Cal Cities Annual Report highlights the power of collective action

The League of California Cities released its 2022 Annual Report on Wednesday. The yearly review highlights Cal Cities’ legislative, legal, educational, and organizational accomplishments.

“Cal Cities is a strong, effective organization because we are member-informed and grounded in the voices and experiences of cities throughout the state,” stated Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman in the report’s opening message. “Together, we are strengthening local decision-making, driving state policy, and crafting solutions to everyday challenges.”

Working with local leaders, Cal Cities secured funding to help cities spur affordable housing, reduce homelessness, and implement organic waste regulations. Cal Cities also protected local transportation projects, safeguarded funding streams used for critical services, and fought back against regulations that would have added unnecessary bureaucracy.

In the courts, Cal Cities defended cities on a wide range of issues, notably their ability to interpret their land use plans.

Cal Cities expanded its online educational programming and launched a new conference that combines in-person advocacy at the Capitol with educational sessions on the most pertinent issues facing cities. Last year also saw the creation of the Advancing Equity Community, an online forum for city leaders to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion matters.

The organization strengthened its technological infrastructure to increase member engagement and better serve city officials. Cal Cities also launched California CLASS, a local government investment pool that provides public agencies with an additional diversification option for their daily liquidity and strategic reserve investments.

The full report is available online. To learn more about Cal Cities' legislative accomplishments, read "Legislative year in review: What city leaders need to know about 2022” in Western City magazine.