The Valley Chronicle - Cal Cities calls on the Governor to invest in homelessness and housing, public safety, and climate change in the state budget

Sacramento – Ahead of the Governor’s January budget proposal, Cal Cities is calling on the Governor to prioritize investments in local priorities that preserve essential services and local economies.

In a letter to the Governor and legislative leaders, Cal Cities outlined four funding priorities for cities: restore state homelessness funding to its previous funding levels, safeguard local revenues to protect local economies, invest in local climate resilience and disaster preparedness efforts, and fully fund the implementation of the voter-approved Proposition 36.

“Cities of all sizes are focused on preventing and reducing homelessness, spurring construction of housing, improving the safety of their communities, and preparing their cities for the impacts of climate change,” said Cal Cities President and El Cerrito Mayor Gabe Quinto. “These priorities are critical for the well-being of our residents, but they require a strong partnership and investment from the state. We are calling on the Governor to prioritize these issues in the state budget, preserve our local economies, and protect our cities.”

In cities throughout California, the demand for housing and supportive services is outpacing local efforts alone. Progress has been made in cities of all sizes, but continued progress is dependent on a strong investment from the state. Last year’s state budget failed to include any new funding for the state’s flagship Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant (HHAP) Program or funding to help cities of all sizes meet the affordable housing needs in their communities.

Cal Cities is also urging the Governor not to divert local revenue streams to close the state budget deficit or increase costs for cities with new unfunded state mandates. California’s cities are the bedrock of the state’s economy: These actions would only deepen cities’ financial strain, undermine the delivery of essential services, and weaken the very economic engines that drive California’s prosperity.

Cal Cities is also calling on the Governor to prioritize state investments in local efforts to support local disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts, as well as local long-term climate resilience projects. As Californians know all too well, these investments are critical to reducing future costs, protecting lives and property, and safeguarding local and regional economies.

Lastly, cities are calling on the Governor to direct funds in the budget to fully fund the implementation of Proposition 36, a bipartisan initiative that provides more tools for cities to improve the safety of their communities. In November 2024, California voters in all 58 counties passed the measure.

“Local governments are facing fiscal headwinds just like the state, which means we all need to work together to ensure cities can keep delivering the vital services our residents depend upon,” said Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “Together we need to protect what is most important to Californians: Keeping residents in their homes, protecting our environment, ensuring our local economies work for families, and keeping our streets safe.”

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.