Shared Wisdom
Time for Local Governments to Get Assistance… and a Breather
With the Legislature’s return weeks away, and some bills already introduced, this paper--after first providing background on some other issues affecting housing production--will focus on what local governments can expect in 2021.
2020 General Election Summary
Yesterday marked the end of an election unlike any we have seen, with over 100 million Americans voting prior to the Nov. 3 election day. President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden campaigned until the very end to sway those remaining undecided voters.
Nine Ballot Measures Impacting Local Governments
Nine of the measures on the California ballot this November, if approved, will have financial and policy impacts on local government revenues and operations in the following areas: property taxes, criminal justice reform, voting eligibility, rent control, affirmative action and the ‘gig’ economy.
COVID-19, Wildfires and Civil Unrest: How 2020 Impacted State Policy and What Locals Should Expect in 2021
In an instant the State went from a thriving economy to shuttered businesses, mandated lockdowns and a projected 54-billion-dollar state budget deficit. This brought upon an unprecedented legislative session with even the most seasoned political professionals working to navigate the unknown.
State Lawmakers Push for Police Reform Measures in Final Weeks of Legislative Session
Prior to adjourning for a truncated legislative summer recess, Members from both legislative houses have amended several pieces of legislation aimed at modifying law enforcement’s policies, procedures, and tactics.
Senate Bill (SB) 1173 (Durazo)
Senate Bill 1173, authored by Senator Maria Durazo (D, Los Angeles) will likely saddle most public employers with costly fines and attorneys’ fees if enacted.
Navigating Fiscal Emergencies in the Time of Coronavirus: Tools from the Great Recession Revisited
Declaring a fiscal emergency, and implementing appropriate remedial measures, may be an unfortunate reality for some local agencies in light of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision Comes up Short on Local Government Funding—Shifts Pressure to the Federal Government
On May 14, 2020, Governor Newsom presented his 2020-2021 Budget May Revision. The Governor opened by outlining the stark contrast between his optimistic January budget proposal which reflected record low unemployment, a thriving economy and projected surplus of 5.6 billion in revenue with the reality that we are faced with today.
COVID-19, Local Finances and Labor Negotiations: The New Normal
On May 13th, RPLG Founding Partner Jon Holtzman and AdastraGov and GovInvest's Charlie Francis led a webinar titled COVID-19, Local Finances and Labor Negotiations: The New Normal.
Swift Actions taken by the Governor and Legislature Re: COVID – 19 Outbreak Including New One-Stop Website
During a time of certain anxiety and uncertainty, Governor Newsom as well as the California Legislature has taken swift, decisive and bipartisan action in an effort to support Cities, Counties and school districts to combat the growing spread of COVID-19 otherwise known as the Novel Coronavirus. All efforts are aimed at “flattening the curve” of those who will become infected—preserving resources (e.g. medical staff, hospital beds, ventilators etc.) for those Californians at the highest risk levels.