to guide future
League decisions about proposals.
These recommended principles relate to the
importance of developing a long-term capital invest-
ment plan and budget; protecting existing infrastruc-
ture revenues, such as Prop. 42 transportation
funds; investing so as to maximize existing infra-
structure; using state investments to leverage
investments by private parties and others in state-
local priorities; state support for expanding the
authority of local agencies to raise funds needed to
meet local needs, or to fund urban infrastructure
needs; and selecting projects based on their merits
– not on legislative “earmarks.”
LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE LEAGUE INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE
CONSIDERS STATE PROPOSALS CONSIDERS STATE PROPOSALS CONSIDERS STATE PROPOSALS CONSIDERS STATE PROPOSALS CONSIDERS STATE PROPOSALS
For more information on this and For more information on this and For more information on this and For more information on this and For more information on this and
other League issues, visit other League issues, visit other League issues, visit other League issues, visit other League issues, visit
www.cacities.org. www.cacities.org. www.cacities.org. www.cacities.org. www.cacities.org.
February 17, 2006
Issue #7-2006
WANT MORE DETAILS
ON BILLS?
Visit the League of
California Cities
website at
www.cacities.org/
billsearch.
TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING
4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS 4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS 4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS 4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS 4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS
ICMA RELEASES RECORDS MANAGEMENT BOOK ICMA RELEASES RECORDS MANAGEMENT BOOK ICMA RELEASES RECORDS MANAGEMENT BOOK ICMA RELEASES RECORDS MANAGEMENT BOOK ICMA RELEASES RECORDS MANAGEMENT BOOK
CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE
WORKFORCE WORKFORCE WORKFORCE WORKFORCE WORKFORCE
WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY
LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS
MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY COMMITTEES ADJUSTED MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY COMMITTEES ADJUSTED MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY COMMITTEES ADJUSTED MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY COMMITTEES ADJUSTED MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY COMMITTEES ADJUSTED
BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DONT’S FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DONT’S FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DONT’S FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DONT’S FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DONT’S FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS
LEGISLATIVE BILL SUMMARIES LEGISLATIVE BILL SUMMARIES LEGISLATIVE BILL SUMMARIES LEGISLATIVE BILL SUMMARIES LEGISLATIVE BILL SUMMARIES
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Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3
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Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5
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The League’s board of directors has adopted principles to guide the
League’s advocacy work on state infrastructure proposals, as well as specific
recommendations regarding infrastructure for transportation and goods
movement, housing, water and wastewater, flood control, libraries, schools
and public safety. For more, see Page 7.
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LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS
INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
A news conference to promote the launch of a
Proposition 42 initiative signature-gathering cam-
paign was held on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the future
site of the new Inter-modal Station in downtown
Sacramento. For more, see Page 8.
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PROP. 42 “FIX” INITIATIVE CAMPAIGN PROP. 42 “FIX” INITIATIVE CAMPAIGN PROP. 42 “FIX” INITIATIVE CAMPAIGN PROP. 42 “FIX” INITIATIVE CAMPAIGN PROP. 42 “FIX” INITIATIVE CAMPAIGN
KICKS OFF IN SACRAMENTO KICKS OFF IN SACRAMENTO KICKS OFF IN SACRAMENTO KICKS OFF IN SACRAMENTO KICKS OFF IN SACRAMENTO
The League is urging cities to contact their California representatives in
Congress, to ask them to reject the president’s proposal to reduce funding for
the community development block grants (CDBG) program. The administra-
tion is proposing to fund the program at $3.03 billion - 25 percent lower than
its current funding level of $4.18 billion. For more, see Page 7.
LEAGUE URGES CITIES TO LOBBY LEAGUE URGES CITIES TO LOBBY LEAGUE URGES CITIES TO LOBBY LEAGUE URGES CITIES TO LOBBY LEAGUE URGES CITIES TO LOBBY
CONGRESS TO RETAIN CDBG FUNDING CONGRESS TO RETAIN CDBG FUNDING CONGRESS TO RETAIN CDBG FUNDING CONGRESS TO RETAIN CDBG FUNDING CONGRESS TO RETAIN CDBG FUNDING
Page 7 Page 7 Page 7 Page 7 Page 7
Page 10 Page 10 Page 10 Page 10 Page 10
Elk Grove Mayor Sophia Scherman signs
petitions to place Prop. 42 reform initiative
on Nov. 2006 ballot.Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 2 - PRIORITY FOCUS
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
San Ramon Negotiating with AT&T on Project
Lightspeed
The San Ramon City Council voted 3-0 to
authorize an agreement with AT&T that would bring
Project Lightspeed, a combination video, high-
speed Internet and phone service package, to city
residents.
