Take Action

Cal Cities' advocacy efforts are strongest when joined by the voices of city leaders. Below is a list of current legislative proposals that local officials should act on to support cities' top legislative priorities, along with sample support or opposition letters. 

AB 1657 (Wicks) The Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2024

AB 1657 (Wicks) would place a $10 billion bond measure on the March 2024 ballot to spur the production of affordable and supportive housing. The bill authorizes $10 billion in general obligation bonds to fund affordable and supportive housing programs, including the Multifamily Housing Program, the CalHOME program, the My Home down payment assistance program, and the Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Program.

Voice your SUPPORT for AB 1657 by calling your Assembly Member and Senator and submitting a letter.

Sample letter

 

OPPOSE SB 423 (Wiener)

In 2017, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed SB 35. This law makes the approval of certain multifamily developments, “ministerial” actions. As a result, the approval of these developments pre-empts local discretionary land use authority, bypasses the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and ignores public input.

SB 423 would greatly expand SB 35 (Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017) provisions and extend the Jan. 1, 2026 sunset date to Jan. 1, 2036, requiring cities to ministerially approve certain multifamily housing projects without public input or environmental review. SB 423 may be voted on the Senate Floor at any time between May 24 and June 2.

Voice your opposition TODAY by CALLING YOUR SENATOR and expressing your opposition. Click here to find your Senator. If your city would like to join the growing coalition of cities opposing SB 423, contact your Regional Public Affairs Manager to be added to the Senate Floor Alert.

Contact your regional public affairs manager

Senate Floor Alert

 

2023-24 May Revision Budget Proposal

The Governor’s 2023-24 May Revision upholds funding for homelessness programs committed in last year’s budget. However, it does not include any new, ongoing funding for cities to increase the supply of affordable housing and reduce homelessness. Cal Cities is calling on lawmakers to find a permanent home in the budget for $3 billion in ongoing funding to prevent and reduce homelessness and boost affordable housing. 

Call your Assembly Member and Senator TODAY urging them to support $3 billion in ongoing funding to cities for homelessness and housing AND ask your Assembly Member and Senator to sign on to Assembly Member Quirk-Silva’s letter endorsing Cal Cities’ homelessness and affordable housing budget priorities.

 

Sign on to Assembly Member Quirk-Silva’s endorsement letter

 

AB 1708 (Muratsuchi) Proposition 47 Reform

Proposition 47 made promises of safe neighborhoods, but the unintended consequences that followed have undermined that promise. AB 1708 (Muratsuchi) would increase accountability for repeat theft offenders and offer pathways for pre-plea diversion programming.

If passed, the bill would send the issue to the voters for approval at the next statewide general election. Voice your SUPPORT by submitting a letter to the Assembly Public Safety Committee. If your assembly member is on the committee, it is important to submit a letter and call them to express your support!

Sample letter

 

2023-24 State Budget Priorities for Cities  

Cal Cities is calling on the state and Legislature to invest $3 billion in ongoing funding for cities to increase the supply of affordable housing and reduce homelessness, invest $1 billion to reimburse cities for unfunded mandates, and lay off any action that would reduce or eliminate funding for cities or divert essential local revenue sources.

Take action today by sending a letter to Budget Committee chairs and vice chairs requesting investments in the 2023-24 state budget that bolster local government efforts to support our most vulnerable residents and ensure cities can thrive!

 

Sample letter

 

State Ballot Measure Restricting Voters’ Input and Local Taxing Authority

The anti-local control California Business Roundtable measure has qualified for the November 2024 ballot. This anti-local control measure will decimate vital local and state services to the benefit of the largest and wealthiest corporations in California. Cal Cities, along with a broad coalition of local governments, labor, public safety, education, and infrastructure advocates, strongly oppose this initiative.

Make sure your city’s voice is heard by adopting a resolution opposing the harmful measure. Adopted city resolutions can be sent to BallotMeasures@calcities.org. For information about how the measure could impact your community, contact your local public affairs manager.

Contact your regional public affairs manager

Sample opposition resolution

Sample opposition letter


Regulation Comments

 

Cal Cities' advocacy efforts do not stop once bills are signed into law. Cal Cities' staff, members, and coalition partners work with state officials to make sure that local government interests are protected during the regulation-making process. 

 

Regulation Comments

Public Safety

Transportation, Communications, and Public Works

Environmental Quality

Community Services

Housing, Community, and Economic Development

Cal Cities provides up-to-date information about the legislative process, lobbying, and which bills are scheduled for hearings. Hone your advocacy skills by diving into our Advocacy Tools

Cal Cities' weekly hearings update — distributed via Cal Cities Advocate — highlights upcoming legislative hearings on the bills that matter most to cities. Read the report each Wednesday. 

How to Submit a Position Letter 

  1. Visit the California Legislature Position Letter Portal to create an account and upload this letter. If you are having difficulty accessing the portal, please contact Meg Desmond
  2. In addition to submitting the letter through the portal, please send a physical copy to your Legislator(s), and email a copy to Cal Cities, as well as your Regional Public Affairs Manager.