Sacramento, CA – A first-of-its-kind report released
today finds that upcoming spending on federal, state and local
infrastructure will generate nearly $200 billion in economic
activity in California annually over the next decade
and support 700,000 jobs per year.
According to the report, in the next 10 years government
investments in California’s transportation infrastructure will
grow from $40.4 billion in 2021 to $52.6 billion in 2030. This
equates to a return of $4.30 in economic activity for every $1
spent on the transportation system. Every $1 billion spent
supports over 15,000 jobs throughout the economy.
The “Economic Impacts of Highway, Street, Bridge, & Transit
Investment in California” is the first to examine the impacts of
transportation infrastructure spending on all sectors of the
California economy, not just the transportation sector. The
release includes the launch of a new, searchable online
database that breaks down the economic benefits of
infrastructure spending in every California county.
SACRAMENTO – California Counties applaud the $26 billion national
opioid settlement with major drug distributors and Johnson &
Johnson announced today, though more work needs to be done before
funds are distributed in California. The settlement comes at a
critical time to address the addiction and prevention needs of
residents, as drug overdose deaths in the U.S. rose nearly 30
percent in 2020, according to preliminary data from the Centers
for Disease Control.
“These critical settlement funds are desperately needed to help
California’s local communities heal from the severe devastation
caused by opioids,” said Graham Knaus, Executive Director of the
California State Association of Counties. “We are optimistic and
confident that the Attorney General’s Office will negotiate and
reach an agreement that provides funding and resources for
counties and local communities to address this crisis.”
The Employee Relations policy area falls under the jurisdiction
of the Government Finance and Operations (GFO) Policy Committee
and is responsible for all issues related to public employment
and retirement. Specific issues areas are pension benefits and
pension system administration; labor relations; issues regarding
county negotiations with employees; workers’ compensation; and
other risk management issues facing public employers.
The word challenge has many meanings, including “a task
or situation that tests someone’s abilities.” As County leaders,
day in and day out you take on innumerable challenges facing your
local community.
We know that California’s Counties are incredibly adept at using
creativity, collaboration, and more than a little hard work to
overcome the myriad challenges that arise from day-to-day. These
challenges can range from large scale like responding to
a global
pandemic or addressing
homelessness to challenges of a more local nature,
like road
repair or employee
wellness. In any case, these projects and programs make a big
difference in the lives of our local residents.
For more than 15 years, CSAC has honored Counties that have been
able to address difficult tasks or situations with The CSAC
Challenge Awards. These unique awards recognize the innovative
and creative spirit of California Counties as you find new,
effective, and cost-saving ways to provide programs and services
to your residents. The 2021 Call for Entries is open through
September 10, 2021. A new “how to enter” video is
available here.