Although an agreement has yet to be reached,
the city and the telecommunications giant are in
negotiations, even though San Ramon has a local
franchise agreement with Comcast. AT&T contends
it is not cable service as defined under San Ramon
municipal code, state law or federal law, and there-
fore can provide the bundled telecommunications
services.
For the complete story, visit
www.contracostatimes.com and search for the
article titled “City’s Budget, Financial Goals Top
Agenda.”
Walnut Creek, Livermore, Not in Agreement
with San Ramon
As San Ramon makes plans to form an agree-
ment with AT&T for the telecom giant’s Project
Lightspeed, the cities of Walnut Creek and
Livermore have rejected similar proposals.
Although telecommunications companies began
to install above-ground equipment to provide the
bundled service upgrades, Walnut Creek and
Livermore have stopped installation of those
cabinets over concerns while a definition of Internet
Protocol Television (IPTV) is established under
state and federal law.
For the complete story, visit
www.contracostatimes.com and search for the
article titled “San Ramon Welcoming AT&T Plan,
Livermore, Walnut Creek Aren’t.”
Microsoft Backs AT&T, Favors Federal Telecom
Regulation
Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft Corp.,
announced that he’s in favor of federal telecommu-
nications regulation that would reduce or eliminate
local franchise agreements – which he views as
barriers to entry.
TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS
The position backs the stance of AT&T, and was
stated in comments filed at the Federal Communi-
cations Commission on February 13.
For the complete story, visit
www.multichannel.com and search for the article
titled “Microsoft Backs AT&T on Franchising.”
Telecos Pledge to Pay Same Franchise Fees
as Cable
Telecommunications giants Verizon and AT&T
testified at a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on
February 15, that they would pay the same fran-
chise fees as cable companies if the U.S. stream-
lines the franchising process.
In addition, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg
promised that his company would carry public,
educational and government (PEG) channels, and
that Verizon supports preserving local governments’
authority over rights-of-way.
For the complete story, visit
www.broadcastingcable.com and search for the
article titled “Seidenberg, Whitacre Pledge To
Match Cable Fees.”
MuniWireless.com Founder Predicts Telcos
Will Become Wholesale Providers of Broad-
band Access
The founder of muniwireless.com, a website
devoted to municipal wireless broadband projects
worldwide that are funded or supported by cities
and towns, predicted telecos such as BellSouth will
ultimately provide broadband access on a whole-
sale basis to other providers - entertainment and
gaming companies, portals like Yahoo, applications
providers like Microsoft and search engines such
as Google.
Among her reasons, she cites site search
engines such as Google partnering with municipali-
ties, Internet service providers, and content provid-
ers to offer free Internet access and voice calls.
For the complete story, visit www.tropos.com
and search for the article titled “Bold Prediction:
Telcos Will Become Wholesale Providers.”PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 3 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
Board Considers Telecommunications
Reform. The board considered a policy frame-
work for telecommunications reform proposed by
the League telecommunications subcommittee. It
also heard presentations from three representa-
tives of the cable and telecommunications indus-
tries engaged in providing video services. This is a
major issue at both federal and state levels of
government, and represents a significant challenge
to local control and local revenue.
The board provided guidance on the positions
the League should adopt and directed staff to
revise portions of the proposed recommendation.
The board will meet again soon to adopt a policy
framework for the League position which will be
published on the League website. Issues ad-
dressed in the policy framework include:
• protection of existing revenue base,
• local control of the public rights-of-way,
• access to services by all residents,
• support for government access and public
education, and
• customer service protection.
2006—Year for Infrastructure Investment.
The League’s top goal for 2006 is to expand infra-
structure investment. The League’s infrastructure
task force, chaired by First Vice-President Maria
Alegria, outlined a series of principles to guide the
League’s advocacy in support of infrastructure
investment which the board approved with some
modifications. The policies address a wide ranch
of infrastructure needs including transportation,
housing, water and wastewater, flood control,
libraries, school construction, and public safety and
can be found at www.cacities.org/infrastructure.
