WHY YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED IN CITIPAC

CITIPAC protects local democracy. For years cities worked to increase constitutional protections for local revenues. With the passage of Proposition 1A they have achieved that goal. But the Legislature frequently generates plans – legislation or ballot measures -- that allow the state to assume more and more influence over all levels of government, threatening local services and local decision-making. A well-funded PAC enables the League to respond to these challenges.

  • Preparation is expensive. In the current political climate, it is becoming increasingly expensive to run a ballot measure campaign. Total spending on initiatives for the 2004 General Election topped $253 million. Average spending per initiative was $19.5 million. That is a 31% increase in total spending since 1998 when total spending on initiative campaigns was $192.9 million. The Prop 1A campaign, with no organized opposition still spent over $9 million to qualify, collect signatures, and ultimately pass the measure.

  • Cities must be prepared. One cannot always predict when and how threats to local democracy will arise. The November 2004 ballot presented voters with 16 initiatives. There could be even more measures in the next statewide election, including some that affect local programs and local decision-making. New initiatives could show up as early as a November 2005 Special Election. If the League were to begin fundraising only when faced with a threat, the opposition would gain an immediate advantage. Ongoing fund-raising through CITIPAC will ensure that the League has the funds it needs to address threats to local democracy at any time.

  • Cities must ensure their place at the table. The League cannot lose the momentum gained with Prop 1A. To keep moving and deepen its roots as a political force, the League must continue to demonstrate that it has a strong and well-funded political action committee. Personal, corporate, and campaign fund contributions from League members —and businesses and others that rely on city services —will enable CITIPAC to continue to advocate on behalf of cities.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED.

  • City officials and employees should support CITIPAC because CITIPAC protects the local democracy that you are a part of every single day. Working in the cities provides you an up-close look at those issues that affect our communities. CITIPAC is here to protect the cities’ rights to local control and to protect the funding sources that remain vulnerable, even after the passage of Prop 1A.
  • Businesses should support CITIPAC because when local democracy is threatened it affects cities’ ability to contract with local businesses for the services they provide to the community. In addition, local infrastructure and roads projects, land-use approvals, public transportation, public safety services, utility services and parks and recreation are critical to the business community and to a healthy local economy.
  • Local builders should support CITIPAC because cities provide the essential services and infrastructure that support local growth and development – services like local roads and transportation, utility services, water, public safety and other essential services that are necessary for continued growth and expansion. These local services also make our communities better places to live, work, locate businesses and attract employees.
  • Community organizations should support CITIPAC because local governments partner with the private sector for local ventures, such as redevelopment projects, transit and transportation projects. These ventures enhance their communities by providing jobs, relieving traffic, and reducing blight.
  • Taxpayers should support CITIPAC because part of protecting local democracy is ensuring that those funds that remain vulnerable to state takeaways continue to be protected. Taking away funds from the local level translates into increased pressure for local fees and taxes that add costs to businesses and consumers alike.

What You Can Do

If you’re a city official, a business person, part of a company that works with or for cities, or someone who understands the importance protecting local democracy and ensuring a quality community, you can get involved with CITIPAC.

Make a contribution. Pledge to raise funds from others. Host a fundraiser.

Every little bit helps!

  • League members should consider giving a small automatic contribution each month using their credit card or online bill paying service. If each League member gave just $10 per month, it wouldn’t take long for cities to have a strong treasury that would ensure that they are ready for any political threat that may arise.
  • Business leaders can contribute funds, sponsor an event, or donate goods that can be used as prizes.
  • Community leaders can spread the word about the importance of CITIPAC, recruit volunteers for local events, help raise funds from businesses in the community, or co-host an event.
  • Employees are also encouraged to volunteer their time, assist with solicitation lists, attend local fundraisers, or contribute to CITIPAC. Employees can also sign up for monthly contributions using their credit card or checking account.

Roles for City Officials. Local officials are crucial to the success of CITIPAC. Get involved by:

  • Chairing or co-chairing fundraising events, or serving as event committee members.
  • Help develop lists of potential contributors, and help contact individuals, businesses and organizations to encourage their participation.
  • Pledge to raise funds from contributors as part of a fundraising drive.
  • Make a contribution.

Getting Started. Elected city officials will soon be contacted by their Grassroots Regional Representatives about participating in regional events. They will be asked to help develop lists of potential contributors, and to help contact individuals, businesses and organizations to encourage their participation. City officials should also contact their League Regional Representative -[PDF]. Be sure to check "Legal Do's and Don'ts".

Contributions to CITIPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

Find out more by calling CITIPAC at 916.658.8216, by sending an email to mlienau@cacities.org, by contacting your Regional Representative, or click here to make a contribution.