ICFA sponsors CCMF for 2018-19

Posted by Saara Lampwalla on September 7, 2018

The California City Management Foundation announced that the Independent Cities Finance Authority (ICFA) has renewed their Corporate Benefactor sponsorship of the organization.

The Independent Cities Finance Authority is an unaffiliated Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with the ability to help cities achieve their goals. Since its inception in 1988, ICFA has assisted in funding over $500 million in critical community projects, from hospitals, to charter schools, municipal utilities to housing for low and moderate-income families and seniors.

“We would like to thank the Independent Cities Finance Authority for renewing their Corporate Benefactor sponsorship. ICFA’s mission to help California’s leaders improve their communities aligns perfectly with the goals of CCMF, and we are grateful to have them on our team.” – Wade McKinney, CCMF President

CCMF corporate sponsors enjoy a number of benefits including sponsorship recognition on the CCMF website, access to the CCMF weekly electronic newsletter, and invitations to members-only activities and special events at the annual League of California Cities City Manager Department conference. Corporate membership fees start at just $1,250. Click/tap here to learn more.

Independent Cities Finance Authority Renews Its Sponsorship of CCMF

Posted by Melanie James on October 13, 2016

The California City Management Foundation announced that Independent Cities Finance Authority (ICFA) has renewed their commitment to supporting the state’s city management community by being a Corporate Benefactor sponsor. The Independent Cities Finance Authority is an unaffiliated Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with the ability to help cities achieve their goals. Since its inception in 1988, ICFA has assisted in funding over $500 million in critical community projects, from hospitals, to charter schools, municipal utilities to housing for low and moderate-income families and seniors.

“It is great to count ICFA among our corporate membership–they are very much in tune with the CCMF mission and the challenges our members face on a day-to-day basis. CCMF wouldn’t be able to provide the level of member service it does without the support of organizations like ICFA.” – Wade McKinney, CCMF President

A Farewell to ICFA President – W. Michael McCormick

Posted by Melanie James on May 23, 2016

W. Michael McCormick is stepping down from the Independent Cities Finance Authority (“ICFA”) Board, where he has actively served since 1987. He was elected as ICFA board President in 1997, and has held that position for the past 19 years.

Mr. McCormick has been a resident of the City of Vernon since 1969, where he worked in a variety of business environments during his 40-year private sector career. He served on the Vernon City Council for 41 years, and has also been active in the Los Angeles Area Boy Scouts of America (BSA) organization for over 40 years.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike since he first came on board in 1987,” commented Debbie Smith, Executive Director, Independent Cities Finance Authority. “Mike’s contributions to ICFA have been immeasurable and he will be greatly missed.”

Gil Hurtado, Vice President of ICFA said, “Mike was such an asset to our board, and I truly enjoyed working alongside him. We are so appreciative of his many years of service to ICFA.”

Mr. McCormick has also represented his community by serving as a Board Member of numerous area organizations:

• Los Angeles County Sanitation – 23rd District since 1974.
• Independent Cities Association – as a Board Director since 1987 and serving as President in 2008-09.
• The Orangeline Development Authority – as Board Director since 2003 and Secretary/Treasurer since 2007.
• Southeast Cities School Coalition – as a Board Director since 2005.
• California Contract Cities Association

W. Michael McCormick has had a positive impact both in his community and on the ICFA board. ICFA thanks Mr. McCormick for dedicating his life to service, for being an instrumental member of the ICFA board for the past 27 years, and wishes him well in his future endeavors!

ICFA Hosts Energy Retrofit Seminar

Posted by Saara Lampwalla on March 26, 2014

The Independent Cities Finance Authority (ICFA) hosted a seminar dedicated to exploring the growing number of opportunities available to cities for overhauling infrastructure to save energy and money. The seminar took place at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles on March 20th.

The first half of the seminar was devoted to a discussion of municipal street lighting retrofits and how cities all over California are saving money and energy by updating their infrastructure. The panelists included Ellen Volmert (City Manager of La Palma), Jason Caudle (Deputy City Manager of Lancaster), Frank Mann (Climatec Energy Solutions), and John King (Southern California Edison).

The second session focused on the potential benefits of solar installations and explored how cities are using Power Purchase Agreements to renovate with no out-of-pocket expense. The panelists included Darrel Pyle (City Manager of Hanford), Michael Chapin (Connor Energy), Scott Schumacher (Borrego Solar), Sophie Akins (Best Best & Krieger LLP), and Gary Barsley (Southern California Edison).

A keynote address was given by Scott Murtishaw, Energy Advisor to President Peevey of the California Public Utilities Commission.

ICFA Energy Retrofit Seminar

Posted by Saara Lampwalla on March 26, 2014

The Independent Cities Finance Authority hosted a half-day seminar on municipal energy retrofit options. Topics covered included legal issues, solar solutions, energy efficiency options and financing solutions.

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ICFA to Host Sustainable Cities Seminar

Posted by Melanie James on February 24, 2014

Thursday March 20, 2014, the Independent Cities Finance Authority (ICFA) will host a half-day seminar presenting the opportunities available to cities to retrofit existing infrastructure to save energy and money.