The board also voted to support the library bond
proposed for the June ballot.
Reaffirmation of Support for Prop. 42
Reform. The League is part of a coalition com-
posed of labor, management, construction contrac-
tors and local governments supporting the “Cam-
paign to Fix Proposition 42.” The League’s support
for the measure, currently being circulated for
signatures, will included assisting with signature
gathering and supporting earned media activities.
The board authorized use of funds available in
the Save Our Services (SOS) account to support
staff costs for the campaign. City officials are
encouraged to fully support the campaign in
compliance with terms of the Political Reform
Act.
Board Names 2006 Nominating Commit-
tee. The board appointed a nominating commit-
tee to nominate League officers and at-large
directors. In accordance with the bylaws, the
committee consists of eleven members, includ-
ing representation of eight designated regional
divisions, one League department and two at-
large directors. Robert Jehn, councilmember of
Cloverdale, will serve as chair, and the commit-
tee will report its recommendations at the annual
conference in September. Any city official who
wishes to communicate with the nominating
committee or to be considered for the position of
second vice-president or at-large director may
contact the committee through Mimi Sharpe at
msharpe@cacities.org or (916) 658-8232.
Federal Priorities. The board approved
priorities the League will address with the assis-
tance of its Washington lobbyist this year, includ-
ing telecommunications, homeland security and
disaster preparedness, community development
funding, tax reform, and funding for key city
programs.
Congressional Leader of the Year Awards.
The board voted to recognize two members of
the California Congressional delegation for their
outstanding contributions to the cities of Califor-
nia: Congressman Gary Miller (R-CA-42) for is
efforts to preserve the CDBG program and
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) for support of
city positions on CDBG, homeland security and
eminent domain.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 10-11, 2006, LOS ANGELES FEBRUARY 10-11, 2006, LOS ANGELES FEBRUARY 10-11, 2006, LOS ANGELES FEBRUARY 10-11, 2006, LOS ANGELES FEBRUARY 10-11, 2006, LOS ANGELESVisit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 4 - PRIORITY FOCUS
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
Results from the Fourth Quarter 2005 National
Survey of Economic Development Professionals
were recently released. The survey examines
economic development industry trends across the
United States, comparing current activity levels
and economic program impacts.
Data from the survey indicated that prospect
activity was up and is expected to continue rising
in 2006. While project quality was rated as down,
respondents in the survey indicated their feelings
regarding the national economy has improved
since the third quarter of 2005.
Overall, the survey includes a series of mea-
sures analyzing economic development activity in
four categories including marketing levels, project
quality/size, current views of economic conditions,
and impact of the current economy on economic
development programs.
For complete survey results, visit
www.gpec.org/edsurvey/results.html.
4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC 4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC 4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC 4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC 4TH QTR 2005 NATIONAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS
The International City/County Management
Association (ICMA) has published Electronic
Records Management, a book designed to clearly
and concisely go over issues associated with
records management in local government.
Electronic records present a new challenge to
those responsible for records management in
local government – city managers, clerks, infor-
mation managers, and elected officials. The book
discusses the broad goals of record management
and explains to readers how to transition to a
digital record-keeping environment.
For more information, visit
www.bookstore.icma.org and search for item
number 43353, or call (800) 745-8780.
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ICMA RELEASES RECORDS ICMA RELEASES RECORDS ICMA RELEASES RECORDS ICMA RELEASES RECORDS ICMA RELEASES RECORDS
MANAGEMENT BOOK MANAGEMENT BOOK MANAGEMENT BOOK MANAGEMENT BOOK MANAGEMENT BOOK
Rep. Howard P . “Buck” McKeon (CA) was named
on February 15 to serve as Chairman of the House
Committee on Education and the Workforce.
The appointment was made after a vote by all of the
Republican Members of the House of Representa-
tives pursuant to a recommendation of the House
G .O.P . Steering Committee.
”This is a great honor and a great challenge,” said
McKeon, who represents the 25th CD (Santa
Clarita). “I am obviously pleased and flattered that
my colleagues selected me for this opportunity.
