The League of California Cities Board of Directors adopted the organization’s 2023 Advocacy Priorities during its meeting last week, demonstrating a stronger than ever commitment to solving the most pressing challenges facing communities throughout the state.
“As we head into a year of budget belt-tightening, city officials are laser-focused on driving solutions to our resident’s most urgent needs,” said League of California Cities President and Artesia Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj. “Together, we will fight to make sure that our cities have the resources they need to serve their communities and improve the quality of life for all those who call California home.”
More than 100 city leaders who serve in leadership positions in Cal Cities regional divisions, municipal departments, policy committees, and diversity caucuses convened during meetings over the last month to chart the organization’s priorities for 2023 and ensure they are focused on the issues most critical to our cities and the residents our members serve.
“Cities are delivering innovative solutions to complex problems facing communities throughout the state,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “It is more important than ever to invest in these communities and ensure that cities have the flexibility needed to achieve our shared state and local goals.”
The 2023 Advocacy Priorities are as follows:
- Protect and expand investments to prevent and reduce homelessness. Secure sustainable state funding that bolsters cities’ efforts to support individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. While protecting existing resources, strengthen state and local partnerships to connect individuals with the care they need through coordinated care systems that provide access to wraparound services, including mental health and substance use treatment.
- Increase the supply and affordability of housing while retaining local decision-making. Secure long-term, sustainable funding tools for cities to jumpstart the construction of housing at all income levels and ensure cities retain flexibility to achieve local and state housing goals.
- Improve public safety in California communities. Pursue strategies and resources to address crime and its underlying causes. Partner with all levels of government and diverse organizations to improve community safety through prevention and early intervention programming, workforce recruitment and retention, and improved re-entry services.
- Safeguard essential local revenues and support fiscal sustainability. Protect, increase, and modernize revenue streams for local priorities. Oppose efforts that would reduce or eliminate funding for cities, including unfunded mandates.
With its advocacy priorities now set, Cal Cities will begin working immediately to advance this work in the state capitol.