TO:City Council
FROM:David Newman, Mayor Pro Tem
Bob Engler, Councilmember
DATE:November 19, 2024
SUBJECT: Update on League of California Cities Annual Conference, October 16-18, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive report.
2. Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Cost for City Council attendance and administrative tasks are included in the Adopted FY 2024-25 General Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND:
The League of California Cities (Cal Cities) is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so they may influence policy decisions that affect cities.
Founded in 1898 on the principles of local control and interagency cooperation, Cal Cities has grown from a handful of public officials to include the voluntary membership of 467 California cities. Today, Cal Cities and its member cities are working hard to strengthen the effectiveness of their advocacy efforts.
Cal Cities mission statement reflects this commitment to “expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.”
Update on Cal Cities Annual Conference
November 19, 2024
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DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The 2024 Cal Cities annual conference was held at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA on October 16-18, 2024. The annual conference provided training opportunities, workshops, and networking for local elected officials and staff. Mayor Pro Tem David Newman, Councilmember Bob Engler, and select staff members attended the conference.
1. General Session Presentations:
A. Opening General Session
Cal Cities President Daniel Parra, Mayor of the City of Fowler, welcomed conference delegates, introduced the 2024 Board of Directors, and provided an overview of conference events. City of Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson welcomed delegates and encouraged them to visit local tourist attractions.
Cal Cities CEO and Executive Director, Carolyn Coleman, presented the State of Cal Cities Annual Report. In 2024, Cal Cities was powerful and influential in its advocacy. They were victorious in defeating the Taxpayer Protection Act, restoring State budget funding for mental health services, and passing a landmark public safety bill package. Through an amicus brief they challenged the US Supreme Court decision ruling that anti-camping ordinances do not violate the Eighth Amendment. Cal Cities also authored a bill to increase transparency of local treatment facilities. Director Coleman introduced the newest member, the City of Mountain House. She pledged to strengthen advocacy efforts in 2025 to promote favorable policy outcomes, judicial decisions, and ballot initiatives.
Lisa Middleton, Councilwoman from the City of Palm Springs and Chair of the Nominating Committee, announced the slate of officers for 2025:
•President: Lynne Kennedy- City of Rancho Cucamonga
•1st Vice President: Gabe Quinto- City of El Cerrito
•2nd Vice President: Teresa Acosta- City of Carlsbad
•Immediate Past President: Daniel Parra- City of Fowler •2025 At-Large Directors:
-Yvonne Martinex Beltran- City of Morgan Hill
-Neysa Fligor- City of Los Altos
-Ray Marquez- City of Chino Hills
-Rudy Mendoza- City of Woodlake
-Jaime Patino- City of Union City
Legislator of the Year Award was presented to retired State Senator, Jim Beall (D- San Jose), author of SB 1, a legislative package signed into law in 2017 that provides annual funding to cities for repairing roads, freeways, and bridges.
Update on Cal Cities Annual Conference
November 19, 2024
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B. Second General Session
Cal Cities Second Vice President Gabe Quinto welcomed delegates to the second day of the conference. He acknowledged and thanked the 2024 Chairs of the seven policy committees.
Carolyn Coleman, Cal Cities Executive Director, conducted a fireside chat with outgoing President Daniel Parra. They discussed how he got involved in local politics, what he enjoyed most in serving as President, and his pride in representing a rural community. Executive Director Coleman presented President Parra with thank-you gifts for his service and showed a video montage of his activities during 2024.
Helen Putnam Awards were presented for achievements in specific initiatives:
•City of Concord, Economic Development Through the Arts •City of Watsonville, Community Services and Economic Development •City of Vacaville, Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government
•City of Modesto, Public Safety
•City of Goleta, Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement •City of Benicia, Internal Administration
•City of Modesto, Health and Wellness Programs
•City of Brisbane, Planning and Environmental Quality
•City of Citrus Heights, Public Works, Infrastructure, Transportation •City of Moreno Valley, League Partners Award for Excellence in City- Business Relations
•City of Modesto, Housing Programs and Innovations
•City of Livermore, Intergovernmental Collaboration
C. Closing Session
Beacon Awards were presented to the Cities of Arvin, Carson, Gardena, Livermore, Martinez, Maywood, and Millbrae for their efforts in supporting greenhouse gas reduction and sustainability.
