April 20, 2023

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) promotes good government at the local level with practical, impartial resources for California communities. Below is information about upcoming events of interest to counties. Additionally, ILG releases its 2022 Annual Report.

Upcoming events

Budget Season: How Local Governments Can Build and Maintain Fiscal Health

Webinar | April 27, 11:00am – 12:30pm

Is your local government agency engaging in your annual budgeting process? ILG and our partner, HdL Companies, know this process is often heavily based on sales tax projections, a vital revenue source that continues to be impacted by economic uncertainty. We are here to help you weigh opportunities and balance the needs of your communities. This webinar will present current sales tax trends and two solutions to maximize tax revenues and achieve long-term fiscal health: 1) business license administration and 2) increasing opportunities for economic development. The City of Pacific Grove will share how these solutions helped their business community endure the pandemic and thrive in the aftermath of ever-changing guidelines and protocols. Register today.

Planning Commissioner Training: Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas and Modoc Counties

In-person training | Friday, May 12,  9:30am – 4:00pm

ILG and our partners are offering a regional planning commissioner training for North State counties. This session is offered free of charge exclusively for city and county planning commissioners and is designed to benefit both new and seasoned professionals. This interactive training session will help planning commissioners better understand basics of planning documents, CEQA and public engagement principles. We will also define the role of planning commissioners and give tips on how to work effectively with staff and the governing board. In the training session, we will reserve time to network and discuss local planning challenges and opportunities, specific for each given region. Register today.

Beacon Awards

Counties are invited to apply for Beacon Vanguard, Spotlight, and Leadership & Innovation awards now through July 7, 2023.

About the awards:

• The Beacon Vanguard and Spotlight awards recognize voluntary actions of cities and counties to undertake climate and sustainability programming. Learn more about each category and what data to submit for award consideration.
• The Beacon Leadership and Innovation awards celebrate the efforts of cities, counties and special districts to implement collaborative, inclusive, and equitable climate resilience and adaptation programming in their communities.

Our Beacon Program helps local agencies understand the actions they can take – from clean energy to efficient transportation, adaptation planning, community engagement, and more – that are aimed at reducing emissions, saving energy, and building resilience. Through Beacon, local agencies gain access to best practices, resources, technical assistance, and peer support, and are eligible to earn annual award recognition.

Whether your agency is a Beacon participant or not, you are invited to submit an innovative project, program, plan, or policy your agency has implemented for Leadership and Innovation award consideration in the following categories:

• Leadership in Climate Resilience and Adaptation
• Equity and Engagement in Climate Resilience and Adaptation
• Cross-Agency Collaboration in Climate Resilience and Adaptation
• Innovation in Energy
• Innovation in Clean Transportation

Learn more and apply today. For questions, contact Nikita Sinha at nsinha@ca-ilg.org

ILG’s Annual Report

ILG has released our 2022 annual report! 2022 was a year of change, innovation, and resilience for California’s local governments. From climate change and economic shifts to an evolving workforce, local government leaders were at the forefront of our state’s most pressing issues. The Institute for Local Government has been a supportive presence for it all, providing resources, events, trainings, and convenings that helped local governments serve their communities at the highest level. As we reflect on the last year, we are grateful to all the city, county, and special district leaders who have led with integrity and persevered despite mounting challenges. Read the report.