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Advocacy

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The League of California Cities advocates tirelessly on the issues that matter most to California's 482 towns and cities. Our advocacy team works with regional field staff and lawmakers to sponsor, draft, and support legislative and regulatory measures that promote local decision-making, and lobby against policy that erodes local control. We also form coalitions with other local government associations and stakeholders to advocate for common goals.

Cal Cities takes positions on hundreds of bills annually. With over 400 city officials serving on the Cal Cities seven policy committees, cities directly influence the direction of Cal Cities’ overall advocacy efforts.

Take Action

Our advocacy efforts are strongest when joined by the voices of city leaders. Visit the action center for a list of current priority legislative bills and proposals, and sample letters of support or opposition.

Make your voice heard

Cal Cities Advocacy Priorities Arrow

  • Local Revenues
    Safeguard local revenues and bolster local economic development.
  • Climate Change
    Strengthen climate change resiliency and disaster preparedness.
  • Public Safety
    Improve public safety in California communities.
  • Homelessness and Housing
    Expand investments to prevent and reduce homelessness and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Bill Search

Advocacy Tools

 

Lobbying and the Legislative Process
State Bills in Brief

Each week, the League of California Cities breaks down the bills, policy committees, and legislative deadlines that city leaders need to know about.

Find your Lawmaker
Legislative Platforms Samples for Cities
As the Legislature increasingly acts through "gut and amend" legislation, more cities are adding a Quick Response Protocol to their legislative platforms that authorize positions on fast-moving bills. Often, Cal Cities members are asked to support or oppose bills of interest, which means cities need the ability to act quickly.  

We encourage cities to create a platform that will be helpful and suitable for their unique needs. Cal Cities has compiled this non-exhaustive list of legislative platforms adopted by cities. If you have a legislative platform that you would like added, please contact your Regional Public Affairs Manager. 

Sample Legislative Platforms by City

 

Read the 2023 Legislative Report

Legal Advocacy

 

Laws affecting cities are made in the courts, as well as in the Legislature. Consequently, Cal Cities advocacy efforts extend to the appellate courts. The organization weighs in on legal issues where its participation is likely to help advance the legal interests of all California cities. Learn more about our Legal Advocacy efforts.

 

Resources

 

Guide to Local Recovery logo
The League of California Cities is actively involved in gathering, deciphering, and providing cities with the resources they need to access pandemic relief funds, understand eligible uses for those funds, and comply with reporting requirements. Visit the Guide to Local Recovery resource page to explore the resources available to cities.
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Cities must be prepared for challenges to local democracy and statewide fiscal raids. Ongoing fundraising through CitiPAC ensures that Cal Cities has the funds necessary to immediately and effectively respond. Any U.S. citizen, business, association, or PAC can contribute. 


Cal Cities Delivers

Here are some ways that Cal Cities delivered in early 2024.

 

12 bills

Cal Cities sponsored bills on wildfire prep, housing recovery, the Brown Act, and more

7 stories

Local Works stories of cities making a difference in their communities

32 events

Conferences, Roundtable Discussions, and Webinars with 5,000+ attendees

22  meetings

Regional Division events with nearly 1,200 attendees