Cal Cities Board focuses on wildfire preparedness, state legislation, and the new federal government

By Rachel Vincent, director of strategic communications and marketing

The Cal Cities Board held its first meeting of the year in Rancho Cucamonga last week. A key focus was the lessons learned from the Southern California wildfires and how local leaders can help their communities recover from a disaster.

“Rebuilding takes a long time,” said Reva Feldman, a former Malibu city manager who works as now a consultant. “Learn from those who have come before you. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, there are good models out there and many lessons to be shared. The key is to be empathetic. The trauma is real, and community-wide trauma is deep and goes on for a long time.”

Sean McGlynn, city manager of Escondido, said that recovery also includes helping people with their mental health needs. He noted that many leaders themselves lose their homes, or have colleagues, family, and friends who have lost homes or businesses.

The Board also discussed ways Cal Cities can help cities prevent wildfires and rebuild. “There has been an incredible number of advancements of our understanding of how [wildfires] happen in urban areas,” said McGlynn. “It’s about neighborhood resiliency. Even if an individual homeowner does all the right things, it will only work [to prevent wildfires] if you make it a community effort.”

The Board also welcomed five new board members: Arcadia Mayor Michael Cao, Sacramento Council Member Caity Maple, Santa Cruz Council Member Renee Golder, Suisun City Mayor Alma Hernandez, and Tracy Assistant City Manager Karina Schnaider.

Board reviews 2025 legislative policies and potential federal funding cuts

The Board spent much of the meeting examining Cal Cities’ 2025 legislative priorities: homelessness and housing, climate change and disaster preparedness, infrastructure, and local revenues.

Legislative Director Jason Rhine and other lobbyists provided updates on the implementation of Proposition 36, a 2024 public safety ballot measure, and the over a dozen bills sponsored by Cal Cities. The measures would advance city interests across a wide range of issues, including homeless encampments, wildfire preparedness, alcohol and drug treatment facilities, and short-term rentals.

The Board also discussed the first 100 days of the new presidential administration — and their impact on city budgets. David Sander, immediate past president of the National League of Cities (NLC) and mayor of Rancho Cordova, said that the NLC is monitoring potential cuts to city funding. Cities should report any reductions or cuts to the NLC. He also emphasized that tax-exempt municipal bonds — an essential funding source for city infrastructure — are at risk. In response, the NLC has launched a campaign to safeguard their tax-exempt status.

Boards updates existing policy; reinforces ongoing commitment to public safety

The Board voted to update existing governance and transparency legislative policy. The new language captures the intent of the 2024 Annual Conference Resolution No. 1, submitted by the city of Glendora. That resolution called on Cal Cities to oppose any law or regulation that applies to cities and local officials that do not apply equally to the state and state officials.

Board members also considered a request from the Public Safety Committee to add a public safety priority to Cal Cities’ advocacy priorities. The Board reinforced that public safety is an ongoing organizational priority and voted not to add it as an advocacy priority. However, the Board directed the staff to increase communication to Cal Cities members on what it is doing to support the implementation of Prop. 36 and other public safety issues.

The next Board meeting is April 25-26 in Sacramento, following the City Leaders Summit.