
Advocacy
The League of California Cities advocates tirelessly on the issues that matter most to California's 482 towns and cities. Our advocacy team works with regional field staff and lawmakers to sponsor, draft, and support legislative and regulatory measures that promote local decision-making, and lobby against policy that erodes local control. We also form coalitions with other local government associations and stakeholders to advocate for common goals.
Cal Cities takes positions on hundreds of bills annually. With over 400 city officials serving on the Cal Cities seven policy committees, cities directly influence the direction of Cal Cities’ overall advocacy efforts.
Read the 2022 Legislative Report
Laws affecting cities are made in the courts, as well as in the Legislature. Consequently, Cal Cities advocacy efforts extend to the appellate courts. The organization weighs in on legal issues where its participation is likely to help
advance the legal interests of all California cities. Learn more about our Legal Advocacy efforts.
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HomelessnessProtect and expand investments to prevent and reduce homelessness.
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HousingIncrease the supply and affordability of housing while retaining local decision-making.
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Public SafetyImprove public safety in California communities.
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Fiscal SustainabilitySafeguard essential local revenues and support fiscal sustainability.
Bill Search
Take Action
Our advocacy efforts are strongest when joined by the voices of city leaders. Visit the action center for a list of current priority legislative bills and proposals, and sample letters of support or opposition.
Advocacy Tools
California's legislative process is very complex. The following resources have been compiled to help city officials better understand the process by which bills become laws.
Legislative Process 101
- Navigating the Legislative Process
- The Life Cycle of Legislation: From Idea to Law Flowchart
- Basic Overview of Legislative Process
- Legislative Terms
- How to Analyze a Bill
Lobbying
- Top 10 Tips for Lobbying the Legislature
- Tips for Building and Maintaining Relationships in a Term-Limited Legislature
- Committee Services - Quick Reference Sheet
Regulatory Process
Each week, the League of California Cities breaks down the bills, policy committees, and legislative deadlines that city leaders need to know about.
Map Search
We encourage cities to create a platform that will be helpful and suitable for their unique needs. Cal Cities has compiled this non-exhaustive list of legislative platforms adopted by cities. If you have a legislative platform that you would like added, please contact your Regional Public Affairs Manager.
Cities must be prepared for challenges to local democracy and statewide fiscal raids. Ongoing fundraising through CitiPAC ensures that Cal Cities has the funds necessary to immediately and effectively respond. Any U.S. citizen, business, association, or PAC can contribute.
Cal Cities Delivers
Together, with our members, Cal Cities delivers major victories for cities year after year – protecting local control, securing billions of dollars in new funding, and preserving existing city resources.
100 +
bills/ballot measures passed or defeated to retain local control
$13 Billion
in new funding for cities in the past five years
$8+ Billion
in federal recovery funding in 2021