Policy chair and vice chair applications due Aug. 7

By Cal Cities Staff

Cal Cities is accepting chair and vice chair applications starting Monday, July 20, for all seven policy committees. Applications must be submitted online by Aug. 7. 

Every year, Cal Cities convenes a member-driven policy development process. These policies directly guide Cal Cities' advocacy to promote local decision-making and lobby against statewide policies that erode local control. The strength of Cal Cities depends on the active involvement and expertise of city officials from all over the state. 

During the winter, spring, and summer, the committees meet to review and recommend positions for bills and regulatory proposals for consideration by the Cal Cities Board of Directors. If approved by the board, these positions become part of Cal Cities’ existing policy.

Approximately 60 city officials serve on each committee. To accurately reflect the state’s diverse communities and perspectives, leaders from all regions are strongly encouraged to apply for chair and vice chair positions. Appointed by the Cal Cities President, applicants will be reviewed for their leadership skills, policy awareness, and experience within Cal Cities. Each appointment is for a one-year term.

Each committee meets at least three times annually — January, March, and June. January and March meetings are in person; the June meeting is virtual. Cal Cities does not reimburse committee members for travel expenses associated with attending policy committee meetings.   

A summary of each committee and the policy areas they oversee is below.

• Community Services: Reviews issues related to homelessness, child care, parks and recreation, libraries, emergency/disaster preparation and response, cultural arts, and community and human services programs.
• Environmental Quality: Reviews issues related to air, water, and water quality, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), solid waste and recycling, hazardous materials, coastal issues, utilities, and wildfires.
• Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations: Reviews issues related to transparency, technology (open data), healthcare, elections and political reform, pensions, and workers’ compensation reform, as well as other labor-related issues.
• Housing, Community, and Economic Development: Reviews issues related to general plans and zoning, housing, rent control, land use regulation, and development fees.
• Public Safety: Reviews issues related to law enforcement; fire and life safety policies, including emergency communications; and emergency services, including ambulance and disaster preparedness.
• Revenue and Taxation: Reviews issues related to finance administration, taxation reform, revenue needs, and revenue sources at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Transportation, Communication, and Public Works: Reviews issues related to transportation planning, technology, funding, construction, public works, telecommunications, and other related areas.

For more information, please contact Meg Desmond, legislative operations manager.