local governments – California Globe

California Lawsuit Would Protect Local Governments Being Muzzled by State Laws

March 20, 2025 10:55 amMarch 20, 2025 10:55 am

Local democracy stands as one of the most underappreciated hallmarks of our constitutional republic. Counties and municipalities are the elected bodies most directly accountable to the voters, but their size and scope relative to federal agencies leaves them too easily...

California State Capitol dome shines against blue sky

Recycled Purchase Mandates on Local Governments

February 7, 2025 2:30 amFebruary 7, 2025 2:31 am

The California Public Contract Code in Division 2, Part 3, Chapter 3.5 contains recycled product procurement mandates pertaining to local governments. Section 22150 provides that, if fitness and quality are equal, each local public entity is required to purchase recycled...

Local Government Practical Guide Released

July 21, 2024 5:52 pmJuly 21, 2024 5:52 pm

California Globe contributor Chris Micheli just released his most recent book in a series entitled “A Practical Guide to California Local Governments.” The book’s short chapters cover the different types of local governments in this state, as well as some...

From the Cheap Seats: Liberating Local Government

July 8, 2024 6:32 amJuly 8, 2024 10:19 am

A recent decision of the United States Supreme Court has important implications for localities in California trying to address the problem of homelessness. With a 6-3 majority in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson the high court...

Frequently Asked Questions about California Regional Governments

April 10, 2024 2:45 amApril 10, 2024 2:46 am

Where do laws provide for California local governments? Article XI of California’s Constitution, as well as the Government Code, provide for local governments. How many local government entities are there in California? There are 58 counties, 482 cities, more than...

State Water Board Report Updates to Bay/Delta Plan Shows Bias Against San Joaquin Valley

February 8, 2024 2:45 amFebruary 8, 2024 2:46 am

Proposals contained in a draft report prepared by the State Water Resources Control Board staff recommending updates to the Bay/Delta Plan have triggered warnings of extensive harm due to bias against the San Joaquin Valley and its people. The draft report...

Frequently Asked Questions About California Bills

January 4, 2024 2:30 amJanuary 4, 2024 2:31 am

Do only urgency clause bills take effect immediately? Under Article IV, Section 8(c)(3) of the California Constitution, “statutes calling elections, statutes providing for tax levies or appropriations for the usual current expenses of the State, and urgency statutes shall go...