I hope to work with members on both sides of the
aisle to fashion legislation that will truly meet the
needs of the 21st century economy.”
Rep. McKeon joins several of our other prominent
California representatives holding leadership posi-
tions in the House, presenting new opportunities for
California cities to make their concerns heard in
Congress. Other Californians holding leadership
positions in the House include Rep. Jerry Lewis,
(Chairman, Appropriations Committee) Rep. David
Dreier, (Chairman, Rules Committee), Rep. Bob
Thomas, (Chairman, Ways and Means Committee),
as well as Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
from San Francisco.
McKeon, who has served on the House Educa-
tion and the Workforce Committee since 1993, and
has been Chairman of the Subcommittee on 21st
Century Competitiveness since 1995, based his
campaign for the chairmanship on a pledge to
address the “New Realities” of the global economy.
”The new realities that I discussed in my chairman-
ship bid are an economy that is worldwide, high tech,
and highly competitive. The edge that America brings
to the table is innovation and adaptability. If we lose
that then we will lose not only our standard of living,
but our position of global leadership,” added McKeon.
Specifically, McKeon has said that he wants to
improve the quality of American education, train the
workforce to adapt to a high tech global economy,
and make regulations that are more streamlined and
less costly.
CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE CALIFORNIAN TO HEAD THE HOUSE
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND
THE WORKFORCE THE WORKFORCE THE WORKFORCE THE WORKFORCE THE WORKFORCEPRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 5 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
It is not often that a city can take no risk in
order to gain significant savings. A program
sponsored by the National League of Cities — the
U.S. Communities Government Purchasing
Alliance — provides this opportunity for savings
every day to its member cities and all cities and
towns.
Established in 1996, U.S. Communities now offers
12 competitively solicited contracts, ranging from
basic office supplies to emergency homeland
security equipment.
These contracts have been solicited by large
cities and counties on behalf of all local and state
governments.
As a result, any city, county, school or other public
agency with statutory authority to use cooperative
purchasing agreements may piggyback on these
contracts.
“NLC is pleased to be a national sponsor of U.S.
Communities,” said Donald J. Borut, NLC execu-
tive director. “Working with and through our net-
work of state municipal leagues, we are able to
inform our members of the opportunities for both
cost savings and administrative savings in typical
and emergency government purchasing, and to
bring the best government pricing to the smallest
of local governments.”
Borut was elected vice chair of the U.S. Commu-
nities Board of Directors at its annual meeting
early this month.
In 2005, more than 12,000 public agencies pur-
chased goods and services valued at more than
$600 million through U.S. Communities.
According to program estimates, U.S. Communi-
ties contracts have saved cites, counties and
other public agencies more than $1 billion in
purchasing costs since 1999.
The two most recent contracts further enhance
and expand the products available through U.S.
Communities.
WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY WITH NLC PROGRAM, CITIES SAVE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY
BY MARC SHAPIRO
Continued on Page 9
A new contract for homeland security solutions
was awarded to Hagemeyer North America last
December.
The competitively solicited contract provides first
responders and other public agencies across the
country access to a broad range of security,
safety, law enforcement and fire equipment
without the need for additional solicitation. And last
month, a contract was awarded to Home Depot to
provide maintenance, repair and operations
products.
Also last month, after reviewing proposals from
several national and regional companies, U.S.
Communities renewed the contract for office and
school supplies with Office Depot. The new
contract features significant pricing and program
improvements, including an “Everyday Office
Essential” catalogue of 4,500 items now dis-
counted at 70 percent off list price (formerly 63
percent off). The core list for office supplies has
also been expanded from 300 items to 500 items.
The office and school supply contract continues to
offer best procurement practice solutions for
participating cities and towns, including free next-
day delivery, just-in-time purchasing, electronic
and telephonic ordering, incentives for electronic
ordering, incentives for volume purchasing and
customer-friendly return policies.
“The U.S. Communities contracts we’ve used,
especially the Office Depot contract, have pro-
vided both efficiency and cost savings,” said Jim
McIntyre, buyer supervisor for the City and County
of Denver. “I would recommend U.S. Communities
contracts to any purchasing department looking to
save time and money,” he added.
The U.S. Communities program is easy to use.
There is no fee to participate, no minimum spend-
ing and only a simple electronic registration is
required.
