Executive Director’s Message by Carolyn Coleman
Bold Approaches and New Ideas to Solve Old Problems
I
am humbled and honored to be leading the League at this defining moment in the nation’s history. Cities and city leaders face unparalleled hurdles — an unrelenting global pandemic, devastating wildfires, heat waves, power outages, and pandemic-induced budget shortfalls that are jeopardizing core city services — all of this while deafening cries for equity and justice ring out from the streets of our nation. In response, cities have been leading the way, acting quickly to protect their residents from the virus, supporting those affected by stay-at-home orders and business closures, and providing assistance to struggling businesses and families who have fallen behind on rent or mortgage payments. They are also taking concrete actions to evaluate, reimagine, and reform our institutions to ensure local government systems are equitable and just.
The League’s mission includes not only advocating for the common interests of cities, but also helping city leaders lead on challenging issues their communities face by providing education and resources that focus on promising strategies and new solutions. Just as the League pivoted to help city leaders navigate through the pandemic, wildfires, and power shutoffs, we are also pivoting to support leaders as they take action to advance equity in their communities.
This special issue of Western City
highlights efforts to disrupt systemic inequities in city institutions and policies and replace them with
This special issue of Western City highlights efforts to disrupt systemic inequities in city institutions and policies and replace them with systems that are inclusive and fair. “Advancing Racial Equity in Local Government,” which starts on page 7, provides an introduction to the National League of Cities’ Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) initiative and shares four proven city strategies to help city leaders lead in addressing racial inequity in their communities.
systems that are inclusive and fair.
As a Black woman, issues of race, equity, and justice are deeply personal for me and have been part of a recurring narrative of systemic inequity for a majority of my life. These issues are fueling the many diverse voices calling for change that we hear loudly today. It is inspiring to stand alongside California’s local
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leaders who are, to borrow from Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, “challenging the status quo with bold approaches and new ideas to solve old problems.”
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Western City, November 2020
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