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%/-3 POST-ELECfION from page 1 ......................................... While there are many statewide issues that urgently require attention, one that both the admin- istration and the Legislature are likely to identify as ripe for action is the need for increased investment in infrastructure. This need was identified last year by the League board of directors as one of three strategic goals for the organization. The League worked hard last year to ensure that, with the state's improving revenue situation, Proposition 42 transportation funding would - for the first time since it was authorized by the voters in 2002 - be appropriated to transporta- tion projects, rather than shifted into the state general fund to offset the state deficit. The governor and legislators agreed - resulting in $1.3 billion in funds flowing to transportation projects throughout the state, including $254 million to cities and counties to help pay for local street and road maintenance projects. Under Prop. 42 funding formulas, that local share is scheduled to increase to $560 million in FY 2008-09. It is clear to most observers that the state's growing infrastructure needs can only be ad- equately addressed with a permanent, dedicated source of revenue. Toward that end, the League has been working recently with an alliance of trans- portation stakeholders to explore the potential for a ballot measure or initiative that would permanently dedicate Prop. 42 funds - the sales tax on gasoline - to transportation. Such a constitutional amend- ment would put an end to the annual fight to make sure these transportation-derived revenues always go to transportation investments. Moreover, the League will be working with other partners through the California Infrastructure Coali- tion (CIC), a coalition of business groups, local and regional government association and non profit organizations. The League and CIC will assist both the governor and the Legislature in the months ahead to assess the extent of statewide infrastruc- ture needs and voters' willingness to support mea- sures that provide ongoing infrastructure funding. (League Executive Director Chris McKenzie cur- rently serves as Chair of the CIC.) The League will have a special interest in proposals that help construct infrastructure needed to serve the increasing number of resi- dents of California's cities, home of approximately 80 percent of all Californians. Neither the League nor the CIC have taken formal positions on any bond measure at this time, but it is expected to be at the top of the list of options to be considered during the next legislative session. As these discussions continue, we believe that the experience of local officials in working to gain voter support for local transportation funding measures can be useful and important for state officials who are trying to craft workable, winnable statewide solutions. For example, local officials have learned that they must do a good job of documenting the need for additional funding, and present to voters a specific program for how new funds will be spent. The local experience with these measures is just one of many reasons that consultation with, and participation by local offi- cials is an integral part of statewide infrastructure strategies. For more information on CIC, please visit its website at www.calinfrastructure.ora. LOOKING FOR CALIFORNIA'S BEST TO FILL A POSITION IN YOUR CITY? Western City magazine's job opportunity section is the source for job seekers looking for positions in local government. According to our reader survey. the job opportunity section is the best read section of our magazine! When you place an ad in Western City magazine, it will be posted at no additional charge on our website, which receives over 80,000 hits per month. Call to place your recruitment ad today! We Have What You Need (800) 262-1801 or visit our web site at www.westerncity.com Visit the League's Official Website-www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 3 November 10, 2005 -Issue #44