League Leadership Sets Strategic Path for 2013, continued
The strength of the League will always depend on the grassroots involvement of city officials.
counterparts in local government. League divisions and diversity caucuses would play key roles in outreach to current and future state legislators. The task force recommendations contemplate a significant effort to build strong relationships with state and other local government officials. These partnerships will guide many future League legislative and ballot measure initiatives. 2. Expand Community and Economic Development Tools and Funding Options for City Services. Develop and advocate for new tools and funding options for community and economic development to support job creation, investment in public infrastructure, expansion of affordable housing, and increased funding for essential local services. Comment: Significant strides were made last year in drafting these types of legislation that will be pursued in collaboration with other stakeholders who have similar interests in local government, as well as housing and business groups. 3. Continue Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Reform. Continue and expand upon recent efforts at pension and OPEB reform to ensure the long-term affordability and responsiveness of public services for city residents. Comment: While progress was made on pension reform last year, which the League helped lead, more remains to be done on both pension and OPEB reform. Efforts focusing on this goal will build on the great work of the City Managers’ Department on these issues, including the work of its current OPEB Task Force. 4. Implement an Effective League Branding Strategy. Develop and implement a marketing and branding strategy that effectively communicates the League’s identity along with the unique benefits that city officials, our partners and the public can expect from the League, its products and services.
exploring low-cost ways to expand the impact of the League’s advocacy and educational work of protecting and enhancing local control for cities. Such efforts could include careful survey work with city officials. As always, the League board and staff welcome your feedback on these goals and the work of the organization. The strength of the League will always depend on the grassroots involvement of city officials that has made it an effective voice for municipal governments and local control over the years. The League’s continued effectiveness will depend on that same involvement. Thank you for your support, ideas and suggestions on how we can improve. ■
State and local governments have important and complementary roles to play in our governmental system.
Comment: This internal operations goal will build on the recent upgrades of the League website and publications by
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League of California Cities
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