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After 16 months of pandemic-related restrictions on nearly all aspects of our daily lives, June 15, 2021, marked that long-awaited moment when California finally reopened. "This means no more physical distancing, no capacity limits, no country tiers, and relaxed masked guidance," says Covid19.CA.gov. Is anyone else feeling confused and conflicted by these new guidelines? We are still in the middle of a global pandemic, aren't we?

Executive Director

Downtown Oakland Association

This week, Governor Newsom and legislative leaders are set to vote on a record state budget plan that makes major investments to alleviate homelessness, expand affordable housing options and help individuals and businesses recover in the wake of the pandemic. California saw record tax receipts fueled in large part by a $76 billion surplus, thanks to strong investment markets and rising home values. The state benefited from an additional $27 billion in federal stimulus money to assist the state in economic recovery from the pandemic. The 2021-22 state spending plan is pegged at $262.6 billion.

Specific to funding for programs designed to address homelessness and expand affordable housing options, legislative leaders and the governor have agreed to spend $12 billion over the next two years, but left the details on how that money will be spent up to future negotiations. There is agreement on financing to empower cities and counties to combat homelessness, including $1 billion per year for two years, which allows local governments to spend that money as they see fit. However, details on who will receive that money, accountability measures and benchmarks for success will be ironed out in subsequent legislation, likely to be taken up after the legislature reconvenes from summer recess in mid-August.

Regarding affordable housing investments, the budget agreement includes $1.75 billion to construct affordable housing projects specifically aimed at those “shovel ready” projects, which can be built immediately. Additionally, the budget agreement includes $300 million to assist renters by preserving affordable rental units, and an additional $130 million to build affordable farmworker housing options. Of course, the affordable rental housing investment pairs with the Governor’s signature on legislation that would extend the residential rental eviction moratorium through September 30, 2021, for tenants who demonstrate they are unable to pay due to economic impacts of COVID-19.

This week, the legislature is expected to take additional action on the passage of the state budget through a series of votes on “budget trailer bills,” which are budget bills designed to approve subject-matter specific aspects of the budget. Collectively, these “budget trailer bills” reflect implementation of the full 2021-22 spending plan.

Bryant Government Affairs

Metropolis Mag

Led by a group of local organizations and designers, the project replaces a previously hazardous alley with play areas, public art, and native plantings.

Streetsblog San Francisco

In a city where over 80 percent of trips are non-car, as San Francisco aspires to be, a busy street should be quiet. It might even, for long minutes at a time, look empty, as if “no one is using it”.

Sacramento Bee

Local artist Maren Conrad, who has created murals in Sacramento based on the likeness of celebrities like Mr. T, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and more, describes her work and the vibrant Sacramento public art culture.

Smart Cities Dive

Once "drowning under paper," CIO Joseph Cevetello said the city government's strategic planning around technology prepared it for the sharp transition to remote work, even with a 30% cut to the workforce.

San Diego Union-Tribune

Once "drowning under paper," CIO Joseph Cevetello said the city government's strategic planning around technology prepared it for the sharp transition to remote work, even with a 30% cut to the workforce.

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