A Half-Day Seminar will feature experts discussing the benefits of LED retrofit technology and solar installation. Panelists will include Frank Mann of Climatec, a representative from Southern California Edison, Michael Chapin of Connor Energy, Scott Schumacher of Borrego Solar, and public officials in California who have recently guided their cities through the process of updating infrastructure.

The seminar will take place 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, the first hotel in Los Angeles to be awarded the Green Seal Silver Certification for its investments in environmentally friendly practices. The ticket price of $25 includes parking and a buffet lunch. Space is limited. Click here to register today.

Ken Spiker & Associates Looking Forward to 2014

Posted by Melanie James on December 19, 2013

2014 is slated to be an exciting year for Ken Spiker & Associates (KSA). The firm will celebrate 30 years in business. Additionally, this November, the board of directors named longtime President Greg Spiker CEO. KSA is one of the premiere government consulting firms working to build productive and successful relationships between the private sector and local, county and state government in Southern California.

“There is a lot of business to be done in California and Cities more than ever are looking to forge partnerships with the private sector to help deliver services and technology advances to their residents. Its is pretty amazing when you think about it that if you take the membership of the Independent Cities Association (ICA) including Los Angeles, it consists of over 7 million people that live in its 40 member cities. ICA’s population alone would be the 13th largest state in the United States. Suffice it to say most companies desiring to do business with Cities have or will have a presence in Southern California in an effort to try and get their share of this marketplace.”

According to Spiker, one of the key competitive advantages that distinguishes KSA from other firms is our unique involvement with private and government associations such as ICA , the Los Angeles Parking Association, Retired Los Angeles City Employees, Inc., Independent Cities Lease Finance Authority, Independent Cities Risk Management Authority, and the Big Independent Cities Excess Pool.

“How we’ve flourished for so long is our solid reputation with elected officials and staff in Southern California. It is important to tell the truth, and provide the facts. As consultants, I see our role as merging the interests of our clients with the objectives of public officials. When you look at it as a partnership, it is particularly important to ensure that everyone involved has the necessary information from which to make informed decisions” said Spiker.

2014 will also be year for cities to be even more vigilant in finding cost-effective ways to provide services for their residents. The absence of redevelopment tools and increasing concerns regarding pension obligations has led many cities to explore outsourcing services. It is shaping up to be an interesting year, indeed.

Free Webinar: ICFA/Climatec Municipal Street Lighting Program

Posted by Melanie James on September 9, 2013

The Independent Cities Finance Authority (ICFA) will host a free webinar this Thursday, September 12, at 11:00 am on the ICFA/Climatec Municipal Street Lighting Program.

The webinar will cover the benefits of cities owning their own street lighting, controlling operating costs for street lights and the advantages of converting to efficient LED lighting systems. ICFA is offering bond financing for the program while Climatec provides comprehensive warranties on new lights.

Speakers include Frank Mann, head of Climatec’s California Energy Services team and Covina councilmember John King. The webinar will consist of a half-hour presentation followed by a Q & A session. Click here to learn more and register.

Climatec Engages Tripepi Smith for Marketing and Outreach Solutions

Posted by Melanie James on September 5, 2013

Climatec Energy Solutions has engaged Tripepi Smith for a full array of marketing and outreach solutions.

Climatec services a wide range of private and public sector clients in the American southwest and recently expanded their energy solutions practice from schools districts to cities in the California market. With that push, Climatec decided to retain the services of Tripepi Smith to aid in getting the word out on the competitive advantage cities have in partnering with Climatec.

“It is great to be onboard with a progressive team like Climatec. They are experts at marrying technology with buildings to help cities in California run more efficiently,” said Ryder Todd Smith, cofounder and president of Tripepi Smith. “State policies are clearly driving up energy costs in California, and energy efficient solutions from Climatec will help cities avoid the pain of those policies by dramatically reducing their energy consumption. It is a rare opportunity for cities to do good for both their taxpayers and the environment.”

Climatec is a member of the US Green Building Council and a distributor of several different building automation lines of business. The firm provides financing solutions that enable cities to execute energy efficiency projects today and then leverage their savings to pay for the infrastructure over a period of time. Climatec recently announced a financing partnership with the Independent Cities Finance Authority designed to make large-scale energy efficiency projects, including light pole purchases and retrofits, even more viable.

ICFA to Host Down Payment Assistance Webinar

Posted by Melanie James on June 12, 2013

On Tuesday, June 25, the Independent Cities Finance Authority (ICFA) will host a free webinar covering down payment assistance options available to cities in California. The seminar is intended to provide information to city officials who wish to expand housing options available to their residents.

The webinar will be presented by Marc Paskulin, a senior vice president with George K. Baum & Company and a member of George K. Baum & Company’s Housing Finance Group. Mr. Paskulin’s areas of expertise include developing new structured financings for state and local housing finance issuers and working within the Housing Finance Group to develop new financing and program ideas. He serves as lead or co-analyst for 15 state housing agencies, and was instrumental in working with issuers, investment bankers and legal counsels to develop criteria for housing bond refundings and asset-backed securitization throughout the nation.

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Mr. Paskulin. One participant will receive a free iPod Nano, to be raffled off at the end of the webinar.

The webinar will take place from 10-10:30 am PST. Registration is free. Click here to learn more and register.