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April in California usually means two things: the hills are briefly green, and city halls across the state are knee-deep in budget spreadsheets. This year, there is a new reason to pause and reflect, as the State Assembly recently passed ACR 143, officially designating April 19–25, 2026, as California Cities Week.
It’s a moment to recognize the importance of the 483 municipalities that ensure our communities thrive. Local government remains the most trusted form of government. This isn’t by accident; it’s because the “government” isn’t a faceless entity in a distant capital — it’s your neighbor who manages the water utility or the coach of your kid’s recreation league who also happens to be the assistant city manager or the local shop owner who also happens to be a councilmember. When the work is local, the accountability is personal, and that proximity creates a unique bond of service that keeps our society anchored.
I’ve spent much of my career on a personal #ChamberQuest, visiting over 200 city halls to see where the “magic” of local government happens. Whether I’m in a small desert town or a historic coastal hub, I’m always struck by the same thing: while our cities differ wildly in architecture and personality, they all share a baseline commitment to public service. When a resident visits a park, drives on a paved road or relies on a quick 911 response, they are experiencing the steady pulse of local government at work.
At Tripepi Smith, our pride in this week is personal. We have reached a point where we are partners with nearly half of the cities in California. We don’t just view ourselves as consultants; we strive to be an institution of local government that supports the planners, first responders, communicators and city managers who keep the lights on and the streets safe.
To the city employees and elected leaders who show up every day to solve the “impossible” problems: we see you, and we thank you for making California a better place to call home.
Happy California Cities Week,
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