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| Dec. 11, 2015 Issue #103 Editor's NoteFor a PDF copy of the newsletter please visit the League's website. For more updates from the League, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.Legislature Reconvenes Jan. 4, New Year Begins with Speaker Election and Budget ProposalSacramento has been relatively quiet since the Legislature adjourned on Sept. 11, with the Gov. Jerry Brown making his final decisions on legislation on Oct. 11. That all changes in four weeks when legislators return to the Capitol on Jan. 4 to begin the start of the second year of the 2015-16 legislative session. Legislation, Hot Bills, Meetings and EventsCalling All Outstanding City Street ProjectsNominations for the 2016 Local Streets and Roads Awards due Jan. 13The Save California Streets Coalition has opened the nomination period for its annual Local Streets and Roads Awards. Submissions should highlight a street infrastructure project or program that has demonstrated a significant improvement in your community’s street system. The coalition comprises a number of organizations including the League of California Cities® and the California State Association of Counties.Public Works, Transportation, Action Item California City Officials Appointed to National League of Cities’ Policy and Advocacy CommitteesThe National League of Cities (NLC) on Dec. 7 announced the appointment of members to the organization’s 2016 policy and advocacy committees by NLC President Melodee Colbert Kean. California in the coming year will have 15 city officials serving on NLC’s seven key committees. These committees are responsible for developing national municipal policy positions that form the basis for NLC’s engagement on behalf of cities before Congress, the courts and federal agencies. Members are appointed for a one-year term and can be re-appointed annually.NLC Internet Tax Freedom Act Included in Trade Agreement, Cities Need to Email U.S. Senate ImmediatelyThis week Congress moved to make the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA) permanent when a conference committee included it in an unrelated Customs Reauthorization Conference Report. This action came without notice and was completely unexpected. The League joined with other stakeholders to urge the removal of the provisions of the Customs bill prior to its passage, but help is needed from individual cities. Telecommunications, Revenue and Taxation, FederalU.S. Communities Home Depot Rebate ProgramDuring 2015, through the League of California Cities® sponsored U.S. Communities program, California cities have purchased more than $3 million in products and services from The Home Depot. By enrolling in the rebate program provided for under The Home Depot contract with U.S. Communities, a city spending a minimum of $10,000 during 2015 can receive a cash rebate for all Home Depot online and in-store purchases.Financial Solutions for CA Cities League-Sponsored Bond Agency Finances Affordable Housing Projects in Moreno Valley and MontebelloSome of the most significant benefits of League membership for cities since 1988 have flowed from the League’s co-sponsorship of the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA). This program provides a variety of public agencies and developers access to low-cost, tax-exempt financing and economic development tools. CSCDA issued $49.6 million in tax-exempt multifamily bonds that helped finance affordable housing projects in several California cities.Financial Solutions for CA Cities, Affordable Housing Registration Open for 2016 Municipal Law SymposiumThe 2016 Municipal Law Symposium will focus on the challenging issues public agency attorneys face in the areas of water and public works. Panels will focus on: water rights, drought, and enforcement; water issues related to CEQA and land use; alternative water supplies, including storm water, groundwater, and recycled water; water and public works finance issues including those related to Proposition 218; and conflicts of interest, including an update on the new FPPC Regulations and conflict of interest issues relevant to public works projects.Legal Updates, Meetings and Events |
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