For Immediate Release
January 30, 2013

Contact:
Malcolm Smith
Public Communications Manager
650-780-7305

Redwood City Officials Playing Active Role in Shaping State Policies

Redwood City, CA - January 30, 2013 - On January 17 and 18, the League of California Cities held its first policy committee meetings of 2013, in Sacramento. Representing the City on the League's Housing, Community and Economic Development Committee is Council member Barbara Pierce, and on the Employee Relations Committee is City Manager Bob Bell. In addition, City Attorney Pamela Thompson serves on the Legal Advocacy Committee.

These committees are integral to the League's policy-making process, and help set the direction and goals in a number of critical areas for the League's activities on behalf of its member cities. "The League is an important voice for Redwood City in Sacramento," said Council member Barbara Pierce. "Serving on these committees gives us the opportunity to weigh-in on issues that will affect our budgets and shape future policies. We review legislation and provide local input, giving us an influence on the state's decisions that may have a significant impact on the City during the year."

The League committees evaluate proposed legislation as it relates to existing policy, as well as make recommendations for legislation where the League currently does not have policy. Redwood City's participation brings the City right to the table of the League's policy discussions, and ensures that local concerns, interests, and ideas are included in the dialog.

"These meetings are the best way for individual cities to have their voices heard by the League and translated into direct advocacy efforts." said League Executive Director Chris McKenzie.

The League's policy-making process allows the issues facing California cities to be debated and the organization's policy directions to be established. Close to 400 city officials serve on the League's policy committees and add their collective expertise, wisdom and opinions to the policy debate that is the foundation of League policy. The recommendations from the policy committee are forwarded to the League board of directors. The League's policy committees will meet again on April 4-5 in Pasadena, June 13-14 in Sacramento, and during the League's annual conference in Sacramento as needed. The League's website is www.cacities.org.

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.

Visit Redwood City's award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City's email newsletter and other City documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/newsletters.

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