Local Governance

November 17, 2025

Municipal Attorney Michael Colantuono on Local Finance and California’s Broken Fiscal Compact

Veteran municipal attorney Michael Colantuono reflects on California’s enduring state–local fiscal dysfunction and legislature usurpation of local control. From a recent “bullet dodged” by local government to the legacy of Prop 13, Colantuono traces decades of underfunding by the State of local government, legislative overreach, and judicial decisions that have hamstrung localities' ambitions.

August 7, 2025

Freshman Assemblymember Nick Schultz Brings Experience & Fresh Eyes to the State Legislature

Representing California's 44th District, in this timely interview, Assemblymember Nick Schultz reflects on his transition from local office to state government and the challenges amid fiscal constraints and climate urgency. Schultz emphasizes the importance of proactive constituent engagement, independent legislative thinking, and ensuring that local governments are equipped with both the mandates and resources needed to deliver results.

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© 2025 The Planning Report | David Abel, Publisher, ABL, Inc.