Message from League of California Cities Executive Director
May 12, 2021
Dear California City Leaders,
With Monday’s release of guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, our cities are one step closer to getting the federal resources needed to help stabilize local government operations and reopen their local economies safely. For more information on the guidance and other recovery resources, visit our Guide to Local Recovery webpage. In addition, Cal Cities will host a briefing call on the guidance and answer questions next Wednesday, May 19, at 1 p.m. Registration information will be available early next week.
Later this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom will release his revised 2021-22 State Budget proposal. With a one-time surplus of over $75 billion, the state has a historic opportunity to invest in the hearts of our communities, to ensure an equitable and comprehensive recovery and address crises that were exacerbated by the pandemic. In contrast, cities are still navigating budget deficits that are disrupting local services and recovery. That’s why we’re calling on the state to commit at least $10 billion of its windfall to help cities recover from the pandemic, bolster investment towards meaningful solutions to homelessness, improve housing affordability, and advance critical infrastructure. The federal government responded to our calls for assistance with $8 billion for California cities in the American Rescue Plan. The state is in an ideal position to do nothing less.
Finally, after taking a pause due to the pandemic, I’m excited to welcome over 300 city officials to this year’s Legislative Action Days, our cornerstone advocacy event of the year. Today and tomorrow, hundreds of local officials, led by our Cal Cities Officers, will virtually convene on the state Capitol to ensure local priorities are state priorities. Our message to legislators is clear: We need our state legislators as true partners to catalyze a strong economic recovery for our cities and ensure an equitable recovery for all.
Thank you again for being such great partners in advancing our mission of protecting local control through advocacy and education.
Stronger together,
Carolyn M. Coleman
Executive Director and CEO
League of California Cities
With Monday’s release of guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, our cities are one step closer to getting the federal resources needed to help stabilize local government operations and reopen their local economies safely. For more information on the guidance and other recovery resources, visit our Guide to Local Recovery webpage. In addition, Cal Cities will host a briefing call on the guidance and answer questions next Wednesday, May 19, at 1 p.m. Registration information will be available early next week.
Later this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom will release his revised 2021-22 State Budget proposal. With a one-time surplus of over $75 billion, the state has a historic opportunity to invest in the hearts of our communities, to ensure an equitable and comprehensive recovery and address crises that were exacerbated by the pandemic. In contrast, cities are still navigating budget deficits that are disrupting local services and recovery. That’s why we’re calling on the state to commit at least $10 billion of its windfall to help cities recover from the pandemic, bolster investment towards meaningful solutions to homelessness, improve housing affordability, and advance critical infrastructure. The federal government responded to our calls for assistance with $8 billion for California cities in the American Rescue Plan. The state is in an ideal position to do nothing less.
Finally, after taking a pause due to the pandemic, I’m excited to welcome over 300 city officials to this year’s Legislative Action Days, our cornerstone advocacy event of the year. Today and tomorrow, hundreds of local officials, led by our Cal Cities Officers, will virtually convene on the state Capitol to ensure local priorities are state priorities. Our message to legislators is clear: We need our state legislators as true partners to catalyze a strong economic recovery for our cities and ensure an equitable recovery for all.
Thank you again for being such great partners in advancing our mission of protecting local control through advocacy and education.
Stronger together,
Carolyn M. Coleman
Executive Director and CEO
League of California Cities