Cal Cities Honors Four Lawmakers with Legislative Leadership Award

Contact: Karina Gonzalez
kgonzalez@calcities.org
(916) 658-8223

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sacramento — The League of California Cities today honored Asm. Christopher Ward (D-San Diego), Asm. Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), Asm. Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), and Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) for their support and dedication to local communities with its Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award during the Cal Cities’ Annual Conference and Expo.

“Throughout their careers, these lawmakers have remained committed in the fight to ensure cities have the resources they need to address California’s unique challenges,” said Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “Cal Cities deeply appreciates the steadfast leadership, collaborative relationships, and support to cities.”

Asm. Ward demonstrated a commitment to local government with his authorship of ACA 13. This measure asks voters if they would like to require future ballot measures that increase voter approval requirements to also pass by the same margin. If passed, ACA 13 would protect local decision-making and cities’ ability to deliver critical services to residents.

“Getting the Protect and Retain the Majority Vote Act (ACA 13) through the Legislature was a significant hurdle, but I am pleased to know this important Constitutional issue of fairness will be decided by California voters next year,” said Asm. Chris Ward (D-San Diego). “I am deeply grateful for the support of The League of California Cities and our many other supporters who helped get this important piece of legislation across the finish line.”

Asm. Quirk-Silva collaborated with Cal Cities to advance its 2023-24 budget request calling for $3 billion in ongoing funding to help cities increase affordable housing supply and reduce homelessness. She worked with Cal Cities to secure endorsements from nearly 30 bipartisan legislators. This joint effort elevated Cal Cities’ ask in the Legislature and helped to build a coalition of legislative support.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the League of California Cities for spearheading the Legislature’s efforts to secure ongoing funding to address California’s homelessness and housing crises,” said Asm. Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton). “As a former mayor, I fully understand the need for a strong state and local partnership to tackle these challenges impacting all Californians — students, families, and seniors. I look forward to working together in the year ahead to bolster local government efforts to support our most vulnerable residents.”

Asm. Wilson has been an outspoken defender of local control. The former mayor of Suisun, Lori now serves as the Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and on the Assembly Committee on Local Government. She co-authored ACA 1, which would reduce the local vote threshold for bond approval and special tax measures for affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, and infrastructure projects. Asm. Wilson also coauthored another Cal Cities-sponsored measure that would modernize the Brown Act, AB 817.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Cal Cities with the Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award,” said Asm. Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City). “Having spent over a decade in local government prior to being elected to the State Assembly, I have a deep understanding of the importance of collaboration between state and local government. We must work together to tackle California’s biggest problems and I look forward to our continued partnership over the years.”

Sen. Dodd is a longtime supporter of cities. Having served as a county supervisor for 14 years, he knows the challenges facing local government. Sen. Dodd has authored or supported numerous bills to help address housing affordability, homelessness, and public safety. This year, he authored a Cal Cities-sponsored measure that will allow city councils to fully adjust their pay for inflation for the first time since 1984. This essentially triples the amount of pay in current law, bringing it roughly in line with inflation.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Cal Cities,” said Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa). “Cities are essential partners in addressing California's most pressing issues and improving quality of life. Local self-governance is a cornerstone of democracy, which is why I was happy to get legislation signed this year that will encourage diverse participation on city councils by allowing pay more in line with the cost of living.”

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials. Cal Cities’ mission is to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.