Ken Lane participated in the League of California Cities board of directors meeting in Monterey on July 17-18. During the third board meeting of the year, the officers and directors examined current legislation and policy proposals before the Legislature. The timing of this meeting was crucial because the League is preparing for the Legislature's return after its summer recess to complete the final four weeks of the 2013-14 legislative session.
The League of California Cities was founded in 1898 to advocate on behalf of California's cities at the state and federal levels and provide education, training and best practices for city officials.
Councilmember Lane was appointed to the League of California Cities Board of Directors in 2012 to represent the Valley.
"The League of California Cities is the leading voice of California cities and I view my position on the board of directors as a way I am able to represent not only the city of Ceres but all cities throughout the state," said Lane. "Together we examine legislation and take policy positions on a wide range of issues affecting local agencies and contribute to the League's very effective lobbying efforts."
The board of directors received briefings on a wide range of issues during the two-day meeting including economic development legislation, funds that will be allocated from state cap-and-trade funds, the status of the Water Bond, affordable housing, massage therapy regulation legislation and medical marijuana regulation legislation.
League Senior Director of Legislative Affairs Dan Carrigg acknowledged the significant role the League board plays in crafting legislation and legislative positions: "Our board represents the vast diversity of California. Without their engagement, the League of California Cities would not be as effective in representing the collective voice of California cities. The work the mayors, councilmembers and department heads did last week discussing emerging policy issues affecting cities will be critical in our lobbying efforts as we prepare to enter the final negotiations on legislation this year."
