State Budget bolsters city priorities; calls for direct state relief for cities left unanswered

Sacramento – Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signing of SB 129 (Skinner), a major bill amending the 2021-22 State Budget, League of California Cities President and El Centro Mayor Cheryl Viegas Walker issued the following statement:

“Cal Cities celebrates the strong commitment from the state to make significant investments in cities and the residents who live within them. Ensuring that all Californians have a roof over their head, clean and reliable water sources, protection from climate change-related natural disasters, and access to broadband have been city leaders’ top priorities for years. We are pleased to see these shared values as the foundation of the 2021-2022 State Budget. 

“City leaders demonstrated herculean efforts over the past 15 months, responding to the pandemic and maintaining the delivery of critical city services. The American Rescue Plan funding for cities will certainly provide relief critical to jumpstarting local recovery, but substantial budget gaps in our cities remain, hindering an expedited and equitable recovery for all. 

“We were hoping that the state would come through as our partner to ensure that no community is left behind from the pandemic, and are disappointed that despite continued calls for $2 billion in state aid to help cities address local budget gaps, this much-needed relief was not included in the budget. 

“We know that it is important for state lawmakers and the Governor that every community recovers fully from the pandemic. This budget is a good start and Cal Cities will continue to work with the Governor and the legislature to ensure that every city has the resources needed to support residents, rebuild our local economies, and thrive in recovery.”