Founded in 1955, the Institute has been serving local officials’ information needs for 70 years. Some of the highlights of that history are detailed in the story below.

While respecting and honoring its past, the Institute is also intently focused on the present and future. In these difficult economic times, the need for the Institute’s materials for local officials is even greater.

The Institute’s effectiveness in promoting good government at the local level is greatly enhanced by its close working relationship with associations that represent local government agencies across the state.

ILG’s parent organization is the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), whose mission is to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.

Through ILG, Cal Cities members gain access to more specialized expertise, in-depth training, and collaborative solutions that help city leaders navigate and address complex challenges.

ILG also works with other local government advocacy groups, including the California State Association of Counties and the California Special Districts Association, and invites all local officials to take advantage of the Institute’s expertise and resources.

The Institute’s efforts are guided by a board of directors who share an enduring commitment to good government at the local level and an energetic and hardworking team. 

Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.
–Vince Lombardi