League Leaders and Members:

I hope you are doing well and taking care of yourselves during these difficult times. 
 
With all the changes at the federal level, I would like to bring your attention to local and regional government. On September 3, our Unite and Rise team hosted a panel of local elected officials to discuss the effects of the federal budget cuts on our local governments' ability to serve our people. The link to more information and the recording is HERE.
 
In addition, LWV Bay Area (LWVBA) has requested input on proposed changes to their 2020 Positions on Regional Government and Regional Planning.
 
LWVBA is an Inter-League Organization (ILO) that includes the nine counties of the Bay Area. They follow issues and policies that affect the Bay Area Region, including housing, transportation, environmental concerns, and water. A link to the report and recording of the May 31, 2025, Biennial Council Meeting with a discussion of regional government is HERE.
 
The Study Guide is now available and we will need a small group of members to meet a few times as a local study committee. This group will then hold a membership meeting for responses to the consensus questions, which are due to LWVBA by the end of February 2026. The final revised position will be approved at the 2026 LWVBA Convention. 
 
It would be helpful if members familiar with Regional Planning would participate. This will be much easier than the Judicial Review study we did last year. More details to come.
 
There is a lot going on, especially with the unexpected election, and our members are working hard. Thanks to all of you who are participating!

We welcome new members Denise Coane, Cynthia Engers, and Monisha Merchant!

Mary Schreiber, President, LWVDV