Here’s how Cal Cities is opposing the CBRT-sponsored ballot initiative

For questions about 2024 ballot measures, contact your regional public affairs manager

By Kristine Guerrero, regional public affairs manager, Los Angeles County

Cal Cities has been gearing up for an existential ballot measure fight that could impact every city in California. As part of those efforts, the Regional Public Affairs team is launching a one-stop-shop series about the biggest ballot measures for cities heading into the 2024 elections. It’s an easy way to learn what Cal Cities has done, what other cities are doing, and how your city can join our efforts.   

Just what is the ballot measure about?

By far the most consequential ballot measure for cities is the deceptively named “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act."

According to the California Attorney General, the initiative would limit the ability of local voters and state and local governments to raise revenue measures for government services. It could make it harder to raise revenues for a range of services — from emergency services to road maintenance. A group of the state’s wealthiest corporations, the California Business Roundtable, is bankrolling the measure.

Cal Cities estimates the measure could reduce state and local government funding for core public services by billions annually. The measure’s unclear language would need to be clarified in the courts, putting an additional financial burden on cities and taxpayers.

Cal Cities is taking a three-pronged approach by opposing the measure in the Legislature, in the courts, and in the field through campaign outreach plans and meetings with city officials.

Together with our coalition partners, Cal Cities this past Sunday also took out a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle calling out the companies behind this measure. (You can read more about that effort in the Monday edition of Politico California Playbook and the Los Angeles Times.)

Cal Cities opposes the measure as a dangerous, irresponsible overreach that will have a catastrophic impact on California’s future.

A 100% success rate

Cal Cities formed the Regional Public Affairs team over 20 years ago specifically to protect local funding and oppose measures like this. Made up of 16 professional campaign organizers around the state, the team has over 300 years of experience. Members have worked for governors, legislators, and campaign consultants.

But more important is our win rate. Our team has helped defeat or pass nearly all of the ballot measures Cal Cities has engaged in.

For more information, sample resolutions, fact sheets, presentations, or other ways to engage, contact your regional public affairs manager