Election of New Cal Cities Officers: The 2025 Cal Cities slate of officers was installed. President Daniel Parra provided outgoing comments. Newly elected President Lynne Kennedy provided her inaugural address. First Vice President Gabe Quinto and 2nd Vice President Teresa Acosta presented additional inaugural comments.
Update on Cal Cities Annual Conference
November 19, 2024
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2. Keynote Speakers:
A. Celeste Headlee- award-winning journalist and author discussed the topic of the partisan gap. As partisanship grows, there is a tendency for people to resort to avoidance than discussion. The speaker discourages avoidance. Instead, she promotes greater authentic communication by avoiding texting and emails; listening with curiosity; and being empathetic. These communication skills focus on demonstrating respect for the person versus their opinion. Communication helps to build commonality and relationships.
B. Dr. Christoper Thornberg- Economist and Founder of Beacon Economics. Dr.
Thornberg cautioned against policymaking without correct narratives, especially regarding the national economy. These narratives have shaped policies and are central themes in elections. Broken or misinformed narratives have led to a false perception of the economy. To support his prediction of a robust economy, he examined and clarified common misconceptions surrounding recession, employment, consumer spending, and housing.
C. Captain Sandy Yawn, known for her role on Bravo’s reality show Below Deck, emphasized the importance of servant leadership. As an award-winning mega- yacht captain, she characterized her leadership style as serving, not commanding her crew. Her approach emphasizes leading by example rather than through intimidation. She acknowledges her crew’s efforts, fosters their development and guides them by highlighting the broader vision. Through empathy and patience, she cultivates trust within her team.
3. Conference Breakout Sessions Attended:
•Navigating Homelessness: A Successful Regional Partnership in North Orange County
•Show Me the Money: Evaluating and Explaining your City’s Financial Condition
•The Path Towards Plastic Pollution Prevention
•Your Housing Element is Certified! Now What?
•Housing Law Jeopardy
•Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness
•Builder’s Remedy: Fear and Trembling and Local Control •How the Federal Government is Partnering with California to Reduce Barriers to Housing and Services
•Main Street Climate Resiliency: Urban and Rural Solutions •How Your City Can Help Secure Residents the Best Possible Insurance Rates
•Where the Sidewalk Will End: The Dire Outlook for State Transportation Funding
Update on Cal Cities Annual Conference
November 19, 2024
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4. Channel Counties Division Meeting:
The Channel Counties Division hosted a reception of its member cities representing Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Division Chair Erica Stewart, Mayor of San Luis Obispo, and Cal Cities First Vice President Lynne Kennedy conducted elections. New officers are Councilmember Laura Hernandez, City of Port Hueneme, and Councilmember Eric Friedman, City of Santa Barbara. Chair Stewart announced the City of Goleta will host the Winter 2025 meeting, and the City of Pismo Beach will host the Summer 2025 meeting. A Fall meeting is being finalized in Ventura County. Chair Stewart reminded members that applications to serve on policy committees are due at the end of October.
5. General Assembly/Annual Business Meeting:
Mayor Pro Tem Newman served as the City’s appointed voting delegate.
Cal Cities Resolutions Committee received one resolution submitted by City of Glendora and amended by the Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations Committee.
•A Resolution of the General Assembly of the League Of California Cities Calling for the California Legislature to Enact Laws that Promote Equality In Governance
Unfortunately, the General Assembly lacked a quorum. However, per Cal Cities procedures the General Assembly continued to vote for the resolution. Although the resolution passed without a quorum it will be presented to the 2025 Board of Directors for consideration.
6. The 2025 Annual Conference:
Long Beach Convention Center- October 8-10, 2025.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goal:
B. Provide municipal government leadership which is open and responsive to residents, and is characterized by ethical behavior, stability, promoting public trust, transparency, confidence in the future, and cooperative interaction among civic leaders, residents, business representatives, and staff, while recognizing and respecting legitimate differences of opinion on critical issues facing the City.
PREPARED BY: Mina Layba, Legislative Affairs Manager
CMO:150-20\KM\H:COMMON\Council Items\2024 Staff Reports\111924 Cal Cities Annual Conference Staff Report