1.  The City “decision makers” ARE starting to pay attention to the NC STAKEHOLDERS.a.  They heard and incorporated many of the NCBA recommendations in this year’s (FY2011-2012)  BUDGET. (The nay-sayers will claim that we just advocated what they were going to do, anyway.)

b.  They spoke passionately about seeking the advice of the Regional Alliances … pointing to the VANC as the most organized and most productive Alliance. (Now, the task is to continue to continue to attract their attention and work with them in VANC advocacy.

2.  The Budget Advocates were early advocates of the City Attorney’s “ACE” program, severely critical of our City’s collection systems.  The City Attorney know this and spoke of it in the recent “Mayor’s” Community Budget Day.

3.  Attached is a list (EXCEL spreadsheet) of the newly elected San Fernando Valley Budget Advocates and Alternates. Please let the VANC members know of them.  It would be a “natural” for VANC and its members to work closely with the NCBAs.  This year the communications between the NCBAs and NCs should be much more active … in BOTH directions.