South Lake Tahoe, CA…The League of California Cities announced the appointment of Councilmember Angela Swanson to two policy committees for the coming year. This marks Swanson’s third year on the Transportation, Communications and Public Works (TCPW) committee and her first with the Employee Relations (ER) Committee. These policy committees are the League’s front line for engagement on state and federal legislation.

“I’m looking forward to bringing South Lake Tahoe’s issues to the table,” says Swanson. “More important is the information I bring back to the City that positions us early for funding opportunities. One of our main goals is to build on the successes we achieved in 2013 and continue to move the City forward in a strategic, fiscally responsible and community-minded manner.”

The Employee Relations (ER) Policy Committee addresses labor relations and human resources issues. Front and center this year is pension reform and the PERS system. “Unfunded pension liabilities are a major concern for all cities. It is a hot button issue or 2014 and one I am primed to tackle,” Swanson said.

Already her work with the Transportation, Communications and Public Works (TCPW) Committee has benefited the City. “Funding for Safe Routes to School was saved in 2013 and will issue approximately $24 million in grants in 2014. The League’s pushback was vital to making the governor preserve those funds in his budget. Now the City can pursue those dollars to make improvements like sidewalks, lighting, crosswalks and bike lanes.”

Councilmember Swanson’s tireless advocacy on behalf of the City and community at the state legislative level was recognized by her colleagues at their January 14, 2014 City Council meeting.

Councilwoman Swanson was elected to the City Council in November 2010. Prior to joining the council she served as a member of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education from 2005 – 2009.

The League of California Cities is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities. More information on the organization can be found on their website: http://www.cacities.org.