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Orientation Materials for Introducing Local Government to New Audiences

Effective and efficient government among city councils, county boards, special districts and all levels of local government occurs through leadership and governance. This section offers materials explaining the nuts and bolts of local government structures and processes for newly-elected or newly-appointed officials, members of the public, media, and for students at all educational levels who want a better understanding of how local government works.

In addition to your agency’s own materials (policies, calendars, staff rosters, etc.), the Institute’s resources can help electeds, staff and community members understand the roles and responsibilities of local government officials and local government agencies. Typical items in an orientation packet may include:

  • Specific City Council or Board of Supervisor Adopted Policies
  • Rules of Order (Robert’s, Rosenberg’s, etc.)
  • Fiscal Year Budget Preparation Calendar
  • Approved Board / Council Meeting Calendar
  • Committee and Liaison Assignments
  • Brown Act and Ethic Law Resources
  • Agency’s General Plan
  • Agency’s Adopted Budget
  • Agency’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
  • Emergency contact Information for executive staff and colleagues

The Institute’s is currently offering materials relating to these topics:

  • Responsibilities and Powers
  • Budgeting and Finance
  • Leadership Skills
  • Making Decisions
  • Engaging the Public
  • Public Trust & Transparency
  • Working with the Media
  • Working with Staff
  • When Bad Things Happen

Note that, in some cases, similar information is presented in different ways. For example, the list below includes comprehensive publications Understanding the Basics of Local Agency Decision-making, The People’s Business: A Guide to the Public Records Act, and Understanding the Basics of Public Service Ethics: Personal Financial Gain Laws. For those agencies that simply want pieces of this publication (or want the information with fewer graphic elements), specific pieces of those publications are also provided.

In addition to orienting elected and appointed officials to your agency via your own materials and these resources, your organization can seek out training opportunities on AB1234, AB1661, and the Brown Act to support the official’s transition to public service.

Table of Contents (Editable Document, Updated August 2013)Responsibilities and Powers - Local Agency Powers and LimitationsResponsibilities and Powers - Who Does What in California Local GovernmentResponsiblities and Powers - Sources of Law Affecting Local AgenciesResponsibilities and Powers - Legislative versus Adjudicative Decision MakingBudgeting and Finance - Basics of Municipal Revenue (Counties, Cities and Special Districts)Budgeting and Finance - Financial Management for Elected Officials: Questions to AskLeadership Skills - Governing TipsLeadership Skills - Understanding the Role of ChairLeadership Skills - Working Together to Achieve One's Goals: Some Strategies for SuccessLeadership Skills - Transparency in Local Government: Protecting Your Community Against CorruptionLeadership Skills - Tips for Promoting Civility in Public MeetingsMaking Decisions - How Local Agencies Make Things HappenMaking Decisions - How Your Agency Counsel Should Advise You When Agency Contracts Represent a Conflict of InterestEngaging the Public - Why Engage the Public?Engaging the Public - Principles of Public EngagementOrientation Samples & Tools from Special DistrictsPublic Trust & Transparency - The ABCs of Open Government (Brown Act)Public Trust & Transparency - The Ethics of Speaking One's MindPublic Trust & Transparency - Key Ethics Law PrinciplesWorking with Media - Tips for Newly Elected OfficialsWorking with Media - Short Sound Bite SecretsWorking with Staff - Board / Executive Staff Communications StrategiesWorking with Staff - Common Staff Positions within AgenciesWorking with Staff - Elected Official Direction to StaffWhen Bad Things Happen - Saying You're SorryWhen Bad Things Happen - A Leader's Role When Tragedy StrikesComprehensive Resource - Guide to Local PlanningComprehensive Resource: Understanding the Basics of Public Service Ethics Laws