CC - Item 6B - Discussion to Consider the City in Becoming a Member of the Independent Cities AssociationROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: BEN KIM, CITY MANAGER
DATE: May 12, 2026
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION TO CONSIDER THE CITY IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF
THE INDEPENDENT CITIES ASSOCIATION (ICA)
SUMMARY
Council Member Ly would like to discuss the possibility of the City of Rosemead becoming a
member of the Independent Cities Association, a regional organization of nearly 40 Southern
California cities that addresses shared issues such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and
intergovernmental collaboration. ICA hosts two annual seminars that bring together city council
members, officials, and business partners to collaborate, network, and exchange knowledge: a
Winter Seminar in February focused on public safety, and a Summer Seminar in July that explores
current and emerging issues.
FISCAL IMPACT
The membership cost for the Independent Cities Association is $2,559.25 per fiscal year.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council discuss and provide direction.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Prepared and Submitted by:
Ericka Hernandez
City Clerk
Attachment A: Membership Information
AGENDA ITEM 6.B
Attachment A
Membership Information
ICA
INDEPENDENT
A S S o C I A r i o N Independent Cities Association
Our Mission:
Empowering independent elected officials through education, policy insight, and leadership development
to strengthen communities.
ICA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1960. It is made up of nearly 40 member cities in the
Southern California area and focuses on public safety, education, infrastructure, intergovernmental
relationships and other major issues that transcend the boundaries of its member cities.ICA holds two
Annual Seminars bringing together city council members, city officials and business partners for the
purpose of collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange. The Winter Seminar (held in February)
addresses public safety and the Summer Seminar (held in July) focuses on contemporary issues.
What We Support
Public Safety
One of ICA's core values is its commitment to providing tools for safe and secure communities. ICA
understands the vital importance of law enforcement and first responders and the significant impact they
have on their communities. ICA supports legislation that enhances local assistance to police and fire and
any measures that will help contribute to local public safety, emergency response and emergency
preparedness. ICA also supports legislation that strengthens law enforcement efforts to prevent crime and
prosecute those committing a crime.
Economy
ICA is committed to helping member cities provide a strong and diverse local economy for their
constituents. ICA supports legislation that provides cities additional tools for business development,
business retention, workforce development, and job creation. ICA also supports legislative actions that
create new tools to encourage redevelopment and fill the void left with the dissolution of Redevelopment
Agencies. ICA provides up-to-date resources that keep elected officials well informed on current issues
facing economic development at the local level.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure impacts both businesses and residents and reflects on a community's desirability. Improving
member cities infrastructure has many benefits including the growth of the economy and improving
quality of life, not just in any one city but throughout the entire region. ICA supports legislation that
increases funding opportunities for new local infrastructure projects including roads, highways, bridges
and public transportation as well as maintenance of existing infrastructure. Also, ICA supports legislation
that provides additional funding for water delivery, water storage, and water quality projects. ICA stresses
the importance of supporting local zoning control and maintaining efficiency to avoid creating new
mandates without complete funding.