Honoring homelessness funding is positive – but Cal Cities is concerned about cuts to housing programs in proposed 2024-25 State Budget

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sacramento — Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s introduction of the 2024-25 State Budget, League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman issued the statement below:

“The Governor’s proposed 2024-25 State Budget projects a statewide budget shortfall of $37.9 billion. We are pleased that, as both the state and many cities face a budget deficit, the state is honoring previous commitments to shared state and local priorities. As the crisis of homelessness, affordable housing, mental health, and addiction has accelerated, cities have substantially stepped up their efforts and spending to support and protect their most vulnerable residents. We welcome the Governor’s commitment to working closely with the Legislature on additional, ongoing funding to support local governments’ response to the homelessness crisis.

However, we can’t afford to defer or delay putting roofs over the heads of all Californians. We are concerned about the roughly $1 billion in proposed cuts to key housing programs. Cities stand firm in our call for an ongoing investment in affordable housing as an integral part of the solution to homelessness. Cities welcome a collaborative approach and partnership to delivering real solutions that serve all Californians as together we weather this economic uncertainty.” 

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.