Cities need billions more to preserve jobs and core services to residents
Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement of the FY 2020-21 May Revise, League of California Cities Executive Director Carolyn Coleman issued the below statement:
“Public education, public health, public safety, and serving people hit hardest by COVID-19 – these core values have been at the heart of local leaders’ efforts on the front lines, protecting communities and delivering services throughout the pandemic. The League was pleased to see these shared values as the foundation of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s FY 2020-21 May Revise Budget.
“We appreciate the Governor’s proposed allocation of $450 million of the state’s CARES Act funding to help cities address the increases in expenses due to COVID-19 and are eager to learn more details about how cities would access this funding. All California cities, big and small, are experiencing severe budget impacts from this pandemic, and it’s important that they all have direct access to this funding. Without relief, cities will be forced to cut police officers, firefighters, planners, public works engineers, other essential local government workers, and the core services they deliver.
“Recovery from this unprecedented crisis will only be realized at the local level with the strong support from our state and federal government partners. The May Revise does not reflect all of the support cities need to address the significant budget shortfalls they face as a result of this pandemic. The League will continue to work with the Legislature and the Governor to secure additional state funding for all California cities, and we look forward to partnering with the Governor to secure direct and flexible federal relief for states and local governments nationwide. Providing funding to local governments is not optional – a safe, equitable, and expedited economic recovery depends on it.”
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.