Any city or town may register online for theVisit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 6 - PRIORITY FOCUS
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
A bi-cameral conference committee held its first
hearing on February 16 to consider infrastructure
proposals and concepts proposed by the governor
and legislative leaders.
Chaired by Sen. Kevin Murray (Los Angeles),
the committee also includes Sens. Wesley
Chesbro (Arcata) and Dennis Hollingsworth
(Murrieta), and Assemblymembers John Laird
(Santa Cruz), Judy Chu (Monterey Park) and Rick
Keene (Chico).
The conference committee is beginning its
deliberations, even as policy committees in both
the Senate and Assembly are continuing to hold
oversight hearings on aspects of the bond propos-
als that fall under their jurisdictions. Working in
parallel with the conference committee, and under
tight timeframes, the policy committees will contrib-
ute their findings and perspectives as deliberations
proceed with the goal of placing one or more bond
measures on the June 2006 ballot. (See also,
“League Board of Directors Adopts Infrastruc-
ture Recommendations”, p.1.)
Committee Members Stake Out Policy Con-
siderations
Chairman Murray opened the hearing by offer-
ing all committee members an opportunity to
outline the principles and concerns that will guide
their reactions to the various proposals.
For Assemblymember John Laird the issues
were that the governor’s plan required bond repay-
ment costs to fall too heavily on the state general
fund, and that the size of the package would
“crowd-out” the opportunity to fund future needs
and priorities. He also expressed concern about
the impact of the proposals on the environment,
and questioned whether the proposal sufficiently
considers the infrastructure needs of areas of the
state experiencing rapid population growth.
Assemblymember Judy Chu said that she and
other Assembly Democrats appreciate the
governor’s attention to education, transportation,
water and flood control. She expressed concern,
however, with the need for funding for parks, and
especially urban parks in growing areas such as
the Central Valley, noting that funds from the last
park bond are almost full spent. She also said
that her caucus was interested in funding for
mass transit, and not merely building highways.
Other areas of concern: air quality; the need for
new funding for affordable housing, and to rein-
force the structural integrity of hospital facilities,
particularly charitable institutions.
Assemblymember Rick Keene said that
affordability was a key issue for his Republican
caucus. He stressed that his members believe
the state should not pass up an opportunity to
eliminate the structural deficit in the general fund.
His caucus has proposed earmarking a small
percentage of the state general fund for infra-
structure, building up a fund to address infra-
structure needs on a pay-as-you-go approach.
“We should set aside funds” for infrastructure, he
said, rather than “create a future obligation for our
kids.”
Keene also said his caucus believes that
before talking about specific appropriations,
legislators should discuss and identify their core
values, for example, funding public safety needs,
such as levees and water storage, in addition to
transportation, which he described as being at
the heart of California. “Everyone’s heart is in the
right place,” he said, “but what about the specif-
ics?” Before deciding on a plan that “takes
decisions out of hands of future legislatures,” he
urged that the committee focus on determining
the core values, of what the Legislature wants to
accomplish, and then what should be funded.
“The (funding) mechanisms should be the last
piece we decide,” he said.
The Governor’s Plan
The first hearing focused primarily on Gov.
Schwarzenegger’s Strategic Growth Plan. This
proposal calls for $68 billion in proposed bonds
over a ten year period to fund education, trans-
portation, water and flood control projects and
libraries.
Continued on Page 9
LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALSPRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 7 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
Earlier this month the state Senate passed
Senate Resolution 21, reducing the number of
members on a number of Senate policy commit-
tees.
The affected committees are Agriculture;
Business, Professions and Economic Develop-
ment; Education; Elections; and Energy, Utilities,
and Communications, which all lost one member;
and the committees on Banking, Finance and
Insurance and Governmental Organization each
gained one member.
To read the text of SR 21, visit the Bill Search
section of the League’s website
(www.cacities.org/billsearch.) The current mem-
bership listing is available on the Legislative
Resources page of the League’s website
(www.cacities.org/legresources.)
MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY MEMBERSHIP IN SENATE POLICY
COMMITTEES ADJUSTED COMMITTEES ADJUSTED COMMITTEES ADJUSTED COMMITTEES ADJUSTED COMMITTEES ADJUSTED
The League’s recommendations were devel-
oped by a special League Infrastructure Task
Force appointed by League President Alex Padilla
and chaired by League First Vice President Maria
Alegria, Mayor of the city of Pinole. The board of
directors adopted the principles and recommen-
dations at its February 10-11 meeting in Universal
City.
The recommendations respond to the specific
infrastructure proposals put forward in Gov.
Schwarzenegger’s Strategic Growth Plan, as well
as proposals and concepts contained in Senate
Pro Tem Don Perata’s SB 1024 and Assembly
Speaker Nunez’ AB 1783.
More importantly, however, the board’s
adopted principles will provide a framework that
will guide the League’s responses to specific
proposals.
Visit www.cacities.org view a copy of the
principles and recommendations. (See also
“Legislative Conference Committee Considers
Infrastructure Proposals”, p.6.)
INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1
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CDBG CDBG CDBG CDBG CDBG from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1
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On February 10, 2006, the Board of Directors
for the League of California Cities adopted as one
of its top federal priorities opposition to any pro-
posal that would reduce further or eliminate the
CDBG program.
The Bush budget proposal for 2007, released
on February 6, would retain the CDBG program at
the Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
ment (HUD) - something that the League of
California Cities and its members, along with
cities throughout the nation, fought successfully to
retain last year. But the $1 billion proposed reduc-
tion is a blow to local governments throughout the
nation, who use these program funds to tackle
their most serious community development
challenges. The program provides funding for
public works and infrastructure, decent affordable
housing, public services and economic develop-
ment. Many of these activities are carried out at
the local level by private companies, such as
construction contractors, plumbers and electri-
cians, as well as by non-profit community-based
providers.
Every dollar of the CDBG program in-
vested in communities is leveraged by three
dollars in private funding, bringing much-
needed investment, jobs, and the chance for a
fresh start to blighted communities.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein strongly supports
retaining the CDBG funding. On Feb. 17 she sent
a letter to Chairman Christopher Bond and Rank-
ing Member Patty Murray of the Senate Appropria-
tions Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury,
Judiciary, HUD, and Related Agencies, urging
them not to slash funding for this valuable pro-
gram.
“CDBG funds are critical to the revitalization
efforts of our nation’s neediest cities and this cut
would have a devastating impact on low-income
families that rely the most on the services pro-
vided through this program,” Senator Feinstein
said. “These funds are crucial to closing the
disparity between rich and poor in so many rural
and urban communities in California and in the
nation.”
Continued on Page 10Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 8 - PRIORITY FOCUS
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
????????????????????????????????????????????? ? PROP. 42 PROP. 42 PROP. 42 PROP. 42 PROP. 42 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1
The event was organized by Californians to
Improve Traffic Now, a coalition of taxpayers, con-
struction, business, labor and local government
organizations including the League of California
Cities. The group must gather approximately one
million signatures by early May to qualify an initiative
for the November 2006 ballot that will close a loop-
hole in Prop. 42 that allows the Legislature and the
governor to shift Prop. 42 funds (the half-cent sales
tax on gasoline) from state and local transportation
projects to the general fund during times of state
fiscal emergency.
League regional representatives are working with
the coalition to help organize additional press confer-
ences in the Bay Area, San Diego and Los Angeles.
Prop. 42 Loophole Thwarts Voters’ Will
In two of the past three years, more than $2.5
billion of Prop. 42 monies have been transferred to
the state general fund, stalling or cancelling much-
needed transportation improvement projects state-
wide.
“Just three years ago,
nearly 70 percent of California
voters overwhelming passed
Prop. 42 – it was a clear
mandate,” said Jim Earp,
executive director, California
Alliance for Jobs, and chair,
Californians to Improve Traffic
Now. “But the will of the voters
is being denied …our measure
will prevent the Legislature and
governor from using the
existing sales taxes on gaso-
line for anything but state and
local transportation and transit
needs.”
Sacramento Mayor
Heather Fargo, a League of California Cities board
member, commented that not only is her city strug-
gling with transportation issues, but California as a
whole, is one of the most traffic-congested areas in
the United States.
“Our state has the worst roads in the nation and
three of the country’s five most congested urban
areas,” Fargo explained. “This initiative will finally
provide some stability and certainty for the state
funding we need to jump-start local transportation
projects.”
Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson
said that, according to the Sacramento Area Council
of Government’s Master Plan for 2025, road mainte-
nance costs for Sacramento County are backlogged
by $780 million. The plan estimates road mainte-
nance needs over the next 20 years will cost approxi-
mately $3 billion.
“Local governments in California depend on the
funding generated from the existing sales taxes on
gasoline to fix potholes, improve intersections and
pave and improve streets and roads,” Dickinson
said. “But cities and counties have lost hundreds of
millions of dollars due to the shifts of Proposition 42
monies, and it’s left our local roads and streets at a
breaking point.”
Also speaking at the
conference were John Bonilla,
business manager, Operating
Engineers Local Union #3,
and Allan Zaremberg, presi-
dent, California Chamber of
Commerce. Zaremberg
pointed out that transportation
projects such as the Harbor
Boulevard Interchange in
West Sacramento provide
key examples of how a steady
source of revenue will benefit
California.
“When completed, this
project will help provide for the
free flow of goods to and from
the port, and will also create
many good-paying local jobs,” he said.
“Enough is enough,” Earp added. “It’s time to
make good with the voters of California.” (See “Ballot
Measure Do’s and Dont’s for Public Officials”, p.10.)
Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo speaking at press
conference to kick off signature gathering for Prop. 42
reform initiative. Also seen (left to right): Rocklin
Councilmember Kathy Lund, CA Chamber of
Commerce President Allan Zaremberg, John Bonilla,
Operating Engineering Local Union #3 and Citrus
Heights Mayor Jeannie Bruins. Standing behind
Mayor Fargo are Rancho Cordova Mayor Ken Cooley
and Lincoln Mayor Tom Cosgrove.PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 9 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
Legislative Analyst Liz Hill and State Finance
Director Michael Genest were the only witnesses.
Hill provided an overview of the state’s infrastruc-
ture investments over the past 60 years, as well
as financing options (pay as you go, rent and
leasing, bond financing), and the various options
to finance bonds (general funds and selective
taxes, user fees, or a dedicated income stream,
such as that generated through the tobacco
settlement).
There was considerable discussion about the
governor’s proposal to pass a constitutional
amendment as part of his plan that would cap the
state’s bond obligation at six percent of the gen-
eral fund. Responding to committee questions,
Hill said that bond debt at the six percent level “is
not a cause for concern at these funding levels,”
because “rating agencies look at the whole pack-
age, not just the level of debt.” She also noted
that the scheduling of the bonds authorization can
also impact the budget.
Finance Director Genest described the
governor’s goals, as reflected in the plan. These
include addressing the needs of a rapidly growing
population by funding what the governor believes
are infrastructure priorities: transportation, educa-
tion, and water and flood control – the categories
outlined in his plan. Another key goal was to fund
these priorities by working with existing funding
mechanisms, avoiding the need for new taxes.
Speaking of the proposal to cap expenditures at
six percent of general revenues, Genest said that
“the governor didn’t want to crowd money from the
budget and didn’t want to create more debt ser-
vice.” The six percent debt service cap therefore
would define how much money to be put into
bonds.
He acknowledged, however, that the five-year
bond plan does not take possible emergencies
(earthquakes, terrorist attacks) into account. “The
bottom line is that the plan is affordable over the
long haul, but in the immediate future we have to
solve the structural deficit.”
League Recommendations Available
City officials are urged to review the infrastruc-
ture recommendations adopted by the League
board of directors last week, and to talk to their
legislators about issues that concern cities. For
details, visit the League’s website at
www.cacities.org/infrastructure.
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LEG. COMMITTEE LEG. COMMITTEE LEG. COMMITTEE LEG. COMMITTEE LEG. COMMITTEE from page from page from page from page from page 6 6 6 6 6
NLC NLC NLC NLC NLC from page 5 from page 5 from page 5 from page 5 from page 5
???? ??????????????????????
Only Western City magazine brings you
practical ideas and information you need to
know about local government in California.
Western City magazine presents big-picture
policy issues and trends in a format suited
for busy professionals, with concise feature
articles and in-depth series that explore
statewide issues. Stay informed about city
issues across California. Subscribe today.
Visit: www.westerncity.com/pf.
You Could Have Your Own
Subscription to
Western City magazine.
