Institute for Local Government

Local officials and their communities are confronting an information revolution in the way news and information is created, shared and received. The Institute for Local Government’s 6th Annual Symposium will feature Professor Peter M. Shane, speaking on the topic of Informing Democracy: Local Leadership and the Changing Information Needs of Communities. This will be a thought-provoking presentation that goes to the heart of what constitutes informed local democracy in the digital age.

The Institute for Local Government’s California Climate Action Network (CCAN) is pleased to announce it is accepting applications from cities and counties for its new recognition program, the Beacon Award: Local Leadership Toward Solving Climate Change.

Both the California State Association of Counties and the League of California Cities will help local officials demonstrate their commitment to public service ethics this fall. The vehicle will be sessions on public service ethics laws and principles at each organization's annual conference. 

Learn about options for greening agency fleets, including information from city and county officials about questions regarding fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles, and see examples of agency green fleet efforts.

The Institute for Local Government organized and co-presented the course, “Public Engagement: Involving the Community in Decision Making” as a part of the ongoing professional continuing education program offered by the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government. The course featured presentations on the benefits of public engagement as well as county strategies and experiences to involve residents in the civic and political life of their communities. An audio podcast of the course is available.

The Institute’s board of directors was privileged to hear from Dr. Frank Benest at its May board meeting. Dr. Benest is a former local agency manager and current consultant and trainer on rightsizing public organizations.