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| April 1, 2015 Issue #31 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.Governor Issues California’s First Mandatory Water RestrictionsGov. Jerry Brown is not only calling on Californians to save water, he took action today to require the State Water Resources Control Board to implement restrictions that mandate a 25 percent reduction statewide based on 2013 consumption. The new restrictions will take into consideration the relative per-capita water usage in each community. According to the Governor’s news release, this equals approximately 1.5 million acre-feet of water over the next nine months. California has the lowest snowpack on record and is in its fourth year of drought.Water, Action Item Key to Solving Homelessness is Housing, Not Special Exemptions for HomelessLeague Opposes SB 608 While Encouraging Support for the Assembly’s Housing Funding PackageThe League this week announced its opposition to SB 608 (Liu), the Right to Rest Act. While the League shares Sen. Carol Liu’s interest in addressing homelessness in our communities, this bill undermines local enforcement authority and offers no solutions to help the homeless get back on their feet.Affordable Housing, Action Item, Legislation League Supports Key Elements of Assembly Speaker’s Affordable Housing Funding PackageCities Encouraged to Support AB 35 and AB 1335The League has joined a coalition in support of an effort led by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) to dramatically expand state resources for affordable housing. Other coalition members include the California Building Industry Association, the California Housing Consortium and the Western Center on Law and Poverty. The League’s 2015 Legislative Action Day is Wednesday, April 29Register Today for the Condensed One-Day ProgramIf your city has not registered for the League’s Annual Legislative Action Day, be sure to sign up today because this important event is fast approaching. Scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, the one-day event is free for League members and League Partners.Legislation, Meetings and Events BOE Releases Guide to Local Sales Tax MeasuresA local add-on sales tax is legally a “transactions and use tax” (TrUT) and must be adopted in conformance with state law. The state Board of Equalization (BOE) is responsible for administering these taxes, which the BOE also calls “district taxes.” The BOE offers an invaluable publication, Tax Information for City and County Officials: Local Sales and Use Tax, Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax. (Publication 28).Revenue and Taxation HCD Requests Comments from Small Cities on Five Year Consolidated Plan Outlining New Federal FundingThe California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is opening a public review period and requesting comments on its Draft State of California 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan. The consolidated plan comprises a housing needs assessment, market analysis, strategic plan and annual action plan. Additionally, the plan allows the HCD to administer approximately $75 million in new federal funds for FY 2015-16 under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships Program, Emergency Solutions Grant, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS and Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program.Grants and Funding, Action Item, Housing Trial Court Revenue Distribution Trainings Offered in MayFor the third consecutive year, the Judicial Council and State Controller’s Office (SCO) will partner to provide in-person training on trial court revenue distribution.Meetings and Events, Legal Updates 2015 National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation Launches TodayWater shortages may be one of the most dramatic headlines in the news, but cities everywhere are facing mounting challenges to the tune of nearly $1 trillion to address aging water systems, eliminate water waste, and secure a legacy of sustainable water use for our communities.Mayors and Council Members, Water |
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