Administrative
Report
P.1., File # 23-5691 Meeting Date: 3/21/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DISCONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP
IN THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES (CAL CITIES)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the December 12, 2022 meeting, the City Council made a referral to prepare a discussion item related to possible discontinuation of the City’s membership in the Cal Cities association, formerly known as the League of California Cities. Council considered the item at its December 20, 2022 meeting and, following comments from Cal Cities representatives, delayed action and directed the item be returned in early 2023 for reconsideration.
BACKGROUND
The City of Redondo Beach has been a member of Cal Cities for over 80 years. Cal Cities is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation comprised of roughly 480 cities throughout the state of California.
The purpose of the organization, per Cal Cities Mission/Vision Statement, is, “to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians. Our vision is to be recognized and respected as the leading advocate for the common interests of California’s cities.” Cal Cities annual membership dues for the City Redondo Beach totaled $22,271.25 for 2022.
The City of Torrance set precedent for discontinuing membership in Cal Cities. On October 11, 2022, the Torrance City Council voted to withdraw membership from Cal Cities (see the attached report) due to frustrations and concerns regarding policy direction and the lack of support for actions that would help protect local control on land use and zoning matters.
As mentioned above, the City Council considered withdrawing from Cal Cities at the December 20, 2022 Council meeting. Representatives from Cal Cities attended the meeting and spoke to Council questions and concerns. Following the discussion, the Council directed staff to bring the item back in early 2023 for reconsideration. In anticipation of the follow up meeting item, Cal Cities has provided a letter from Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director and CEO of Cal Cities, a Cal Cities Delivers report, and the Redondo Beach 2023 Dues Packet. These items are attached for Council’s review.
FISCAL IMPACT
Discontinuation of the City’s membership in Cal Cities would result in annual membership savings of over $22,000.
P.1., File # 23-5691 Meeting Date: 3/21/2023
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Staff Report - City of Torrance, Consider Discontinuation of Membership in the League of California Cities, October 11, 2022
· Letter - Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director and CEO, Cal Cities, March 15, 2023 · Cal Cities Delivers Report
· Redondo Beach 2023 Dues Packet, January 25, 203