May 1, 2024

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Wow, what a month! Team ILG has been busy, out and about, sharing information with policymakers from Sacramento to Washington DC. I had the honor of being part of the delegation that attended the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual Cap-to-Cap program, where local government leaders in the State Capital Region, traveled to Washington DC with business leaders, advocates, and other nonprofit organizations to build a shared regional vision and advocate for policies and funding to create an inclusive economy and connected region. I was honored to serve on the Workforce Development Committee where we highlighted initiatives like ILG’s work to improve pathways into the public sector through programs like Registered Apprenticeships.

 

Team ILG also participated in the Cal Cities’ City Leaders Summit and CSAC’s Legislative Conference, which included a joint event where city and county leaders came together for a reception with state policy makers and business partners to discuss many of the challenges and opportunities facing California communities. Both were such important events to be a part of and so meaningful as we enter Public Service Week, which begins on May 5.


This is the week we set aside each year to honor the many people we work with everyday who selflessly dedicate their lives to public service. From those trailblazing new paths through innovative policies to those resurfacing the roads we travel on; we want to pay tribute to all the devoted public servants who make our communities better.

 

As Clean Air Month, May is also a wonderful time to stop and soak up everything mother nature has to offer – take a bike ride and celebrate the incredible advances we’re making in mobility or check out the trees growing and being planted throughout the state to advance the air quality goals of so many communities of concern.


Holidays like Memorial Day also give us the opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made for our free and democratic process. In an election year, and at a time when so many local leaders are struggling with online harassment, threats of violence and lack of civility, we must harken back to our shared values of civil discourse and finding common ground.

 

We applaud all the local public servants, both staff and elected officials, who are willing to lead by example -- and demonstrate through their integrity -- the vital role of local government in building vibrant, equitable and sustainable communities.

 

We hope you have a great month, and we hope to see you at some of our upcoming events!



Erica L. Manuel

CEO & Executive Director

UPCOMING WEBINARS & TRAININGS

ILG Now Offers Customized Trainings and Support for Local Governments


Expanded Services to Help Your Agency Go from Good to Great


Public servants are constantly solving problems for their communities, but often don’t have the time or capacity to address internal issues and needs. That’s why ILG is expanding its training and services for cities, counties, and special districts to help them inspire, innovate, and build better agencies.

 

ILG’s experienced team of professionals can customize services or training to cover a variety of topics ranging from leadership and governance to public engagement.


Get started with a free consultation today.

Webinar: Grant Readiness 101: Preparing to Submit Competitive State & Federal Applications


Wednesday, July 24

10:30 am


Federal and state funding provides a unique opportunity for local governments to get money for projects that can change their communities for generations to come. Register today for this complimentary webinar where attendees will learn strategies to assess your agency’s readiness, build better projects, and get the funding you deserve.

SUSTAINABILITY IS ALWAYS IN SEASON

Beacon Program Awards Applications Open


The 2024 Beacon Award applications are now open to cities, counties, and special districts. The deadline to apply is July 19.


The Beacon Program recognizes the measurable achievements of local agencies working to address climate change. These awards are given in five distinct award categories. Within each award area, a participant can earn silver, gold or platinum – based on the level of achievement.


To win the highest honor, the Beacon Vanguard Award, participating agencies are required to demonstrate achievements in all five spotlight areas.


Make sure your agency gets the recognition it deserves. Apply for a Beacon Award today.


More information available here.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT WORKFORCE SURVEY

Help Us Help You, and Enter to Win a $250 Gift Card

Our Latest Workforce Poll Will Help Us Develop New Resources and Build the Right Registered Apprenticeships for Local Governments



Take the Survey Today!


We’re committed to understanding and anticipating the workforce needs of cities, counties, and special districts. That’s why we’re gathering data about what jobs are hardest to fill in your agency. Your answers to this survey will help us shape ILG’s new public sector apprenticeship program for non-traditional sectors.

 

Take the survey and share it with your colleagues! All respondents will be entered to win a $250 gift card!

 

For more information, please contact us at apprenticeships@ca-ilg.org.

Take the Survey Now!

APRIL AT A GLANCE

Erica Goes to Cap to Cap


Erica Manuel visited Washington DC with hundreds of local leaders from the Greater Sacramento region advocating for climate, workforce, and transportation policies and funding. The jam-packed week included Capitol visits, group meetings, strategy sessions, and a black-tie gala at the National Portrait Gallery.