Subscribe Today!
program by visiting www.uscommunities.org and
clicking on “Register to Participate.”
Electronic registration provides a public agency with
access to all contract documents and pricing, all
suppliers, and substantial information on program
savings and program participants. It also provides an
electronic copy of the master intergovernmental
cooperative purchasing agreement that serves as
the legal document that authorizes a participating
public agency’s use of each lead public agency’s
contract available through U.S. Communities.
Details: For more information on the program, visit
www.uscommunities.org or contact Marc Shapiro at
NLC, (202) 626-3019 or e-mail: Shapiro@nlc.org.
(This article first appeared in Nation’s Weekly, a
publication of the National League of Cities (NLC).
Reprinted with permission from NLC.)Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 10 - PRIORITY FOCUS
February 17, 2006 - Issue #7
AB 984 (Laird) Tamarisk Plant Control. AB
984 would allow the Department of Water Re-
sources and other state agencies to cooperate
with the federal government, Colorado River basin
states, and other entities in the preparation of a
plan to control or eradicate tamarisk plants in the
Colorado River watershed. Once funds are
appropriated for implementation, AB 984 would
require the Department to collaborate with the
Department of Food and Agriculture, the Depart-
ment of Fish and Game, the Colorado River
Board of California and affected California water
agencies and other entities to implement the plan.
It is estimated that the tamarisk along the
Colorado River consumes roughly 210,000 -
460,000 acre/feet per year. The League would
WANT TO SEND A LETTER IN WANT TO SEND A LETTER IN WANT TO SEND A LETTER IN WANT TO SEND A LETTER IN WANT TO SEND A LETTER IN
SUPPORT OF A LEAGUE POSITION? SUPPORT OF A LEAGUE POSITION? SUPPORT OF A LEAGUE POSITION? SUPPORT OF A LEAGUE POSITION? SUPPORT OF A LEAGUE POSITION?
HERE’S WHO TO CALL: HERE’S WHO TO CALL: HERE’S WHO TO CALL: HERE’S WHO TO CALL: HERE’S WHO TO CALL:
NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER—(7)—
Kuehl (chair), Margett (vice–chair), Aanestad,
Kehoe, Lowenthal, Machado, and Migden. Chief
Consultant: Bill Craven. Principal Consultants:
Dennis O’Connor. Consultant: Marie Liu. Assis-
tants: Patricia Hanson and Cathy Cruz. Phone:
(916) 651–4116. Room 407.
As the signature gathering campaign gears up
to amend Proposition 42 (see “Prop. 42 “Fix”
Initiative Campaign Kicks Off in Sacramento”,
p.1,) city officials are encouraged to review the
League publication: Working on A Ballot Measure
Campaign: Some Rules for City Officials. It can
be found on the website for CITIPAC, the League’s
political action committee: www.citipac.org.
This is a quick read that is a “must” for all of
us. Two very basic rules:
• Don’t use public funds (no city facilities,
equipment, materials and so on.)
• Campaign on your own time.
Confer with your city attorney if you have any
questions.
BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DON’TS BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DON’TS BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DON’TS BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DON’TS BALLOT MEASURE DO’S AND DON’TS
FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS
The League has posted information about the
issue on our website Advocacy Center
(www.cacities.org/advocacycenter), including a
sample letter that can be sent online to members
of Congress; a sample resolution that your city
can adopt; a sample oped or letter to the editor
that can be adapted with local details about
CDBG projects in your city.
To access the materials, you must use a log-
in and then select the “Federal Center” tab.
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Le Le Le Le Legisla gisla gisla gisla gislati ti ti ti tiv v v v ve Bill e Bill e Bill e Bill e Bill Action Action Action Action Action
The following are summaries of just a few of the legislative bills that are currently being acted upon
by the League of California Cities. For more information about these and other bills, please visit
the League website to access information about legislation, policy issues and related develop-
ments. You can track information on bills (www.cacities.org/billsearch), locate legislators and
legislative committees, send letters to legislators or the media through the online Advocacy Center
(www.cacities.org/advocacycenter), research League policy positions, access useful related
links, and much more.
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like to hear from cities that have an interest in this
invasive species plan. Staff: Jennifer Lewis;
Status: SenNR&Wa; Position: Review and
Comment.