Executive Director's Message

Overview

Executive Director’s Message

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Taking Proactive Steps to Avoid Scandal

When making decisions or taking action, the savvy local official embraces the notion that the law creates a floor for ethical behavior — not a ceiling. In other words, just because a particular…

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Stopping the Runaway Pension Train

Increasing pension costs could push cities already in financial distress closer to the brink of bankruptcy.

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Celebrating Our Accomplishments — and Protecting Local Control

We have achieved important victories on behalf of cities this year on our strategic goals and in other areas.

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Maximizing Your Voice for City Priorities

Attend the League’s 2017 annual conference and advocate for your city during the final days of the legislative session.

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Changing How We Think About Economic Development

Economic development is both a strategy and a process involving a web of interdependent factors.

Article Executive Director's Message Carolyn Coleman

Finding Solutions to the Affordable Housing Shortage

Significant barriers and disincentives constrain the production of housing. These include local and national economic and job market conditions, challenges for developers and a lack of funding and…

Article Executive Director's Message Dan Carrigg

Proposition 54 Launches a New Era of Legislative Transparency

The measure won’t put the “gut and amend” game out of business, but it helps California voters, journalists and the democratic process.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Some Final Thoughts About Leadership, Democracy and the League

During a ballot measure campaign, a critic said, “If you’re going to try to kill the king, you’d better succeed.”

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Speaking the Truth to Ourselves About Homelessness

Cities have a responsibility to work with their county, state and federal partners to provide the services needed to address this issue.​

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

The United Cities of California

It is often said that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. It also appears to be the price of local control.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

The Rules of Our Trade

A 6-year-old boy’s rules for his Spy Club provide food for thought regarding public service.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Managing CalPERS in Crisis

By definition, effective public managers are both problem-solvers and leaders, but it requires a special type to take the helm of a public agency in crisis.