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9.A -q FISCAL CONDITION OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REPORT RELEASED A new report on the fiscal condition of Califor- nia cities has been completed by the League's research affiliate, the Insttute for Local Self Government (ILSG). The 2003 report is the second of a series of biennial reports, the first of which was published in the spring of 2001. COALITION FORMED TO SUPPORT SCA 1 The League has joined with the California First Amendment Coalition (CFAC), the California Newspaper PuLlishers Association (CNPA), and the League of WemeNVoters in support of SCA 1, a "Sunshine Amendment" that would amend the State Constitution to provide that the people have a right of access to governmental information. The 2003 Fiscal Condition of California Cities Report features responses of 315 Califor- nia cities to a survey that was distributed to all 477 California cities in November 2002. Some key findings: Cities See Bleak Fiscal Outlook for 2004. The survey asked cities to describe their ability to finance community service needs in fiscal year 2003 -04, compared to the fiscal year ending in 2003. Statewide, 93 percent of city officials expect their cities' financial situation to decline in the year ahead. • Decline in Cities' Ability to Meet Ser- vice Needs. In 2001, 47 percent of city officials said that their cities' financial situation had im- proved since the previous year. By November 2002, only 17 percent of city officials reported their cities' fiscal health had improved in the past year. "We appreciate and thank all city officials who participated in the survey," said Charles Summerell, Institute policy analyst. "Their assis- tance in responding to the League's need for information concerning city finances is very important to us." The report is available online at the Institute's website at www.ilsg.org/fisca12003. For more information, please contact Charles Summerell at the Institute for Local Self Govern- ment at (916) 658 -8259 or at summerc@cacities.org. The principles behind SCA 1 would build on the tradition of League's sponsorship of the state's open government law, the Ralph M. Brown Act. The partnership of League with CFAC, CNPA and the League of Women Voters in supporting SCA 1 was announced at a 50 -year anniversary celebra- tion of the passage of the Brown Act held last week. "Government belongs to the people. They are shareholders in our municipal corporations," says League president John Russo of SCA 1. "They ought to have full knowledge of what is being done in their names." The League of California Cities was one of the original architects and supporters of the Ralph M. Brown Act and has been a consistent supporter of the public's right of access to information about government. The League's position on SCA 1 is consistent with the League's 2003 -04 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes its commitment to restoration of the public confidence in government. SCA 1 passed out of the Senate without dissent on June 30. It will be heard on July 16 in the Assembly Committeeon Governmental Organi- zation. The bill will also be heard at a future date in a second policy committee, the Assembly Committee for Elections, Redistricting and Consti- tutional Amendments. Our Mission I Restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians. 1 PAGE 4 /PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site— www.cacities.org