Team ILG Engages with Elected Leaders from Across the State


ILG had the opportunity to meet with city and county leaders this month, as hundreds of local elected officials converged at the Sacramento Convention Center for the City Leaders Summit and CSAC’s Legislative Conference. We loved connecting with our board members, corporate partners, and familiar local leaders, as well as letting some new policymakers know about all the resources ILG has to offer.

Public Engagement Team Hosts Public Engagement Lightning Talk


Roberto Carlos Torres moderated a Lightning Talk session at the Cal Cities Summit where we heard from city leaders like Ruben Abrica, an East Palo Alto City Councilmember and a member of ILG’s Public Engagement Pillar’s Advisory Council. Ruben shared how local elected officials can support inclusive engagement efforts. Ruben discussed the benefits of ILG’s TIERS Training and fielded questions about how local leaders can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their communities.

Nikita Talks about Mobility Issues at CARB’s Clean Transportation Symposium


Nikita Sinha recently attended the California Air Resources Board's 2nd Annual Clean Transportation Equity Incentive Symposium, which brought together project administrators, outreach partners, community groups, and other key stakeholders from across the state. Nikita shared insights about her experience providing technical assistance for several of CARB’s equity-focused transportation grant programs.


Roberto Talks Equity


Earlier this month, Roberto participated in a panel discussion hosted by Latinxs in Sustainability. There, he shared his experience working on equity issues and discussed the importance of environmental justice in our California Communities.

Public Engagement Team Trains Local Leaders


The ILG team hosted another successful virtual TIERS Public Engagement Training. Local government staff from across the state came together to learn how to better engage their residents – and how to bring new people into the discussions about planning and projects.

ILG Joins the Stockton Mobility Collective at Stockton’s Earth Day Event 


Team ILG and the Stockton Mobility Collective gathered with Stockton nonprofits, local government agencies, and local businesses at Victory Park to celebrate Earth Day. Hundreds of Stocktonians stopped by to learn about how to sign up for programs that promote clean transportation options, like MioCar and the Vamos Mobility App.

Christy Connects with Community College Leaders at the CCAOE Conference 


Christy Jewell participated in the California Community College Association for Occupational Education’s conference Shaping a Sustainable Future for California’s Diverse Workforce. This was a fantastic opportunity to hear from higher education leaders and workforce development experts as ILG ramps up the public sector pathways work in our Workforce and Civic Education Pillar.  

WHAT WE'VE BEEN READING

Report: Intimidation of State and Local Officeholders


The rise in incivility in local government is a growing and well-documented trend. But a new report from the Brennan Center for Justice highlights that “left unchecked, abuse harms not only elected officials but also the public they serve.”


Read the full report.

Policy Brief: City Public & Curbside EV Charging Strategies


The Center for Law, Energy and the Environment published a new policy brief that explores Electric Vehicle Charging Strategies in several communities. This brief identifies policy strategies, opportunities, and challenges for California cities seeking to advance equitable access to EV charging for priority populations and underserved communities.


Read the study here.

Report: 2023 Annual Planning Survey


The State of California just released the results of its Annual Planning Survey. The survey provides the latest information on local planning activities, the status of city and county General Plans, and other issues of statewide concern. Look to see how your jurisdiction compares to others across the state.  


Read the report here.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

ILG does important work in support of local governments, but we could not do it without the generous support of our corporate partners. This month’s featured partner is:


RICHARDS, WATSON, & GERSHON

We want to thank Richards, Watson & Gershon for their support in helping us provide timely and relevant training and resources to the local leaders throughout California. 

 

RWG delivers practical advice and solutions tailored to the unique needs of public entities. Working seamlessly across offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, Temecula, the Central Coast, and Sacramento, their dedicated team of experts provides the full scope of public law services.


Check out the work they are doing with the City of Rancho Cucamonga and the City of West Lake Village.

PARTNER NEWS

Missed the Training Session “How to Conduct a Development Conversation with a Direct Report”?


Access the Video Recording


If you missed the two live Cal-ICMA training sessions in April on “How to Conduct a Development Conversation with a Direct Report,” there is good news!  You can still get the training. To access the video recording of this 90-minute training session, click here.

AFFILIATE UPDATES

CSDA Legislative Days


Special districts throughout the state will gather in Sacramento on May 21-22 for Special Districts Legislative Days to understand and discuss shared policy challenges as the state wrestles with a big budget deficit. Join CSDA for the opportunity to advocate for the communities Special Districts collectively serve. 


Find out more and register here.

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