The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is celebrating 70 years as a critical resource for local government officials. Covering 2,500-plus cities, towns, counties and special districts in California, this nonpartisan nonprofit offers promising practices, implementation strategies, tailored education and technical assistance to meet the evolving needs of local leaders. 

“ILG has been proudly promoting good government at the local level for seven decades,” says Erica L. Manuel, CEO and executive director. “We dream of a California where all local government leaders are trusted by the people they serve because of exceptional leadership and an endless pursuit towards thriving and resilient communities.” 

Among many accomplishments and successes, ILG published the first edition of their flagship ethics resource Understanding the Basics of Public Service Ethics Laws in 2009 and, in 2013, launched their Beacon Program and Awards, now including more than 180 local agencies fighting climate change and building environmentally sustainable communities. 

In 2023, ILG launched Meeting Mastery, a virtual training to help local governments host productive and engaging public meetings, and, in 2024, launched Bridge to reduce local government vacancy rates by expanding Registered Apprenticeships.

“Governing a community takes a lot of work and despite their passion and commitment, not all public servants have the time, capacity or resources needed to expand or improve their community’s services,” says Manuel. “ILG helps California’s local governments lead with integrity, solve complex challenges, enhance public trust and foster sustainable, equitable solutions.”

In public service, change is the only constant. Policies, budgets and demographics are always shifting. ILG’s goal is to continue being nimble and creative, empowering local leaders to navigate the complexity of their important roles.